Study, Live & Settle in Australia

Minister Kenney hails growing economic ties with India

2010-09-09T19:37:00.001-07:00

Delhi, India, September 9, 2010 — Canada and India share a vital business and cultural bond, and there is enormous potential for stronger ties between the two countries, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney said from Delhi yesterday.

Minister Kenney also highlighted the work already being done to strengthen ties between Canada and India.

“The government has expanded and deepened the commercial, diplomatic and cultural ties between our two countries,” said the Minister. “Our economies complement each other in so many ways. That’s reflected in our growing trade network in India, which is one of our most extensive anywhere in the world.”

Canada has opened three new trade offices in India since 2009, bringing the total to eight. That includes an office in Ahmedabad, which fulfils Prime Minister Harper’s promise to increase trade in the state of Gujarat. As well, the Business Express program continues to grow in popularity, with 55 member companies in India.

“I have had the opportunity to hear firsthand from business leaders here who appreciate the simplified documentation and expedited processing we offer to Indian companies whose employees travel frequently to Canada,” says the Minister.

Canada is also improving access to visas for Indian students who choose to study at Canadian community colleges. Since April 2009, CIC visa offices in India have received more than 9000 applications from Indian students in the program, leading to a tripling of the number of student permits for these colleges.

Minister Kenney attended a number of meetings in Delhi yesterday, and will be in Chandigarh today before visiting Hong Kong, Beijing, Manila, Canberra, and Sydney.

Government of Canada welcoming growing number of Indian visitors, students and immigrants

2010-09-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

Chandigarh, September 9, 2010 — Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is helping a growing number of Indians to visit, study in and immigrate to Canada, says Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.

“For over a century, Canada has benefited from the talent and hard work of newcomers from the subcontinent,” Minister Kenney said. “Some one million Canadians can trace their ancestry to India, and now a growing number of Indians are getting the chance to visit family and friends in Canada, study at Canadian colleges and universities, or indeed immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.”

Last year, India was the top source country of immigration to Canada, with more than 32,000 permanent resident visas issued to Indian nationals, an increase of 13% from the year before, and 53% more than the three-year average from 1997 to 1999.

The number of Indian students granted visas to study in Canada has seen a steep increase in the recent past. By the end of 2010, it is estimated that the number of student visas that CIC issues to Indian students will have tripled over 2008 levels. This is in part due to the Canada-in-India Student Partners Program launched earlier this year by CIC in cooperation with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges.

”Thanks to the new Canadian Experience Class introduced by our government, many of these bright young Indians will have a convenient way to become permanent residents in Canada if they choose to do so at the end of their studies,” Minister Kenney said.

The Minister also issued a progress report on visa services being offered out of the Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh, which assists would-be travellers from the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.

The report reveals that in 2009, Canada issued more than double the number of visitor visas out of the Chandigarh office than in 2004, the year that the bureau was first opened. The increase in the number of visas issued in Chandigarh—from 3,300 in 2004 to 10,040 in 2009—is matched by an increase in the visa approval rate to 48%, up from 34% in 2006. Minister Kenney underscored that the number of visas issued by the CIC Chandigarh office in the first six months of 2010 exceeded the total number of visas issued in 2005.

”This is good news for those applying to visit family and friends in Canada,” Minister Kenney noted. “While every visa decision is made on the merits of each application, these increased figures show that CIC officials have been working harder, and more efficiently, to make it possible for a growing number of bona fide travellers to visit Canada. I want to thank them for their hard work.”

Minister Kenney also commended Indian officials for the progress made in addressing immigration fraud. “One of the reasons why many visa applications are rejected is that they include counterfeit documents, or have been mishandled by crooked immigration consultants. I raised this matter with Punjab Chief Minister Singh in early 2009, and am pleased to see that local authorities have increased their efforts to crack down on many immigration fraudsters. Even stronger enforcement of the laws against this kind of fraud and exploitation would help us to continue improving visa services to our clients.”

Following his visit to Chandigarh, Minister Kenney will head to Hong Kong for the next leg of his Asian trip. He will later head onwards to Beijing, Manila, Canberra, and Sydney.

Minister Kenney encourages groups to sponsor refugees to come to Canada

2010-09-01T19:21:00.001-07:00

Toronto, September 1, 2010 — Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today met with community groups to encourage them to consider sponsoring refugees to come to Canada.

“Canada has a long history of helping those most in need,” said Minister Kenney. “I’m encouraging the groups I’ve been meeting with, and others across the country who are interested, to be part of this history in a very personal and direct way.”

To promote the program to a diversity of groups, Minister Kenney has travelled to Vancouver, Kitchener and Toronto so far this summer to meet with community groups. He is encouraging them to become private sponsors and to help resettle people who are in desperate need of Canada’s protection.

Groups who sponsor refugees commit to providing financial assistance for one year or until the refugees can support themselves financially, whichever comes first. This assistance includes accommodation, clothing and food. Beyond providing for their physical needs, sponsors also offer emotional support and friendship to the refugees for the duration of the sponsorship period, and often well beyond.

“I am proud that Canada has one of the world’s largest refugee resettlement programs. It reflects Canadians’ long-standing humanitarian tradition of offering protection to the displaced and persecuted,” said Minister Kenney.

Through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, Canada has welcomed more than 200,000 refugees from all over the world, over and above the number of refugees resettled through the Government-Assisted Refugees Program.

As part of the Balanced Refugee Reform Act, which was passed into law earlier this summer, the Government of Canada will increase the number of resettled refugees per year by 20 percent. This includes 2,000 more spots in the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

Since 2007, Canada has doubled refugee targets in the Middle East to allow for more resettlement of Iraqi refugees. Canada’s commitment to the protection of Iraqi refugees is ongoing and, since 2002, over 11,000 Iraqi refugees have been resettled in Canada.

In 2008, the latest date for which data are available, Canada was second only to the United States among all industrialized countries for providing protection to refugees from abroad and at home.

Country list for immigration medical exams updated

2010-09-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Ottawa, September 1, 2010 — Most long-term visitors from Mexico, Croatia, the Bahamas and 42 other countries and territories can now enter Canada without a medical exam, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced today. In addition, medical exams will no longer be required for agricultural workers from those 45 countries and territories.

The medical examination requirement remains in place for all temporary residents who will be working in an occupation in which the protection of public health is essential. This includes workers in the health sciences field and those working with children.

This announcement does not affect permanent immigrants or refugees, who will continue to be required to undergo a medical examination before entering Canada. Temporary residents planning to stay longer than six months may also need an exam, depending on CIC’s periodic assessments of the health situation in their countries of origin.

“We are committed to ensuring there is a balance between welcoming visitors and newcomers to Canada while protecting the health and security of Canadians. CIC uses an objective threshold to determine whether a country or territory should be added or removed from the designated country/territory list,” said Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.

Today’s changes follow a regular review of the three-year average tuberculosis incidence rates of all countries and territories. A threshold of 15 cases per 100,000 is used to determine whether a country or territory should be included on CIC’s designated country/territory list, which is then used to determine whether a temporary resident applicant requires an immigration medical examination.

Mexicans applying to be temporary residents in Canada should account for about 40 per cent of those who will benefit from today’s announcement. In 2009, had Mexico not been considered a designated country, about 6,000 fewer Mexican applicants would have required medical exams. The cost for medical exams is based on local rates, with fees routinely costing up to $200, while the processing time for medical exams is generally between 2 weeks and 2 months.

“Today’s changes will improve the free movement of people to Canada, while at the same time maintaining the integrity and fairness of our immigration system,” continued Minister Kenney.

Four countries/territories have also been added to the designated country/territory list as a result of this review, including Wallis and Futuna.

For the full list of countries and territories affected by the review of the designated country list, please see the Backgrounder. For a list of countries or territories where medical exams are still required, please see the complete designated country/territory list.

Government of Canada launches innovative program to help newcomer youth in Durham Region schools

2010-08-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

Ajax, August 31, 2010 — The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.4 million to help newcomer youth and their families in Durham Region, Dr. Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

The Settlement Workers in Schools program in Durham Region will provide newcomer families with an interactive orientation to the Ontario school system as well as referrals to settlement agencies and other community support services. Settlement workers will also engage with students, parents and school staff to increase cultural awareness and sensitivity in Durham Region Schools.

“Schools are one of the first places newcomer families connect with in the community,” said Dr. Carrie. “Providing settlement support in schools is an ideal way to help newcomer students and their families adjust to their new school and community more quickly.”

“Our government knows that helping newcomer families get settled is key to their success,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Settlement resources need to be easily accessible. By making settlement workers available in schools, we are making sure that the needs of newcomer families are met.”

Also being offered for the first time in Durham Region is Newcomer Orientation Week and Welcome and Information for Newcomers. During Newcomer Orientation Week, peer leaders help newcomer students in high school become acquainted with their new school. Activities include: a scavenger hunt to help them learn the layout of the building; skits about the challenges of school in a new country; a visit to the local library; and an introduction to the school system and sources of help and support in their school.

“We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board for the successful integration of newcomer students and their families,” said Tracey Vaughan, Executive Director of the Community Development Council Durham.

Since the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement was signed in 2005, the Government of Canada has more than tripled its annual spending on settlement services for newcomers in Ontario. For 2010–11, the Government of Canada is investing $428 million in Ontario for settlement services for newcomers, such as language training, job search workshops and placing settlement workers in schools.

Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) Biannual Review

2010-08-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

The LTSSL identifies those occupations where there is an absolute (sustained and ongoing) shortage of skilled workers both globally and throughout New Zealand. Migrants, who gain employment in one of the occupations identified, may be granted a work permit under the LTSSL Work to Residence Policy. Skilled migrants who have an offer of employment, work experience or qualifications identified on the LTSSL will gain bonus points towards their application for residence.

The LTSSL is reviewed biannually by the Department of Labour and this year’s review includes the following changes:

the first column of the LTSSL (the occupational group) has been re-formatted for clarity
three occupations have been added
four occupations have moved from the Immediate Skills Shortage List (ISSL) to the LTSSL
one occupation has been removed
other changes have been made to some occupation requirements.

Formatting change

The first column of the LTSSL (the occupational group) has been changed to more accurately reflect the occupational groupings that the occupations fall in.

The order of occupations on the LTSSL has also changed to bring all the occupations under the same occupational group together on the list.

Addition of occupations

The following occupations will be added to the LTSSL:

Ship’s Officer
Ship’s Master
Forest Scientist
Conductor (Conductive Education Practitioner)*
Construction Project Manager (Chip Sealing, Asphalt or other Technical Manager) (Roading and Infrastructure)*
Construction Project Manager (Roading and Infrastructure)*
Ship’s Engineer*

* The last four occupations in the list above have been deleted from the ISSL and added to the LTSSL.

Removal of occupations

The removal of the occupations from the list is the result of extensive consultation with industry groups, other stakeholders and relevant government agencies.

Employers can still recruit migrants in occupations that have been removed from the list. The employer will need to demonstrate genuine attempts to recruit suitable New Zealand citizens or residents. Immigration New Zealand will conduct a Labour Market Check (LMC) and if the outcome of the LMC is that there are no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents available in that location then temporary work visas or permits may still be granted.

The occupation being removed from the LTSSL with effect from Wednesday, 8 September 2010 is:

Architect

Technical changes

Other changes to the LTSSL have been made to clarify certain qualification and work experience requirements for occupations on the LTSSL, as well as to clarify ANZSCO coding and naming conventions. A summary of these amendments is outlined in the table below.

Occupation	Current entry	New entry
Conductor (Conductive Education Practitioner) (241599)	Conductor (Conductive Education Practitioner) (241599)	Special Education Teachers nec (Conductor (Conductive Education Practitioner)) (241599)
Management & Project Management staff (139999)	Management & Project Management staff (139999)	Specialist Manager nec (Management & Project Management staff) (139999)
Chef (351311)	Either National Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) Level 4 OR National Certificate in Hospitality (Cookery) Level 4 plus National Certificate in Hospitality (Basic Cookery) (Level 3) OR a Level 5 Diploma (specialising in the area of professional cookery) AND a minimum of five years combined experience in establishments offering a la carte/banqueting or commercial catering, with a minimum of two years at Chef de Partie (Section Leader level or higher)	Either National Certificate in Hospitality (Professional Cookery) Level 4 OR a Level 5 Diploma in Professional Cookery AND a minimum of five years’ combined experience in establishments offering a la carte/banqueting or commercial catering, with a minimum of two years at Chef de Partie (Section Leader level or higher)
Ambulance Paramedic (Intermediate Life Support) (411112)	National Diploma in Ambulance (Paramedic) (Level 7) AND two years experience in this role	National Diploma in Ambulance (Paramedic) (Level 6) AND two years’ experience in this role
Auditor (221213, 221214)	External Auditor: Bachelor degree (Level 7) qualification majoring in accountancy and membership or provisional membership with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA). Internal Auditor: Certified Internal Auditor	External Auditor: Bachelor degree (Level 7) qualification majoring in accountancy and membership or provisional membership with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) AND at least one year’s relevant experience OR Internal Auditor: Certified Internal Auditor qualification
Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212)	Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212)	Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector) (321212)
Speech Language Therapist (252712)	Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy AND/OR Masters of Speech and Language Therapy	Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy OR Masters of Speech and Language Therapy

Immediate Skill Shortage List Biannual Review

2010-08-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

The ISSL identifies those occupations that have an immediate shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand. It is designed to facilitate the approval of temporary work visa and permit applications. If an applicant produces an offer of employment in an occupation that is included on the current ISSL, visa and immigration officers accept that no suitably qualified New Zealand citizens or residents are available.

The ISSL is reviewed biannually by the Department of Labour and this year’s review includes the following changes:

the first column of the ISSL (the occupational group) has been re-formatted for clarity
two occupations have been added
thirteen occupations have been removed
four occupations have been removed as they are covered by the LTSSL
four occupations have moved from the ISSL to the LTSSL
other changes have been made to some occupation requirements.

Formatting change

The first column of the ISSL (the occupational group) has been changed to more accurately reflect the occupational groupings that the occupations fall in. The order of occupations on the ISSL has also changed to bring all the occupations under the same occupational group together on the list.

Addition of occupations

The following occupations will be added to the ISSL:

Automotive Technician (Motor Mechanic)
Scaffolder (Advanced)

Removal of occupations

The removal of the occupations from the list is the result of extensive consultation with industry groups, other stakeholders and relevant government agencies.

The occupations removed from the ISSL with effect from Wednesday, 8 September 2010 are:

Architectural Designer
Architectural Draughtsperson (Civil CAD Designer)
Architectural Draughtsperson
Graphic Artist
Fire Alarm Technician
Florist (Senior)
Gas Fitter
Vehicle Body Builder (Bus or Coach only)
Horse Trainer (Stallion Master)
Horse Trainer (Stud Groom)
Jockey
Trackwork Rider
Telecommunications Technician
Marine Designer*
Systems Analyst*
Software Engineer*
ICT Support and Test Engineer*

* The last four items on the list have been deleted from the ISSL because they are already covered by the LTSSL.

Occupations moved from the ISSL to the LTSSL

The following occupations will be moved from the ISSL to the LTSSL:

Conductor (Conductive Education Practitioner)
Construction Project Manager (Chip Sealing, Asphalt or other Technical Manager)
Construction Project Manager (Roading and Infrastructure)
Ship’s Engineer

Technical changes

Other changes to the ISSL have been made to clarify certain qualification and work experience requirements for occupations on the ISSL, as well as to clarify ANZSCO coding and naming conventions. A summary of these amendments is outlined in the table below.

Occupation	Current entry	New entry
Post-Doctoral Fellows (242111)	Post-Doctoral Fellows (242111)	University Lecturer (Post-Doctoral Fellows) (242111)
Skydive Instructor (452317)	Skydive Instructor (452317)	Other Sports Coach or Instructor (Skydive Instructor) (452317)
Skydive Tandem Master (452317)	Skydive Tandem Master (452317)	Other Sports Coach or Instructor (Skydive Tandem Master) (452317)
Programme or Project Administrator (Building Control Officials (Inspectors)) (511112)	National Certificate or Diploma in Building, Architecture, Carpentry or Construction Management AND two years’ relevant experience Auckland/Upper North Island, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Central North Island	National Diploma in Building Control Surveying, Building, Construction Management or Architectural Design/Technology OR Bachelor Degree in Building Surveying or Building Science AND Two years experience Amend code and title to 312113 Building Inspector/Building Surveyor Change to all regions.
Truck Driver (General) (733111)	NZ recognised Full Class 5 Driver Licence OR National Qualification Framework Level 4 Unit Standard 17577 AND three years' relevant experience.	NZ recognised Full Class 5 Driver Licence and three years experience driving heavy combination vehicles with a gross combined weight of more than 25,000kg.
Beef and Dairy Cattle Farmer (Assistant Herd Manager) (121312, 121313)	National Certificate Level 2 or above AND/OR two or more years’ relevant experience	National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 2) or above AND/OR two or more years’ relevant experience
Beef or Dairy Cattle Farmer (Herd Manager) (121312 or 121313)	National Certificate Level 2 or above AND two years’ relevant experience	National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 2) or above AND two or more years’ relevant experience
Civil, Electrical, Electronic and Mechanic Engineering Draughtsperson (312211, 312311, 312411, 312511)	National Diploma in Engineering OR equivalent	National Diploma in Engineering Level 6 OR equivalent
Dairy Cattle Farmer (Assistant Farm Manager) (121313)	National Certificate in Agriculture Level 2 AND/OR three years’ relevant experience	National Certificate in Agriculture Level 3 AND three years’ relevant experience
Electrical Engineer (Instrumentation Engineer) (233311)	Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical	Bachelors degree (Level 7) (Electrical) or (Electrical and Electronic)
Electrical Engineer (Power Systems Engineer) (233311)	Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical	Bachelors degree (Level 7) (Electrical) or (Electrical and Electronic) OR National Certificate Electricity Supply (Power Technician) Level 5 OR National Diploma Electricity Supply (Level 5)
Instrument Control Technician (233999)	Instrument Control Technician (233999)	Engineering Professionals nec (Instrument Control Technician) (342315)
Snowsport Instructor (452314)	The National Certificate in Snowsport (Snowschool) Level 5 OR PSIA (USA) OR CSIA (Canada) Level 1 OR NZISA (Stage I) OR equivalent internationally recognised qualification	The National Certificate in Snowsport (Snowschool) Level 5 OR PSIA (USA) OR CSIA (Canada) Level 1 OR NZISA (Stage I) OR equivalent internationally recognised qualification AND Two years’ relevant experience

Government of Canada seeks candidates for regulator of immigration consultants

2010-08-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Ottawa, August 30, 2010 — Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has launched a process to identify a governing body to regulate immigration consultants, as part of a broader strategy to protect vulnerable would-be immigrants from fraud and crack down on crooked immigration consultants.

“We’re looking for a regulator who can support Canada’s long-term immigration objectives while working toward maintaining and building confidence in our immigration system,” said Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

A call for submissions from interested candidates was published in the Canada Gazette on August 28, 2010, and posted on its website. Interested parties have until December 29, 2010, to deliver their submissions. Information on the selection factors being used to evaluate applications can be found in the attached backgrounder.

“On one hand, the successful candidate must show it can effectively investigate the conduct of its members and sanction those who don’t play by the rules,” added Minister Kenney. “On the other hand, it will need to show they understand how vulnerable people using the services of an immigration consultant can be. It will also need to understand the importance of ensuring that consultants respect Canada’s immigration laws.”

This selection process follows a notice of intent published on June 12, 2010, in the Canada Gazette, announcing CIC’s intention to launch a public process to identify a governing body to regulate immigration consultants. The notice solicited comments from the public before July 2. Selection factors were then developed taking into consideration the comments received.

Improved regulation of immigration consultants is part of a broader strategy announced at the introduction of Bill C-35, the Cracking Down on Crooked Consultants Act, in the House of Commons on June 8. The Bill proposes to strengthen the rules governing those who charge a fee for immigration advice; close immigration system loopholes currently exploited by crooked consultants; and improve the way in which immigration consultants are regulated. The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants currently regulates immigration consultants across Canada.

Oxford easier to enter than Sydney

2010-08-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

AUSTRALIAN students have found it harder to gain entry into the University of Sydney than Oxford after graduating with the International Baccalaureate, the Australasian manager of the year 12 qualification said.

About 5400 year 11 and 12 students around the country are studying the IB as an alternative to the HSC and other final-year credentials. The IB is marked out of 45 which is equivalent to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 99.95.

Greg Valentine, the Australasian manager of the IB, said Australian students were finding it easier to gain entry into top overseas universities, including Oxford and Harvard, than the University of Sydney and the University of NSW.

''We can get kids into law at Oxford and Cambridge with an IB score of 38,'' he said.

The cut-off to study law at the University of Sydney this year was an ATAR of 99.65. An IB score of 43 is equivalent to an ATAR of 99.6.

Mr Valentine said the IB is undervalued in Australia.

''We don't think the rigour and the demands of the IB program are adequately recognised or converted to an ATAR equivalent. The UK universities value the IB more highly, which is why we are starting to see IB students taking opportunities overseas.''

The University of Oxford recognises the IB and requires students to achieve a score of 38 to 40 for entry.

Antony Mayrhofer, who co-ordinates the IB program at St Paul's Grammar School in Penrith, said universities in South Australia had decided against converting IB scores to ATAR equivalents.

''I don't think the universities on Australia's east coast understand the value of the IB diploma,'' he said. ''I've got no doubt that the overseas universities value it more.''

Andrew Stanton, managing director at the Universities Admissions Centre, defended the method used to convert IB scores into ATAR equivalents.

''We are comfortable with the conversion scale that we have,'' he said.

''For the bulk of intakes, the ATAR is appropriate [as a measure for university entry].''

Mr Valentine advocated a broader measure of university entry including interviews and other screening methods, like Macquarie University's UniTest.

Peter Finneran, marketing and admissions manager of the University of Sydney law school, said the university accepted the Universities Admission Centre's determination of the value of the IB equivalent.

So you think you want to live in Canada. First plan your field trip

2010-08-26T19:02:00.001-07:00

Making the decision to immigrate or relocate is a big step. Close behind is deciding where to go and what your needs are. The local resources in the community of your choice may need to fit those of a whole family or a just single individual. There are lots of things to think about, schools, access to medical care; availability of work, if you thinking of setting up a business, access labour and the right markets. This is just the start. Many different factors influence where we choose to live and are different for each of us.

Whatever your motivation and needs, research as much as you can about the place you hope to call home. This is an essential step in the process.

Even if you have not made the big decision yet, visiting different places can help you decide if this is really what you want to do. How many times has a vacationer said ‘I wouldn’t mind living here’? It happens often. Who wouldn’t like to live a vacation every day? However actually living and working somewhere is quite different to a vacation.

The very first step is visiting Canada the very country you’d like to live in. Let’s assume you have already narrowed it down to a province. Now it’s deciding on the community that best fits your needs. A good way to start is making lists, all the things you want in the community and the things you want to avoid.

Planning a Trip

Once you have narrowed down your choice of communities and the decision has been made to visit one or more of these places, what steps can we take to make the most out of this visit? First and foremost planning. There is no substitute for a good plan. This will help you figure out how to best use the time you have there as well allowing some time for fun. So what is in a plan?

The list you made about what you wanted from a community is a good place to start, going through the list and creating categories. Under each heading, list the key elements you are looking for. A spreadsheet is really useful for this, as it will allow you to alter your itinerary with ease.

Category headings could include:

Schools. Schools may be Secondary and Elementary. How far are they from where you will live? Consider a specific focus, such as science or art, if it is important to you.

Hospitals

Work. If this involves traveling by air, how close do you want to be to an airport and which routes are serviced? If you travel by road, how far are you from main highways and which routes are the best? Sometimes going against the rush hour flow can save a lot of time.

Transportation

Shopping

Accommodation. A very important consideration. What type of accommodation do you want? Single family, row house (terraced), duplex (semi detached), apartment (flat), acreage (big piece of land)? How many bedrooms and bathrooms? A big or small garden? Are you a DIYer and willing to do it up? Houses in North America are measured by the square foot, rather than the number of bedrooms.

Recreation. How close by are the activities you enjoy?

Plus don’t forget to add whatever else is important to you to your list.

All this work, even before you have set foot out of your house. However, the more prepared you are, the more value you will get out of your travel time. And of course the more opportunity you will have to do some fun stuff as well.

A thorough plan will help when booking flights and arranging local transportation such as car rental for when you need it. There is no point having a car sitting in the hotel parking lot in case you need it, especially if you have to pay parking as well.

Judge the places you visit against your criteria and the success of your plan, in case you have to do it again. Evaluate each point, score each community you visit them on a scale 1-10. Take lots of pictures and make a note of what they are of. Scoring as you go will help in the decision making process when you get back home .

Creating an itinerary and setting up appointments before you leave home will help ease the stress and rush of the trip. It will also help give you the confidence that you have as much covered as possible. Visit schools, talk to the teachers, government offices (local, provincial and federal, depending on what you need to know), chambers of commerce, banks and so on.

Source out a good real estate agent, they will line up some properties for you to look at. In Canada the agent can act as a buyers agent, working for you, and you don’t have to pay them a penny. The seller pays all the agents commissions. Agents will set-up appointments, finding houses to fit the criteria you have given them. They will drive you around and show you the properties, with no pressure to buy. There is no need to sign an agreement with any agent but some may ask you to. Make a judgement as to the usefulness of this when you talk with the agent. What benefits does it give you?

Whatever you determine as your needs, gathering the information is going to ease the transition and help determine a place you want to live.

Climate

For some this is a big issue, even around Vancouver some areas have much more rain than others, some colder in winter and hotter in summer, some with more hours of sunshine. All this within 100 miles! Weather data can be found on web sites, such as Environment Canada and the Weather Network. Here you can check forecasts across Canada and view historical data.

There is nothing like being there and experiencing it yourself, though. Plan your visit for a time when the weather might be at its worst, as well as visiting in the more pleasant times. Unless you plan on becoming a snowbird and head south for the winter, you are going to be stuck with it all when you eventually live there. Making several visits can allow you to experience the seasons.

Trade shows

Find out if there will be a trade show that will be relevant to your field and that will be held in the area to which you are considering moving. Attending a trade show is a great way to network fast. So, if it’s feasible to do so, try to arrange your recce trip at a time when there will be a trade show.

School sessions

If you want to visit schools during your recce trip, do not visit Canada in July or August, when school children are on vacation and schools are empty and locked. Also be aware that Canadian schools close for a couple of weeks over Christmas / New Year and again for Spring Break.

Infrastructure

How easy is it to get around? Public transportation in Canada is not like the UK, except perhaps in the major centres. Use the local public transit system, see how long it takes to get from place to place. Canada does not have the rail networks between towns and across the country that the UK has, distances can be long.

If you plan on using a car to get around, renting one can help you get a feel for driving. Drive the commuter routes and experience the traffic. Mind you, if you have driven in some of the major centres in Europe, Canada is a breeze.

Working and Networking

Whatever your occupation, there are contacts to be made. A lot of the initial information can be found on the Internet, which will enable you to set up appointments and find out what is available. Trade associations and chambers of commerce are often quite helpful. Trade shows are a good place to network and make lots of contacts under one roof. Try searching for jobs before you leave.

Contact companies in your industry ahead of your visit. Ask if someone would be willing to talk to you about the industry when you come over and try to make an appointment to meet with them. Not specifically to get a job, but to get a feel of the industry. You never know, you may impress them enough to get a job offer, or they may know someone who needs help.

Have some business cards printed up with your contact details on and leave one with them. They can then get in touch with you. Business/contact cards are useful whether you are looking for work or just need to give someone your contact information. It just looks more professional and shows you are well prepared.

If you are looking for work, have crisp copies of your resume with you. If you have a portfolio, bring that as well, and some extra copies to give out. This is an investment in your future. If you have several documents, put an information package together in an envelope, with your contact details attached. When someone asks, you have something to give them. Again, it looks prepared and professional.

Bring copies the documents you want to hand out and any other relevant information on a computer memory stick as well. If you run out, lose them or they get damaged you can always pop into the local print shop or a place like Staples and run off some extra copies. Just to be safe, E-mail a copy to yourself as well so you can access it through web mail. You have then covered most eventualities.

Many community groups, local expats associations, social groups, such as the Legion and Toastmasters, welcome visitors and are all places you can get to know people and build up contacts. You can never have too many, and you never know when you might need them. They can be especially helpful if you decide to move there. You already have a network to help you settle in.

Talk to as many locals as you can, in small cafes and restaurants, wherever you can find someone to talk to without getting mugged or arrested. You might be surprised how willing many people are to chat with you and tell you about different areas and activities.

Recreation

Having some fun on your trip is also important. Do some tourist things, visit places of interest, ski, sail or golf, whatever you enjoy. This will give you some experience of local recreation, maybe build a few more contacts, and allow you to relax a bit.

A place to stay

During your visit you will need a place to stay, debrief from the day’s activities and generally chill out. If you are lucky enough to have relatives to stay with this solves the problem. However, if not, there is a choice amongst various grades of hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts.

If you want to get a feel for the community and its people, what better way than to stay in a Bed and Breakfast? The rates are reasonable, more often than not the food is good, and hosts are usually sociable and helpful. B&Bs are located in rural as well as urban locations. This is an excellent opportunity to get more of a feel for the lifestyle, much more so than staying in hotels. If you want to take this idea one step further,Couchsurfing is a network of individuals welcoming you to your couch. Not necessarily a comfortable accomodation, but an excellent way of getting to know people. And it’s free.

Another option is to stay in furnished, self-catering accommodation. You might do a Google search for SUITE HOTEL, APARTMENT HOTEL or EXECUTIVE SUITES in your destination city. You also might look at websites such as Craigslist, Kijiji, Canada Vacation Rentals, Vacation Rentals – For Rent By Owner, Holiday Junction, Holiday Home Ads, and Vacation Rentals By Owner.

Information on accommodation can be found at the tourism offices for the communities and provinces you are visiting as well as Chambers of Commerce. Most publish guides as well as putting them on the internet.

So you are on your way to visit

With your plan in hand, your journey begins. Planning may all seem very clinical. However, if you want to make a move as big as this, it is good to gather as much intelligence as you can. Planning helps make the most of your time in each community.

Evaluate your plan as you go through your journey, make lots of notes, take lots of pictures, revise the plan if necessary. When you get home, evaluate your visit again, make more notes. These will come very handy if you decide to move there.

How to beat the Canadian Citizenship test in a few easy steps

2010-08-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

The citizenship test is a crucial step in the citizenship application process. This test can only be taken once per application. Once the form and the supporting documents are sent to the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada office) the applicant needs to expect to be call to sit for the test in 5 to 6 months.

Having this said is of the most importance to be fully prepared to face the test when the calling comes. If failed the candidate will be invited to an interview with the citizenship judge. From 2009 records the 20% of applications that got to interview where rejected, another reason to be thinking more deeply in the citizenship test.

So what is the best way to beat the Canadian Citizenship Test?

The test is based on the “Discover Canada” guide. The guide will get to your home address once the application starts to process. That isn’t necessarily the date you can start studying for the test. The Guide can be downloaded from the CIC web page. Is highly recommendable to start familiarizing with the content as soon as possible. More if you don’t have any Canadian backgrounds. Is important to give the guide a good read. The guide has a few questions for the reader to answer such as who is the MP of the area or the governor general. This will become important closer to the test so don’t be lazy and look for the answers.
After a few readings make your own notes. Why is this important? When the knowledge is put into written words the student fixes it in the brain. Writing the subject of study is one of the stronger tools for memorization. The guide is filled with specific details that need to be memorized for the test.
Once the guide content is properly studied and your notes are ready you need to start doing practice. The test is multiple choice based so the answer for the questions will be embedded in among the possible options this can be confusing if the applicant is not prepared for a test of this characteristics. Multiple choice test are easily beaten by practicing. Get as many sample questions as you can and start doing mock tests. The most sample questions you perform the best chances of getting those same questions in the test you get. Also you ensure you are reviewing the testable content while practicing.
Breathe questions. Ask your friends, coworkers, test everyone. See how much they know about their citizenship. Their rights, the Canadian symbols, their region. Make them ask you things. Make all that knowledge move around your brain and group members. Same concept as making your own notes, this practice fixes the knowledge in your mind and enhanced its access.
The day before the test is also very important. Make sure you have enough sleep hours. There is no point in studying last minute, the chances you will absorb any of the last minute knowledge is very dim. Have a strong breakfast next morning, try to eat fruits and lots of fiber. Stay away of white bread and such. The fiber will last longer in your system and provide you with the energy to concentrate and access all the knowledge you achieved during your study. A lame cup of coffee won’t collaborate to your test. The energy from a coffee and white bread last a shot period since both are easily metabolized.

Among the thing you need to know about the test itself one key element are the regional questions. Remember we spoke that you need to complete the open questions in the study guide? Well this is the reason. Each test is tailored into regions. Is important for you to know the head of state of your province or territory. Another important tip for the citizenship test is that there are two mandatory questions. These questions are related to the electoral system, make sure you understand which are the responsibility for a citizens on regards of elections and civic participation in political events.

Hoping this helps you in your next step to become a Canadian. The test is not an impossible task but is an important one. Just pay attention and study. Good luck to you all!

NSW joins health waiver scheme for skilled migrants

2010-08-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

The New South Wales Government has signed up to a scheme that will allow skilled migrants to get permanent residency, even if they or their family do not satisfy all of the health requirements.

The Commonwealth introduced the health waiver scheme in response to a high profile case where a doctor in regional Victoria, Bernhard Moeller, was refused permanent residency because his son had Down Syndrome.

The scheme allows for the health requirement for some permanent residency applications to be waived if the applicant is performing valuable work and where there are compelling or compassionate circumstances.

New South Wales was the last state to agree to participate in the scheme, and the State Opposition said it had a number of examples where valuable workers would be forced to leave regional areas.

One doctor who was worried about his future in New South Wales was Nihal Pathirana, a GP working in Coonamble in the north-west of the state.

He came to Australia in 2007 as part of a program to bring skilled migrants to regional areas.

A year later his daughter was later diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis - and Dr Pathirana said that meant the family was not eligible for permanent residency in New South Wales.

He said he was preparing to leave his medical practice in the rural town.

"I have been working there for three-and-a-half years and I like the community very much and the people like me too," he said.

The NSW Government raised a number of issues about the changes to the migration rules in a submission to a Commonwealth parliamentary committee examining the issue.

"While NSW strongly supports migration, the NSW Government would be concerned if additional demand was placed on NSW services and infrastructure," the submission read.

The ABC raised the issue with the Minister for State and Regional Development Eric Roozendaal.

He later issued a statement saying the State Government had now decided to sign up.

"The NSW Government's decision to participate in this scheme has been based on careful consideration of the costs and benefits to NSW," Mr Roozendaal said.

"We are now working with the Federal Government on the details of our participation."

The Nationals MP for Barwon Kevin Humphries says he cannot understand why it took so long for the State Government to agree to participate.

"Finally NSW has signed up to the health waiver scheme," he said.

"Many any of our skilled workers living in NSW particularly in regional areas that have children in particular who have disabilities are now able to apply for permanent residency."

The NSW Government's move has also been welcomed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

"This decision ensures that clients in all states and territories can get equal access to this scheme," said a departmental spokeswoman.

The State Government says NSW will assess each application for the waiver on a case-by-case, cost-versus-benefit basis.

It says a number of factors will be assessed, including the skills of the applicant and whether those skills are in short supply.

Minister Kenney announces improvements affecting temporary foreign workers, including live-in caregivers

2010-08-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Ottawa, August 18, 2010 — New rules to strengthen Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program were announced today by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Changes that were initially published in the Canada Gazette Part 1 on October 9, 2009 are now being implemented.

“The government is taking action to protect temporary foreign workers, including live-in caregivers, from potential abuse and exploitation,” said Minister Jason Kenney. “We owe it to them, their employers and all Canadians to ensure that the program is fair and equitable. After all, they are an essential element of Canada’s economic success.”

“These changes represent an important step. Temporary foreign workers help the Canadian economy by filling labour needs in sectors where Canadians or permanent residents are not readily available,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. “Our government is taking action to improve the integrity of the program while ensuring that these people are afforded the necessary protections.”

Highlights of the changes, which come into effect on April 1, 2011, include:

a more rigorous assessment of the genuineness of the job offer;
a two-year prohibition from hiring temporary foreign workers for employers who fail to meet their commitments to workers with respect to wages, working conditions and occupation; and
a limit on the length of time a temporary foreign worker may work in Canada before returning home.

Employers seeking to hire temporary foreign workers, including live-in caregivers, will now be assessed against past compliance with program requirements before authorization can be granted. Employers found to have violated worker rights may be refused authorization to hire a foreign worker.

Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program helps address temporary labour shortages by allowing employers to hire foreign workers when sufficient numbers of Canadian workers are not readily available. Without access to temporary foreign labour, many small businesses would not be able to function and would be forced into insolvency.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 613-952-1650 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

Government of Canada supports international conference on anti-Semitism

2010-08-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Ottawa, August 17, 2010 — The Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to address anti-Semitism by pledging financial support to the Parliamentary Centre for the upcoming Ottawa Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“Canada strives to be an international leader in fighting the pernicious evil of anti-Semitism,” Minister Kenney said. “By supporting this conference, the Government of Canada is taking action to engage the global community in the struggle against hatred.”

The Parliamentary Centre is a non-partisan and not-for-profit organization devoted to improving the effectiveness of representative assemblies around the world. As facilitator, the Parliamentary Centre will receive a contribution of $451,280 through Inter-Action, Canada’s new Multiculturalism Grants and Contributions Program.

“At the inaugural conference of the Inter-parliamentary Coalition for Combating Anti-Semitism (ICCA) in London in February 2009, Canadian Parliamentarians committed to hosting the 2010 conference,” said Amelita Armit, President and CEO of the Parliamentary Centre. “Acting as facilitator for this conference supports the Centre’s objective to provide a forum for Parliamentarians to participate in dialogues and exchanges on matters of interest to them.”

Other partners supporting and participating in the Ottawa Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism include the ICCA, the Canadian Parliamentary Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism (CPCCA) and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

The Ottawa Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism will take place November 7‑9, 2010 and will bring together Parliamentarians, experts and dignitaries from around the world to discuss the global phenomenon of anti-Semitism and develop mechanisms for combating it. Additional information about the conference will be available in the months ahead.

Promoting and actively engaging in dialogue on issues of multiculturalism and diversity at an international level is one of the objectives of the Multiculturalism Program. For more information on Inter-Action, please visit our website.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Celyeste Power
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

Government of Canada invites funding applications for intercultural and interfaith events

2010-08-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Vancouver, August 11, 2010 — Inter-Action, Canada’s new Multiculturalism Grants and Contributions Program, is now accepting applications to fund events that promote interaction among cultural and religious communities, Senator Yonah Martin and Dr. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, announced today on behalf of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

“The Government of Canada is acting to help individuals and communities build a strong, integrated society,” said Senator Martin. “Through Inter-Action, we will support activities that contribute to a deeper understanding of our shared Canadian values and civic pride.”

Activities eligible for funding through Inter-Action’s Events stream include:

Community events celebrating the historic contributions of a particular ethnic, cultural or religious group, including events that support such initiatives as Asian Heritage Month and Black History Month;
Youth events celebrating citizenship, organized by a coalition of ethnic, cultural or faith-based groups within a community;
Sporting or musical events involving various ethnic, cultural or faith-based communities;
Interfaith dialogues that bring together local representatives from Canada’s religious groups;
Public education events that foster intercultural and interfaith understanding, civic memory, civic pride and respect for core democratic values

“We are looking for innovative proposals for events that will encourage interaction among cultural and faith communities,” Dr. Wong said. “Through Canada’s new Multiculturalism Grants and Contributions Program, we are investing in Canada’s future — a future that depends on intercultural understanding and equal opportunity for people of all cultures and faiths.”

For additional information about Inter-Action, including details on how to apply for funding, please visit CIC’s website.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 613-952-1650 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

Tips and advice for helping newcomers find a job in Canada

2010-08-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

In Canada, about 20 percent of jobs are regulated by the government to protect public health and safety. For example, nurses, doctors, engineers, teachers and electricians all work in regulated professions. People who want to work in regulated jobs need to get a licence from the regulatory body in the province in which they live. If you want to know more about how to enter a particular profession or trade in a particular province, you should contact the provincial regulatory body for that job.

The professions are self-regulating and they administer the provincial laws that apply to their profession. Rules for entering professions also differ from province to province. (For more information, visit www.cicic.ca.)

Language skills

It is important to learn English or French as quickly as possible. Many newcomers begin life in Canada by looking for a job that will allow them to learn or improve their English or French. The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program gives eligible adult immigrants the chance to take basic English or French classes at no charge.

People with foreign credentials need a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score to enter Canadian colleges and universities. Colleges and universities offering courses in French use various French language tests.

Job opportunities

Service Canada Centres: Counsellors at these centres can give you free advice and information about job and language training and work creation programs for newcomers. They can help you plan an effective job search and prepare a résumé of your education and experience. Each centre also has listings of available jobs on computer or on bulletin boards.
Classified advertisements: Every daily newspaper in Canada has a classified advertisements section where you will find a variety of jobs listed. In many areas, there are also weekly or monthly employment papers that advertise jobs.
Local help: To help newcomers prepare to enter the Canadian work force or to gain access to their profession or trade in Canada, immigrant-serving organizations have a variety of programs. Some give workshops on job search skills, where participants get an overview of the job market where they live. Participants learn, among other things, how to write a good résumé and how to behave in an interview. In some areas, there are job-finding clubs, mentoring programs, programs to help you get volunteer work experience, and wage subsidy programs.
Your personal “network”: One of the best ways to learn about jobs is to talk to people. They can be people you know well, or people you have just met. Even if they cannot lead you directly to a job, they can provide you with information, ideas and names of other people who might be able to help and encourage you.
The Internet: Many websites have information on job opportunities. You can search for a job online in any part of Canada. Some sites also give practical advice on how to plan your job search. Others allow you to apply for a job directly on the Internet, or to post your résumé (in English or French). When you do this, your résumé goes into a database that can be searched by employers.

Try visiting the following websites, run by the federal government.

www.directioncanada.gc.ca: The Going to Canada Immigration Portal is an important resource that provides online information and services from a variety of government and non-government sources to help you make informed decisions about coming to Canada.
www.hrsdc.gc.ca: This is the national website of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, a federal department.
www.jobsetc.ca: This site will take you through all the steps needed to choose a career and to carry out an effective work search.

Cameron woos Indians with easier visas

2010-08-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday said visa restrictions would be eased for Indians to promote Britain’s tourism industry amid surge in cash-rich Indian visitors shopping in London’s plush West End.

Calling for a focus on tourism, Mr Cameron said the industry, which contributed £115 billion to the national economy annually, was “fundamental to the rebuilding of our economy” given its potential to generate jobs and revenue.

One of the ways to boost tourism in the coming years will be to ease the process of issuing visitors visas to people from India and China.

He said: “We’re going to remove some of the obstacles that put people off coming here, for example, by working more closely with our international partners to improve the local delivery of visa services in key markets like China and India.”

He said online applications for visas will be increased from one third to 75 per cent by 2011, with 100 per cent coverage by 2014.

The government will also give more power to local authorities to set tourism policy and remove bureaucracy that discourages small businesses, he said.

Mr Cameron’s visa announcement comes amidst new figures that reveal a record number of Indian shoppers scoured London’s West End and other stores across Britain for luxury goods between June 2009 and June 2010. Figures released to PTI reveal the growing international mobility of Indian tourists, whose number jumped by a record 89 per cent during the period, according to research by financial services company Global Blue.

Admin mistake lands nurses in visa debacle

2010-08-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

The Australian Nursing Federation is trying to fix an administrative bungle that will prevent nurse graduates from Ballarat and Deakin universities working in Australia.

The nurses will not meet the English language requirements set recently by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

ANF's Lisa Fitzpatrick says they held talks with the agency yesterday and asked it to put special arrangements in place for this year's graduates before their student visas expire.

"What we tried to focus on was making sure that we get an outcome that can fix this situation for these, particularly the mid-year, students who are finishing and who are of course in such dire circumstances," she said.

"Essentially they have 19 days before they become unlawful immigrants in this country."

Red tape hurts hopefuls

2010-08-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

VISA categories should be introduced to ease the paths of potential international candidates for research degrees and jobs in Australian universities.

This is according to the Australian Technology Network of universities.

The suggestion, in a paper about meeting Australia's research needs, is among several that aim to attract and retain overseas talent in the shadow of concerns about moves towards decreasing immigration as a whole.

"Relaxing entry regulations and reforming the visa process for these staff and students would greatly increase the attractiveness of Australia as a destination," the ATN paper says.

For example, under the present system, some immigrant researchers strike trouble when they try to arrange for dependents to join them.

"Given the relatively small numbers, as well as the high value to the Australian economy of such researchers, this process should be greatly streamlined."

The paper also calls for the age threshold for permanent residency to be lifted above 45 years, "an age at which many academics are in their research and teaching prime".

Any delay in effecting these reforms "risks reputational damage that we cannot afford in a global environment of strong and increasing competition", not just from other international markets but from countries such as China and India that are raising wages in an attempt to retain their best people.

The paper argues such measures are critical in light of the ageing academic workforce, of which 40 per cent is over 50 years old.

The ATN paper also proposes a national industry innovation scholarship program to fund up to 500 PhD scholarships over four years at $30,000 annually, in areas designated as important for the future of Australian industry.

Canadian immigration: A summary of the changes to the NOC list

2010-08-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

The list of in-demand occupations – the former NOC 38 – has been changed. It now contains 29 occupations. Twenty have been removed, and eleven have been added.

There will be a cap on the number of applications considered under this program within FSW, both overall (20,000) and for each occupation (1000).

All FSW applicants, no matter what their country of origin, must now submit the results of a language test, either English or French.

The new NOC list can be seen here:

In summary the changes on the NOC list are as follows:

OCCUPATIONS NO LONGER ON THE LIST:
0111: Financial Managers
0213: Computer and Information Systems Managers
0311: Managers in Health Care
0632: Accommodation Service Managers
0711: Construction Managers
1111: Financial Auditors and Accountants
2113: Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists
2143: Mining Engineers
2144: Geological Engineers
2145: Petroleum Engineers
3141: Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists
3143: Occupational Therapists
3151: Head Nurses and Supervisors
4121: University Professors
4131: College and Other Vocational Instructors
7213: Contractors and Supervisors, Pipefitting Trades
7217: Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
7252: Steamfitters, Pipe fitters and Sprinkler System Installers
8221: Supervisors, Mining and Quarrying
9212: Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities

If you intend to be a primary applicant and your experience is in one of these occupations, you will now need a job offer if you cannot apply under a different occupation or your partner’s occupation is not on the new list.

OCCUPATIONS ADDED TO THE LIST:

0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
2151 Architects
3113 Dentists
3131 Pharmacists
3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
4151 Psychologists
4152 Social Workers
7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades

These are the eleven new occupations – in other words, these occupations were not previously eligible for Federal Skilled Worker processing without a job offer providing you also score enough points on the self-assessment.

For the sake of completeness, here is the full NEW list of 29 occupations eligible for FSW without a job offer:

NEW LIST OF 29 IN-DEMAND OCCUPATIONS:

0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
2151 Architects
3111 Specialist Physicians
3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3113 Dentists
3131 Pharmacists
3142 Physiotherapists
3152 Registered Nurses
3215 Medical Radiation Technologists
3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
3233 Licensed Practical Nurses
4151 Psychologists
4152 Social Workers
6241 Chefs
6242 Cooks
7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades
7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
7242 Industrial Electricians
7251 Plumbers
7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371 Crane Operators
7372 Drillers & Blasters – Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service

Canadian immigration, changes to proof of language requirements

2010-08-11T21:51:00.001-07:00

One of the most important factors contributing to an immigrant’s economic success is the ability to speak one of Canada’s official languages. Under changes to the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program and the Canadian Experience Class, all new applicants are required to include the results of an English or French language test as part of their application. The language requirements themselves, however, are not changing.

Previously, applicants had the option of proving their language ability through a language test or a written submission. The written submission was intended for people whose first language was English or French. However, non-native English and French speakers frequently used this option – in many cases, using someone else’s writing sample – making it difficult for visa officers to perform an accurate assessment of the applicant’s true language ability.

An independent language test is the fairest, most transparent, objective, consistent and accurate way to evaluate an applicant’s language skills. Language ability will be assessed by accredited testing agencies rather than the visa officer. All applicants are evaluated against the same standards, no matter what their language of origin, nationality or ethnicity.

The change is intended to benefit both immigrants and Canada’s economy by improving the outcomes for newcomers. Research has shown that language proficiency is a key determinant of an immigrant’s labour market success. A 2005 Statistics Canada study found that employment rates for immigrants increased with their ability to speak English and that language proficiency had the biggest impact on their ability to find employment in a high-skilled job or in their intended field.

In addition, skilled workers admitted to Canada under new selection criteria introduced with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) have employment earnings that are as high as double those of skilled workers admitted under the old selection criteria. Much of the increase in wages is attributed to the greater emphasis on stronger official language skills under the selection criteria that accompanied IRPA.

This change also brings Canadian requirements for proof of language proficiency closer to those of other countries. Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, Canada’s main competitors for skilled workers, all require the results of an independent language test. The strong performance of skilled worker immigrants in these countries has been attributed in part to their stringent language requirements.

With the results of a language test, FSW applicants will know before they apply exactly how many points they will be awarded for language ability on the federal skilled worker selection grid. Canadian Experience Class applicants will also know in advance if they meet the minimum language requirements necessary as part of their application. In keeping with the Action Plan for Faster Immigration, processing times are expected to improve because the visa officer simply assigns points based on the language test result instead of taking the time to review a written submission. Finally, many regulatory bodies and industry sectors require language testing or other proof of language assessment, so in taking the test, applicants are one step further on the path to integration into the Canadian labour market.

Canadian government funds projects for settlement of new immigrants in Canada

2010-08-11T21:42:00.001-07:00

The Federal government is taking vital steps to help new immigrants settle in Canada. These include funding of two projects to encourage new immigrants amalgamate in their communities.

One project based will be based in Ontario’s London area and will get funding amounting to $170,000 over a period of two years to enable young immigrants integrate into society. Newcomers will be paired with mentors hailing from the London area, stated MP (Member of Parliament) for London West, Ed Holder on behalf of Jason Kenney, Canadian immigration minister.

Aptly titled ‘the Ethno-Racial Mentoring Program’, the project aims to find reasons that leave several youth immigrants isolated. Hence, the aim of the government of Canada is to help young immigrants hailing from various backgrounds to involve themselves in making a stronger and happier Canada, MP Holder added.

The program is a collaborative effort of a number of London organizations to help ethnic young immigrants in northeast London. It is run by London InterCommunity Health Center and will involve 80 young immigrants with mentors to help in better integration into their communities. The program also aims to involve parents of the participants with mentors to help them take part in community events.

Hailing the efforts by Canadian government for betterment of immigrants in Canada, Coordinator of Youth Services for London InterCommunity Health Centre, Greg Nash said that the program will help youth get away from detachment to participation in community happenings.

Meanwhile, another program that will receive funding from the Government of Canada is ‘The Civic Awareness Project’. The program is aimed to help new immigrants in Canada, especially those from ethnic groups, get a better knowledge about Canada’s history and way of life and will get CA$300,000 over a period of four years.

The future of Canada will be made by not just by Canadian citizens but also by newcomers in Canada and the society of Canada can become stronger and proud only if new immigrant arrivals participate in their communities. This was stated by Colin Carrie, an MP from Oshawa.

Carrie added that the future of Canada depends on all sharing Canadian values, history and other important aspects and growing together.

Canadian business culture 101 for newcomers

2010-08-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Canadians are overall a polite people, and slightly more reserved than their southern neighbours. The values of the country are largely respect, peace and good government. Make sure you do not offend a business colleague or dash your chances of securing a deal by learning the basics of Canadian etiquette.

It is a good idea to treat all persons with courtesy and respect, especially people with authority. However, you should not act too humble.

Meeting and Greeting

A firm handshake is the usual contact when first meeting a business associate. Both men and women greet with a handshake, although women may acknowledge you with a nod of the head rather than a handshake.
Shaking hands is also common for first meetings in social situations. Men and women often embrace and kiss lightly on the cheek when meeting if they are related or good friends. Men may formally embrace old friends or family.
In Quebec, friends or acquaintances will kiss on both cheeks when meeting and leaving. This happens between female friends and between men and women, but not between male friends.
In informal settings, such as a party or bar, most young people will simply exchange greetings such as “Hi!” or “How are you?”

Introductions

Introduce people in business based on rank not gender.
In Canada, a person’s authority is related to his or her position and responsibility. Women occupy the same range of positions as men and have the same kinds of authority. People do not have authority just because of their name, status, social class or sex.

More Tips

Behaviour to consider for business transactions and life in general:

Eye contact is important when conducting business and should be held while speaking to someone, but be careful not to stare. Lack of direct eye contact signifies boredom or disinterest.
There is little casual touching during conversation and most people will stand approximately half a metre apart when speaking.
People stand in line when waiting for the bus, to buy tickets, at the store or bank. It is considered very rude to jump the line or go ahead of someone who was there before you.
Smoking is not allowed in offices, most restaurants, and even bars (with the exception of Quebec). When out in a public space, ask your companion before lighting up. If visiting people in their home, always ask for permission to smoke.
Be on time. Canadians will not wait more than 10 to 15 minutes for someone who has arranged to meet them for business. Your supervisors and co-workers will be angry if you are always late for work. For social invitations, people expect that you will arrive within approximately half an hour of the stated time. If you are going to be late, phone and advise the person expecting you.
People usually set up meetings or arrange visits. It is not common to just arrive without an invitation.
Be approachable and accessible. Return phone calls and be polite and friendly in hallways.
Honour commitments. Do what you say you will do.

Customs and Protocol

Canadian businesspeople are conservative in manner, speech, and dress. Business customs are similar to those in the U.S. or the U.K., but etiquette is very important. Excessive body contact, gestures in greeting, or loud conversation generally are frowned upon.

To ease the way into Canadian favour, always be punctual for meetings and appointments; use titles in all correspondence; and take letters of introduction when meeting someone for the first time.

U.S. businesspeople should guard against assuming that Canadians are just like Americans, which is an assumption Canadians might find offensive.

Negotiation

Businesspeople negotiating with Canadians should be well informed and knowledgeable about the details of their proposals. Thoroughness is appreciated and directness is also valued. Evasive answers are not viewed positively by Canadians.

It is important for all businesspeople to avoid exaggerating the strengths of their company or the benefits of their product.

Business Women

In many countries, women in business situations are the exception. Add to that your foreign nationality and you may encounter some difficulties in dealing with businessmen. You may have to work a little harder than your male colleagues to establish a level of comfort and trust, and your behavior and business style may be more open to scrutiny. Deal with any unwanted sexual overtures firmly and clearly – be in control, but be polite.

Women have earned high regard in business and government in Canada. While some sexism and subtle barriers still exist, women are found in powerful positions in all walks of life.

Visiting female executives can expect to be taken seriously. Likewise, Canadian women receive respect from their Canadian male colleagues, and will expect the same from foreigners.

Are you an internationally trained individual looking for guidance on foreign credential recognition

2010-08-11T21:35:00.001-07:00

Are you an internationally trained individual looking for guidance on foreign credential recognition in your profession in Canada? If so then these occupational fact sheets will help you to:

understand the general requirements you must meet to work in your profession
understand the steps that you can take while you are still in your home country
find the most reliable sources of information

Created in partnership with Canadian sector councils and professional organizations, these occupational fact sheets provide information that applies to specific professions and sectors across Canada. They are meant to act as a starting point for your research.

List of occupations

Applied Science and Engineering Technician or Technologist
> also in PDF format, 758 KB
Architect
> also in PDF format, 672 KB
Certified General Accountant
> also in PDF format, 634 KB
Construction
> also in PDF format, 711 KB
Engineer
> also in PDF format, 631 KB
Environment
> also in PDF format, 726 KB
Information and Communications Technology
> also in PDF format, 717 KB
Licensed Practical Nurse
> also in PDF format, 738 KB
Medical Laboratory Technologist
> also in PDF format, 649 KB
Occupational Therapist
> also in PDF format, 763 KB
Physiotherapist
> also in PDF format, 797 KB
Registered Nurse
> also in PDF format, 163 KB
Registered Psychiatric Nurse
> also in PDF format, 803 KB
Tourism
> also in PDF format, 766 KB

Cut Migrants, And Keep Out Those Who Don't Fit In

2010-08-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

ALTHOUGH immigration has become the most important issue in the election campaign, the debate continues to confuse three largely separate components.

They are illegal boatpeople, the official immigration program number, and net overseas migration (which includes temporary entry visa-holders such as students, workers granted long-stay visas, New Zealanders and others).

The basic fact about immigration that should govern the whole debate is that Australia is a prize destination for people wishing to emigrate.

The US and Canada might outrank us, but few other countries do.

Achieving permanent residence here (with the prospective further prize of citizenship) promises peace, order and prosperity at levels often far exceeding those of their original homelands.

While our politicians no doubt accept that fact, they largely ignore its implications for framing a sensible immigration program.

In short, it means that Australia has no need to seek immigrants.

The problem is choosing those whom we wish to take.

Were we willing to take all and sundry (as the mad Greens, and even some deranged economists, propose), choice would not arise.

But having said "We won't take you all", we need to choose.

This has many implications, the most important being that we should choose culturally compatible people who will easily fit in with our essentially Judeo-Christian culture.

Julia Gillard's disingenuous reference to "the right kind of people" implicitly acknowledged this, but that spin will never be reflected in Labor's actual immigration selection policies. On this, the Coalition is no better.

Today, both sides almost boast of their joint conspiracy against the public in admitting people unlikely ever to fit in.

The most obvious examples come from Islamic cultures, but the same goes for people from such violence-prone places as Somalia, Sudan and many west African states.

For the results, look only to the figures for ethnic crime.

The prize of permanent residence is such that would-be immigrants will move heaven and earth to attain it.

If that means breaking our laws, or bribing officials, or medical examiners, English language proficiency assessors, trade skills assessors, or employers able to offer "sponsored" employment, so be it.

The result, as the current student visa shambles vividly attests, is that our immigration processes today are riddled with corruption.

As for people-smuggling, the analysis is simple. Smugglers and their clients have a choice of destinations -- continental Europe, Britain, Australia, and so on.

Their choice entails three considerations: the relative fees charged by the smuggler, the relative value to the client if successful (very high in Australia's case), and the relative likelihood of success.

Under John Howard, the likelihood of success became so small and so long delayed that the choice was strongly weighted towards going elsewhere.

Under Kevin Rudd, the likelihood of success rose sharply, the hardship involved fell sharply, so the number of boats (predictably) soared.

Gillard's proposed regional processing centre would make things worse.

The likelihood of success in entering Australia would be undiminished (at best) or (more likely) enhanced, by entrusting processing to the UNHCR.

The boats would therefore keep coming, and the regional processing centre would become a magnet for all those illegals now camped in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Middle East.

By denying permanent residence visas to those we do accept, and through other such deterrents, the Coalition's proposals in this area are both clear and clearly superior.

That cannot be said of either side's policies on the future size of the official immigration program. The Coalition has now said that "within the first term" it would produce "a 130,000 cut in immigration numbers to no more than 170,000 a year".

It is clearly referring here not to the official immigration program, but to the net overseas migration figure (three years hence).

But what people want to know is, to what figure will it cut the official program on day one? Weasel words about referring that matter to the Productivity (and Sustainability!) Commission are just a fudge, an evasion exceeded only by Gillard and her equally specious spokesman, the Minister for Sustainable(!) Population.

The corporate chieftains continue to promote their own narrow interests in large numbers, but average Australians are demanding a sharp cut in the flood of immigrants.

An official immigration program of (say) 50,000-100,000 (compared with roughly 180,000 now) would provide some relief.

As for those genuinely needed skilled workers (for whose Australian counterparts the same corporate chieftains have miserably failed to provide), they are relatively small in number and could be readily found within such a program.

To sum up, the Coalition now clearly would be more effective on illegals, but both sides refuse to tell us what they will actually do on immigration program numbers. To win this election, the Coalition will have to do much better on that issue, and the vital cultural compatibility one, than it has done so far.