Immigration Advice Work Permits

November 4, 2009

Guide to Canadian Visas

For foreign nationals wanting to permanently reside and work in Canada, the visa types include the Canada family class visa and Canada spouse visa.

The Canadian family visa allows an existing permanent Canadian resident or citizen to sponsor their foreign national relatives for an agreed time, which is between three and 10 years in the country until they can establish themselves. Immigration is also allowed for the spouse, conjugal partner of a permanent Canadian resident through a sponsorship system.

For short-term relocation in Canada, Canada temporary visas include work permits, business visas, and study permits. If an international student wants to study in the country for more than six months, a study permit must be secured. For a work permit, the employer must first receive a positive Labour Market Opinion before it is granted.

For the release of business visas, there are three categories in which an applicant must score a minimum of 35 in a points test. In addition, a business visa applicant must meet certain criteria, like at least two years in the management of a qualifying business in the investor category; the ability to prove that his business will be able to contribute to the country’s economy in the entrepreneur programme; and the need to have been self-employed in cultural activities or athletics or have farm management experience for self-employed people.

October 20, 2009

Canadian visa Tips

Canada is one of the most popular destinations in the world, particularly for immigration. There are over 200,000 new immigrants and visitors every year, who enter the country via a comprehensive visa system.

One of the more common options is the Federal Skilled Worker Class visa. This is designed to cater to workers with desirable skills that will provide a boost to the Canadian economy. A points system, based on age, work experience, education and ability to adapt is in place to screen potential applicants. Anyone who is granted entry will also gain the same rights as a Canadian citizen, except for the right to vote. For those who fail to pass the point system, there are other alternatives available.

For example, there is the Immigrant Investor programme. Simply put, this entails an applicant making a minimum investment of $400,000 in a government or province-approved venture. In addition, they must prove that they are capable of successfully setting up and operating a business and have a net worth of at least $800,000.

Another alternative is the Entrepreneur Programme. This requires the applicant to either purchase or invest in a commercial undertaking that will boost the economy and provide jobs for residents and their families.

Yet another alternative is the Canadian Family Visa. With this, Canadian citizens can sponsor foreign relatives for an agreed period of time, which can be between 3 and10 years. During this time, the relative must establish themselves within the society and the workforce.

September 29, 2009

FAQs about Canadian Visas

What is a work permit?

A work permit is a Canadian visa that grants a foreign national the right to work in Canada on a temporary basis. However, obtaining a work visa does not mean gaining permanent resident status. The number and types of work visas granted by the Canadian government depend on fluctuating labour demand and availability of local workforce.

Are work permits granted based on point-based system?

Other types of visas require applicants to meet a point threshold, but this is not the case with Canadian work permits. It is the sponsorship of a Canadian employer that matters most in the pre-approval of a work visa.

Can a work visa be upgraded or changed to another immigration status?

Yes. Alien workers can change their immigration status during the lifetime of their work permit.

Can the principal visa holder bring his dependents to Canada?

Marriage and spouse immigration are allowed under this type of Canadian visa; however, dependents need to apply for the work visa in their own capacity in order to be legally employed in Canada.

How should I apply for a Canadian visa?

Once the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) confirms job vacancies for foreign nationals, you may begin requesting a Canadian visa from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Jobs based in Quebec also require visa approval from the provincial immigration authority.

Are there any professions who are exempted from work permits?

Yes. Such professions include aircraft inspectors, reporters, onboard airline personnel, government representatives and expert witnesses.

September 18, 2009

Canadian Visa and Emigration to Canada

Filed under: Canadian Immigration,Citizenship,Immigration Requirements — New Thirteen @ 4:32 pm

Canada’s immigration routes include work visas, the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP), temporary visas and family visas.

Skilled-worker visas are issued to applicants who have complied with one of the route’s three requirements, which demand an offer of arranged employment for the applicant; that the applicant is an international student, a temporary worker or a foreigner who has been residing in Canada for one year or that the applicant should have at least one year experience in an occupation. Apart from complying with these requirements, the applicant should also score a minimum of 67 on a test, which contains factors such as education, language ability, work experience, age, adaptability and financial means.

In terms of PNP, each of the country’s provinces that have signed up for the programme chooses immigrants who will benefit it in some way. Temporary visas in Canada can be obtained from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Website and includes work permits, business visas and study permits. Study permits are needed if an applicant intends studying in Canada for more than six months. Although work permits can easily be obtained, the employer must receive a positive Labour Market Opinion first.

For business visas, there are three categories in which an applicant must score at least 35 in a test. In addition, a business visa applicant must meet several other criteria, including at least two years in the management of a qualifying business for investor category; proof that his business will be able to contribute to the country’s economy in the entrepreneur programme and the need to have been self-employed in cultural activities or athletics or have farm management experience for self-employed people.

For permanent residency, sponsoring relatives through a Canadian family visa is usually the fastest route.

August 21, 2009

How to obtain a Canadian work permit

Filed under: Canadian Immigration,Immigration Requirements,Work Permit — New Thirteen @ 3:24 pm

Even if you’ve been to Canada before for visits, or for temporary work, you’ll find that actually settling and living there will be an entirely new experience. Moving from the UK to Canada can be daunting; many people underestimate just how far away from home they’ll be, and just how small the UK is compared to the Canadian nation!

However there is plenty of help at hand both in the UK before you leave and in Canada when you get there. The Government of Canada offers an extensive program of services that will help you adjust to your new home.

For example you will be offered services to help you look for a job, a place to live, and a family doctor. Your local immigration service will also help you with getting your Social Insurance number, finding out about language training, and enrolling your children in school.

You’ll even be given comprehensive advice with regards to Canadian customs, such as local greetings, what is considered polite behaviour, and what social norms you can expect to encounter. All this will help you feel more at home in your new country, and may in time contribute to a decision to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Canada, which has a population of 31 million people, prides itself on its ethnic and cultural diversity. You’ll find while living there that you meet people from all kinds of different backgrounds, and will learn to integrate into a hugely multicultural country. Of course winter is another thing you’ll learn to enjoy – most of Canada exists in sub-zero temperatures for several months of the year.

August 18, 2009

Immigration and Visas

There are countless reasons why a person might want to immigrate to a different country. Perhaps they want to try a new way of life, or to sample the different cultures that the world has to offer. Perhaps they want to try working in a different nation, or studying in an entirely new environment.

Whatever the driving force behind your decision to immigrate, it’s vital to find out about how immigration works and what services are available to you. It’s worth planning your date of travel well in advance so that you have time to discover all there is to know about living and working in your chosen new country.

If you are planning to immigrate to Australia, South Africa, Canada or the USA, there are plenty of things to do before you leave. Of course one of the first things you’ll need to do is to find out about each country’s respective immigration policies, and make sure you can comply with them.

For example if you intend to immigrate to Australia you will need to obtain an Australian Visa. This can be applied for online, and you’ll have to undergo an assessment which will help determine your suitability for living and working in Australia.

Likewise if you want to move to South Africa, Canada, or the USA you will have to obtain the necessary Visa; and for each you will be assessed with regards to why you intend to immigrate to your chosen country. Much of the reason behind these Visa assessments is to find out what kind of skills you have and what you can bring to the country, if you do decide to work there.

August 6, 2009

Canadian Visa application

Filed under: Canadian Immigration,Visa Immigration,Work Permit — New Thirteen @ 3:04 pm

Thousands of people immigrate to Canada every year, from all over the world. If you’ve decided that Canada is the place for you, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.

The Canadian Citizenship and Immigration service delineates the main groups of people who move to Canada, so take a look through the list and see where you fit in:

  • Skilled workers and professionals who want to settle and work in Canada
  • People selected by the Quebec government to settle and work in Canada
  • People who have recent experience of working in Canada and wish to remain living and working there
  • Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people who want to start a business in Canada
  • People who have been nominated by a Canadian province or territory to settle and work there
  • People who currently live in Canada who have a family member wishing to join them.

When you know which group you fit in you’ll have to find out the specific requirements for applying for the corresponding Visa. For example if you are a skilled worker and want to move to Canada, this will generally be because you have relevant work experience, education, and a good knowledge of English and French. These will all help you to settle and succeed in Canada.

As part of your Canadian Visa application you’ll have to fill out a number of forms providing information on your background, skills, and family, plus undergo medical, criminal, and other background checks. These will all help the Canadian Immigration Services to establish your suitability for living and working in their country.

July 15, 2009

Ways of Immigrating to Canada

Filed under: Canadian Immigration,Immigration Requirements,Work Permit — New Thirteen @ 3:42 pm

Immigrating to Canada is a wonderful experience for any person irrespective of religion and race. The country is a multicultural society and a fabulous place to live. It offers opportunities to different immigrants, which are primarily comprised of Filipinos, Pakistanis, Indians, Chinese and Americans.

The government is pleased to welcome immigrants from different countries. In 2008, the government recorded over 245,000 skilled workers who immigrated to the country.

The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is a government body that assists people who want to immigrate to the country. It has defined some procedures and policies for those who want to live in Canada. One of the categories defined by this body is Skilled Worker. In this category, the individual should have at least 67 points to qualify. The points are based on adaptability, language skills, qualification, experience and age. In addition, the individual should have at least one year’s experience in any of the professions defined by the CIC.

You can immigrate to Canada through other methods, which include:

• Family Sponsorship. If you have a blood relative living in the country, this is the easiest way to become an immigrant.

• Work Permit. If a Canadian employer offers you a job, you can acquire a work permit and can become a permanent resident after two years.

• Study Permit. If you study in any college or university in Canada, the Canadian High Commission will issue a study permit to you. After finishing your study, the government will grant you immigrant status.

• Business Class. You can become an immigrant by investing heavy capital amounting to $250,000 CAD in the country.

• Refugee and Protection: The government can grant you immigrant status if you are under threat in your home country.

June 29, 2009

Facts about Canadian immigration

Filed under: Canadian Immigration,Immigration Requirements — New Thirteen @ 11:36 am

For the most part, Canadian immigration is founded on non-discriminatory principles. Around the world, there are about 200 million immigrants at the present time, based on some surveys. Everyday, worldwide immigration increases.

Those who are migrating should seek the help of agents and lawyers. The best way to deal with the legal guidelines is to use the services of a lawyer. In applying for immigration to Canada or the United States, there are two ways to proceed. One is to hire an Immigration Lawyer who can prepare the files; the other is for the applicant himself to do all the work to save money. In Canada, a points system is used for assessing the person who applies for immigration. He is assessed based on various factors under the federal skilled worker class. The financial background is also examined to ensure that the person is capable of settling down in Canada. Employment skills must be possessed by the applicant, and he must have appropriate work experience. Those who apply for Government Job Offers are approved immediately if selected. Immigrants can apply under the business immigration process, which consists of three factors: Self-Employed, Entrepreneurs, and Investors.

Usually, those who succeed in attaining their immigration goals are the immigrants who plan their immigration with knowledge and research of the immigration procedures and laws. They make immigration plans, which are like good business plans. Every immigration step they take is anticipated and pre-planned. They have immigration targets to be achieved, and they are also aware of the limitations of their resources.

June 16, 2009

What is the Temporary Employment Programme in Canada?

Filed under: Canadian Immigration,Immigration Requirements — New Thirteen @ 2:00 pm

UK citizens who wish to work in Canada but have no one to sponsor their work permit now actually have the chance to work there, as work visas are available to them.

For those aged 18 to 35, Canada offers Temporary Employment Programmes for countries, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, Republic of Korea, Poland, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Latvia, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, Denmark, Czech Republic, Belgium, Austria and Australia.

Under this programme, the issued maximum validity of an employment authorisation is usually up to 12 months. Requirements vary according to country. Applicants who meet the age requirement can easily obtain this type of visa.

In some countries like Ireland and the United Kingdom, in order to qualify for the Student General Working Holiday Programme, applicants must be a full-time student, must be a certified citizen of Ireland or the United Kingdom, must be between 18 and 35 years of age and must be able to produce a written job offer from a Canadian employer.

While enrolled on the temporary employment programme, they are not allowed to change employers as the validity of the authorisation is only limited to the named employer. For the British Universities North American Club (BUNAC) and USIT, applicants must also be a citizen of the two mentioned countries and must be aged 18 to 30 years old. Applicants must also be full-time students in an acceptable programme at a college or university in their own country. With this type of programme, applicants are no longer required to provide any written job offer from a Canadian employer.

UK citizens should grab at such great chance, as Canada offers a great community to live and work in.

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