Immigration stimulates Canada’s growth, prosperity and cultural diversity. It reunites families and offers protection to refugees. Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) staff overseas and across Canada review applications and ensure that each new applicant meets various criteria for admission, including medical, criminal and security checks.
Planning Our Future
The Government of Canada, in consultation with the provinces, the territories and key stakeholders, establishes an annual range for the number of immigrants who will be admitted into Canada. In the past 10 years, Canada has welcomed, on average, 220,778 immigrants and refugees a year.
Canada benefits from the talents, experience and energy of immigrants, whether they are skilled workers, business people, refugees, relatives of Canadian citizens and residents, foreign students, temporary workers or others. All stimulate economic growth and enrich Canada’s social and cultural life.
Workers Strengthen Our Economy
CIC recognizes the benefits of attracting highly skilled workers. Nearly 59 percent of Canada’s immigrants are in the skilled worker and business immigrant categories. They help fill shortages in our labour market or invest in our economy and contribute to Canada’s economic growth.
CIC works to attract specialized temporary workers to Canada through programs for software development professionals and spouses of highly skilled workers. In 2002, CIC officers abroad and in Canada issued over 211,570 work permits to temporary residents and more than 138,500 visas to economic immigrants and their dependants.
Bringing Families Together
Reuniting families is an important part of our work. Our immigration program allows Canadians to sponsor close family members, including spouses, dependent children, parents and grandparents.
Helping Refugees
Canada is respected internationally for its humanitarian efforts. Our history is one of helping refugees and people in need of protection and assistance.
In the three years from 2000 to 2002, we resettled more than 26,800 government-assisted refugees. In addition, many Canadians volunteer to assist victims of persecution and violence through the Private Sponsorship of Refugee Program. CIC also assists refugees who arrive in Canada unexpectedly.
When people arrive in Canada and make a refugee claim, they are referred to the Refugee Protection Division—one of three tribunals making up the Immigration and Refugee Board. This tribunal decides if claimants are refugees or people in need of protection as defined in various international conventions.
Welcoming Visitors
Canada welcomes nearly 49 million foreign travellers each year. These visitors explore our country, visit their families and participate in business and trade. They enrich Canada’s economic, social and cultural life.
Most of Canada’s guests require a passport for entry; others require a Temporary Resident Visa. In 2002, CIC officers abroad issued approximately 639,500 visas.
They Learn, We Learn
Each year, more than 68,800 foreign students arrive in Canada to attend our schools, colleges and universities. During their stay, foreign students promote international understanding and build important cultural and trade relations between Canada and the rest of the world. CIC gives priority to processing their applications quickly.
Managing Canada’s Borders
We must ensure a balance between the desire to welcome newcomers to Canada and the obligation to protect Canadian society. We must not allow criminals, terrorists and other inadmissible people to enter or stay in Canada.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) enforces this important principle by intercepting people with false travel documents, performing investigations, conducting hearings through the Immigration and Refugee Board, and detaining and removing people. Approximately 8,700 people are removed from Canada every year.
For more info visit the CIC Website or talk to one of the members of Welcome to Toronto
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Work Permits, Permanent Resident Status, and Arranged Employment
Persons seeking to live and work in Canada may do so primarily via either of two options. The first is to seek a temporary resident visa such as a Canadian work permit; the other is to seek permanent resident status in Canada.
Canadian Work Permits
A work permit is a visa of a fixed duration which allows an individual to engage in employment in Canada. Such a permit is generally based on a job offer from a Canadian employer, or on a specific intended business activity. Accordingly, the work permit issued to the individual is specific to an employer and a position of employment. The visa has a fixed validity, generally of one year, and can most often be renewed from within Canada.
The advantage of a Canadian work permit for a foreign worker is the time frame in which it is issued. Such permits can be issued within anywhere from a single hour at a Canadian port of entry to several weeks at visa offices abroad, depending on a number of factors. This compares very favourably with the delays associated with a permanent resident application, which can take between 12 and 48 months, or even longer.
The disadvantage of a work permit is that it is inherently temporary in nature. In the case that the individual did not have an intention to remain beyond several years, this may not be an issue, but those who wish to reside permanently in Canada will need to consider the permanent resident route. A work permit does not itself lead to permanent status or citizenship in Canada.
Permanent Resident Status
A permanent resident visa is sought via a Canadian visa office abroad. Successful candidates are awarded a visa which allows them to live in Canada for so long as they fulfill the requirements of residency. These requirements entail residing physically in Canada for a period of no less than two years out of any given five year period, although certain exceptions may apply.
Possession of permanent resident status has certain rights and responsibilities. They include:
equality rights
democratic rights
legal rights
mobility rights
language rights
freedom of religion
freedom of expression
freedom of assembly and association
Canadians are also expected to:
obey Canada's laws
respect the rights and freedoms of others
respect Canada's linguistic duality and multicultural heritage.
Permanent resident status does not have any expiration. An individual may continue to live and work in Canada indefinitely with such status. It also allows that individual to seek Canadian citizenship, typically after residing in Canada for a period of three years. Canadian citizens have the right to apply for a Canadian passport and to return to Canada at any time after traveling or living abroad.
Arranged Employment
Applicants who meet the requirements of Canada's skilled worker selection criteria are not required to have pre-arranged employment in Canada prior to applying. Having an advance job offer, however, can have its benefits. For those who do not qualify under the selection system, arranged employment may lend enough points to meet the current pass mark. For those who do already qualify, pre-arranged employment can have the effect of expediting the application process.
Arranged Employment, as a selection factor, awards points in the case that a Canadian employer satisfies Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) that a bona-fide offer of skilled employment exists for a candidate upon becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
For those with a job off in advance, there is also the possibility of pursuing a Canadian work permit first, and then a permanent resident visa. This offers the advantages of both categories; the expedience of a temporary visa, and the long term validity of a permanent resident visa. Thank you, diycanadaimmigration dot com, for providing such useful information.
For more information visit www.welcometotoronto.org
Canadian Work Permits
A work permit is a visa of a fixed duration which allows an individual to engage in employment in Canada. Such a permit is generally based on a job offer from a Canadian employer, or on a specific intended business activity. Accordingly, the work permit issued to the individual is specific to an employer and a position of employment. The visa has a fixed validity, generally of one year, and can most often be renewed from within Canada.
The advantage of a Canadian work permit for a foreign worker is the time frame in which it is issued. Such permits can be issued within anywhere from a single hour at a Canadian port of entry to several weeks at visa offices abroad, depending on a number of factors. This compares very favourably with the delays associated with a permanent resident application, which can take between 12 and 48 months, or even longer.
The disadvantage of a work permit is that it is inherently temporary in nature. In the case that the individual did not have an intention to remain beyond several years, this may not be an issue, but those who wish to reside permanently in Canada will need to consider the permanent resident route. A work permit does not itself lead to permanent status or citizenship in Canada.
Permanent Resident Status
A permanent resident visa is sought via a Canadian visa office abroad. Successful candidates are awarded a visa which allows them to live in Canada for so long as they fulfill the requirements of residency. These requirements entail residing physically in Canada for a period of no less than two years out of any given five year period, although certain exceptions may apply.
Possession of permanent resident status has certain rights and responsibilities. They include:
equality rights
democratic rights
legal rights
mobility rights
language rights
freedom of religion
freedom of expression
freedom of assembly and association
Canadians are also expected to:
obey Canada's laws
respect the rights and freedoms of others
respect Canada's linguistic duality and multicultural heritage.
Permanent resident status does not have any expiration. An individual may continue to live and work in Canada indefinitely with such status. It also allows that individual to seek Canadian citizenship, typically after residing in Canada for a period of three years. Canadian citizens have the right to apply for a Canadian passport and to return to Canada at any time after traveling or living abroad.
Arranged Employment
Applicants who meet the requirements of Canada's skilled worker selection criteria are not required to have pre-arranged employment in Canada prior to applying. Having an advance job offer, however, can have its benefits. For those who do not qualify under the selection system, arranged employment may lend enough points to meet the current pass mark. For those who do already qualify, pre-arranged employment can have the effect of expediting the application process.
Arranged Employment, as a selection factor, awards points in the case that a Canadian employer satisfies Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) that a bona-fide offer of skilled employment exists for a candidate upon becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
For those with a job off in advance, there is also the possibility of pursuing a Canadian work permit first, and then a permanent resident visa. This offers the advantages of both categories; the expedience of a temporary visa, and the long term validity of a permanent resident visa. Thank you, diycanadaimmigration dot com, for providing such useful information.
For more information visit www.welcometotoronto.org
Issue one - Settling in Canada
After arriving in Canada, you will need to do a number of things to get oriented and to begin laying the roots necessary to successfully integrate. Some of the main factors that new arrivals will need to consider include housing, employment, healthcare, education, and obtaining your social insurance number.
Accommodations
The first thing that you will need to consider after arriving in Canada is where you will stay. If you are fortunate enough to have friends or relatives in Canada who can house you and your family temporarily – great, but most people will need to consider short term housing. Canada has two main forms of short term accommodation, motels and hotels.
Motels are inexpensive rooms that are most often used by travelers driving longer distances. As such, they are most often located close to major thoroughfares such as highways. These rooms are generally going to be the most inexpensive option and would be billed by the night per stay. The average cost per night of this type of room will be CAD$55, but visitors can expect very few “frills” during their stay.
Hotels are a more expensive option, but will generally offer more services to their customers. These can range from chain hotels or inns that are also commonly located on major thoroughfares, but which are associated with a national or international company. This type of accommodation will typically be at the less expensive end of the spectrum of hotel costs and may be most suitable for a stay of several weeks while something more long term is sought.
After several weeks, you should have made arrangements for something more long-term. The best solution while you gain footing and familiarize yourself with a new country will be rental of a house or apartment. Short term rentals are available on a month to month basis, and may include fully furnished accommodations for a higher cost than those without furnishings. Rental is probably the better option until you know where your career in Canada will start, and what area in that region you prefer. Signing a lease will commit you to a location for a specific period of time, typically a year, but will generally mean lower prices than month to month rentals.
Once you are comfortable that your roots are sufficiently established, you may choose to go on to buy a home. Most people will use a real-estate agent for this process in order to find the most suitable place. For the buyer, there is generally no cost for the assistance provided by such an agent in the buying process. Some real-estate agents can also assist in locating suitable rental properties, again typically at no cost to the one renting the home.
Employment
A major consideration for most immigrating to Canada is that of their first position of employment here. Not a simple task, there is considerable preparation that is required of candidates in order to secure that first position. Things to consider include your résumé, promoting the international experience that you no doubt possess, evaluation of academic credentials, familiarization with occupational organizations, and more.
A typical approach that many candidates for employment will take advantage of is the use of online services such as the Workopolis network. These services are convenient as they allow you to examine the availability of positions throughout Canada. Of course local newspapers and national publications such as the Globe and Mail should also be referred to.
Recruiters will typically work on behalf of employment candidates for no cost, and are retained by employers to locate suitable employees. Career counselors generally work on behalf of the candidate himself but charge a fee for the service, typically equivalent to one to two month’s salary. The latter is usually reserved for management or executive level candidates.
Healthcare
As you are likely aware, all Canadians are entitled to government sponsored healthcare. Each province is responsible for providing this service to its residents, and applications must be submitted the provincial ministry responsible. Some provinces will impose a delay of up to 90 days from the time of an application for healthcare coverage until the time that you are actually covered. It is still important to apply right away after establishing residence in a given province, but if such a delay is imposed, it may be necessary to consider private health insurance for whatever duration is applicable.
Education
Either for yourself of for your dependents, it may be necessary to familiarize yourself with Canada’s education system. Like most western countries, Canadian academics are categorized into three levels; primary or elementary school; secondary or high-school; and tertiary or university level education. Education is governed by the individual provinces, however, and not at the Federal level. Schools may be public, including denominational schools, or private. As children are required by law to attend schooling until the age of 15 or 16, all non-private schools are publicly funded - as are Quebec’s CEGEPs, a level of education unique this province which occurs between secondary and university education.
The elementary school system emphasizes basic academic abilities such as language, math, social studies, introductory arts and science. In general, high school programs consist of two streams. The first prepares students for university, the second for post-secondary education at a community college or institute of technology, or for the workplace. 200 post-secondary technical institutes and colleges exist alongside approximately 100 universities. Student fees for Canadians, owing to substantial government subsidies, account for only about 11 percent of the cost of Canadian post-secondary education.
Social Insurance Number
A Social Insurance Number is used to register Canadian workers with the Employment Insurance Program and with the Canada Pension Plan. It is also used for tracking for purposes of taxation and is typically a mandatory requirement for employment for a Canadian entity. Upon arriving for such, applicants may apply for their Social Insurance Number in person (fastest), by mail, or by phone if residing in the province of New Brunswick.
For more information visit www.welcometotoronto.org
Accommodations
The first thing that you will need to consider after arriving in Canada is where you will stay. If you are fortunate enough to have friends or relatives in Canada who can house you and your family temporarily – great, but most people will need to consider short term housing. Canada has two main forms of short term accommodation, motels and hotels.
Motels are inexpensive rooms that are most often used by travelers driving longer distances. As such, they are most often located close to major thoroughfares such as highways. These rooms are generally going to be the most inexpensive option and would be billed by the night per stay. The average cost per night of this type of room will be CAD$55, but visitors can expect very few “frills” during their stay.
Hotels are a more expensive option, but will generally offer more services to their customers. These can range from chain hotels or inns that are also commonly located on major thoroughfares, but which are associated with a national or international company. This type of accommodation will typically be at the less expensive end of the spectrum of hotel costs and may be most suitable for a stay of several weeks while something more long term is sought.
After several weeks, you should have made arrangements for something more long-term. The best solution while you gain footing and familiarize yourself with a new country will be rental of a house or apartment. Short term rentals are available on a month to month basis, and may include fully furnished accommodations for a higher cost than those without furnishings. Rental is probably the better option until you know where your career in Canada will start, and what area in that region you prefer. Signing a lease will commit you to a location for a specific period of time, typically a year, but will generally mean lower prices than month to month rentals.
Once you are comfortable that your roots are sufficiently established, you may choose to go on to buy a home. Most people will use a real-estate agent for this process in order to find the most suitable place. For the buyer, there is generally no cost for the assistance provided by such an agent in the buying process. Some real-estate agents can also assist in locating suitable rental properties, again typically at no cost to the one renting the home.
Employment
A major consideration for most immigrating to Canada is that of their first position of employment here. Not a simple task, there is considerable preparation that is required of candidates in order to secure that first position. Things to consider include your résumé, promoting the international experience that you no doubt possess, evaluation of academic credentials, familiarization with occupational organizations, and more.
A typical approach that many candidates for employment will take advantage of is the use of online services such as the Workopolis network. These services are convenient as they allow you to examine the availability of positions throughout Canada. Of course local newspapers and national publications such as the Globe and Mail should also be referred to.
Recruiters will typically work on behalf of employment candidates for no cost, and are retained by employers to locate suitable employees. Career counselors generally work on behalf of the candidate himself but charge a fee for the service, typically equivalent to one to two month’s salary. The latter is usually reserved for management or executive level candidates.
Healthcare
As you are likely aware, all Canadians are entitled to government sponsored healthcare. Each province is responsible for providing this service to its residents, and applications must be submitted the provincial ministry responsible. Some provinces will impose a delay of up to 90 days from the time of an application for healthcare coverage until the time that you are actually covered. It is still important to apply right away after establishing residence in a given province, but if such a delay is imposed, it may be necessary to consider private health insurance for whatever duration is applicable.
Education
Either for yourself of for your dependents, it may be necessary to familiarize yourself with Canada’s education system. Like most western countries, Canadian academics are categorized into three levels; primary or elementary school; secondary or high-school; and tertiary or university level education. Education is governed by the individual provinces, however, and not at the Federal level. Schools may be public, including denominational schools, or private. As children are required by law to attend schooling until the age of 15 or 16, all non-private schools are publicly funded - as are Quebec’s CEGEPs, a level of education unique this province which occurs between secondary and university education.
The elementary school system emphasizes basic academic abilities such as language, math, social studies, introductory arts and science. In general, high school programs consist of two streams. The first prepares students for university, the second for post-secondary education at a community college or institute of technology, or for the workplace. 200 post-secondary technical institutes and colleges exist alongside approximately 100 universities. Student fees for Canadians, owing to substantial government subsidies, account for only about 11 percent of the cost of Canadian post-secondary education.
Social Insurance Number
A Social Insurance Number is used to register Canadian workers with the Employment Insurance Program and with the Canada Pension Plan. It is also used for tracking for purposes of taxation and is typically a mandatory requirement for employment for a Canadian entity. Upon arriving for such, applicants may apply for their Social Insurance Number in person (fastest), by mail, or by phone if residing in the province of New Brunswick.
For more information visit www.welcometotoronto.org
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