Archives for May 2010

 

Any person currently charged with or previously convicted of any criminal offence inside or outside of Canada may be prohibited from visiting, working, studying or applying for permanent residence in Canada. Even offences as seemingly minor as some moving traffic violations may render an individual inadmissible to Canada. Examples of convictions that could make a person inadmissible to Canada include: Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Driving With Ability Impaired (DWAI), Theft, Petty Theft/Larceny (Shoplifting), Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction of Justice.

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Earlier this month, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) released preliminary data about the number of permanent and temporary residents Canada welcomed in 2009. The figures show that Canada continues to maintain a historically high rate of immigration.

A total of 252,124 permanent residents arrived in Canada in 2009, more than half of which were economic immigrants (newcomers who immigrated through the Federal Skilled Worker program, a Provincial Nominee Program, the Quebec Skilled Worker category, and the Canadian Experience Class category).

“The Government of Canada is maintaining immigration levels to meet Canada’s short-, medium- and long-term economic needs, help offset our aging population and low birthrate, and sustain our workforce,” said Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney

In addition, 178,640 temporary foreign workers and 85,131 international students began their temporary residences in Canada last year.

Kenney highlighted the benefits international students, many of whom choose to stay permanently in Canada through the various immigration options available to them, bring to the country.

“The number of foreign students who came to Canada grew by seven percent last year, resulting in the highest number of foreign students ever admitted to Canada. To be a more innovative society able to compete and prosper in a global, knowledge-based economy, Canada needs people with an international outlook, skills and experience. Attracting more international students is a priority for our government,” he said.

Even as Canada maintains its high rate of immigration, the federal government is currently reviewing the Federal Skilled Worker program with a view to modifying the 38 occupations that are currently “open” under the program. Applicants who currently qualify for a Canadian permanent resident visa would be wise to submit their applications as soon as possible, before any changes are announced.

Find out if you qualify for a Canadian immigration program. Fill out our free Canadian immigration eligibility questionnaire and receive a response within 24 hours.

Business immigration programs are being praised for their success in the beautiful province of British Columbia (BC), as more and more new Canadians are making an impact on BC’s economy while enjoying the province’s high quality of life.

Since 2002, business immigration programs have been responsible for more than $603-million in investment in the province, as well as the creation of more than 2500 new jobs. However, it is not only the province that is benefitting from business immigration. Business immigrants extol the virtues of living in Canada’s gateway to the Pacific.

Business immigrants choose to settle in BC for a number of reasons. The province and its most well-know cities, Vancouver and Victoria, consistently appear at or near the top of the rankings in studies or surveys of the best places to live in the world. In addition, the province is home to the University of British Columbia, a respected university that the children of business immigrants frequently attend.

“The economy has some influence, but in the [business] class, quality of life is a consideration that’s equally important,” said Moira Stilwell, BC’s Advanced Education and Labour Development Minister.

There are numerous ways to immigrate to British Columbia as a businessperson:

• The Immigrant Investor Program is a federal immigration program for individuals who have a high net worth and business experience.
• The Immigrant Entrepreneur Program allows individuals who plan to start or purchase a business in Canada to immigrate and implement their business plan.
• The British Columbia Nominee Program also has a business component with a number of requirements applicants must fulfill.

Contact the professionals at Campbell Cohen to find out which Business immigration program is right for you. You can also fill out our free Business Immigration Eligibility Assessment questionnaire and receive a response within 24 hours.

The following is a summary of developments in Canadian Citizenship and Immigration that took place or were announced over the last few weeks.
New Brunswick’s foreign credentials recognition process praised as efficient, accessible

The head of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick, Andrew McLeod, praised the province’s foreign credential recognition process for being efficient and accessible. The application process is simplified and applicants are quickly notified whether their credentials will be recognized, or what steps they need to take in order to become licensed in New Brunswick. Engineers who become licensed in New Brunswick can work anywhere in Canada if they register with the provincial or territorial board governing their profession.
Canada and Ontario extend their immigration agreement

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced earlier this month that the Canadian government had extended its immigration agreement with the province of Ontario for an additional year. The agreement is being extended so that the federal and provincial governments can negotiate a successor agreement that will ensure that Ontario receives the settlement support and funding it needs.
Internship Program for young immigrants expanded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada

The Young Newcomers Internship Program, which was made permanent last year, will be expanded so that more newcomers can benefit from it. Initially, participants in the program were given internships in various branches of the Citizenship and Immigration department so that they could learn about government operations. However, thanks to the expansion, the internships will take place in other government departments as well.
Canadian economy adds four times the number of expected jobs in April

When job creation and employment statistics for April were released this month, experts were pleasantly surprised to see that the Canadian economy had added four times the expected number of jobs. The creation of 108,700 jobs was the largest monthly job gain on record in Canada.

This is my belated Mother’s Day tribute to Maria Gallardo, who, in looking out for her son, was willing, and more than able, to take on anyone who got in her way.

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