New immigration system puts greater emphasis on language, age

The end of foreign doctors and PHDs driving our taxi cabs could soon be nigh.

According to the Toronto Star, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has revamped the immigration point grid it's used for the past 10 years to judge skilled-immigrant applications.
The proposed revisions, to go into effect next January, will put more emphasis on age (ie: younger immigrants), language skills and professional credentials equivalent to Canada's — while de-emphasizing work experience abroad.

Foreign nationals applying for immigration to Canada use a 100-point grid, with a pass mark of 67.
The grid takes into account the candidate's official language ability, education, work experience, age, job offers in Canada and their overall adaptability — which awards points for previous work or study in Canada — spouse's education and relatives in Canada.

The problem with the current point system is that those that don't fluently speak one of Canada's official languages, or those whose education credentials don't transfer over to Canada, can still reach the 67 mark.
These new rules are meant to attract immigrants who can, theoretically, be successful in jobs in their field of study.

[Related: Over-educated immigrant cabbies plying Canadian streets, federal study finds]

Immigration attorney Michael Niren welcomes some of the changes.

"The Canadian labor force has changed significantly over the last decade and our aging demographics will be in greater need of a young work force," he told Yahoo! Canada News.
"Favouring younger applicants is a step in the right direction."

Niren, however, disagrees with the government's rigidity on language.
"When it comes to language, we are living in a global, multicultural economy and the narrow bias the government has towards English or French language proficiency is short sighted," he said.
"I know many productive Canadians who do business strictly in Mandarin and in other languages. While English and French remain Canada's official languages, our economy speaks many more."

Nevertheless, the Harper government has continually insisted that language proficiency is the key to success for immigrants.
"For too long the story of immigration to Canada has been summed up by the frustration of the highly trained professional who arrived with the expectation of being able to work at his or her skill level," immigration minister Jason Kenney said during an address to the Canadian Club of Toronto in March.
"The number one factor for success in immigrants is language proficiency. No point in bringing folks here if they don't have language proficiency."

The question now becomes: who will drive our taxi cabs?

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/immigration-system-puts-greater-emphasis-language-age-225856149.html

* Does that question need an answer?

News Release — Revised Federal Skilled Worker Program Unveiled

News Release — Revised Federal Skilled Worker Program Unveiled

Ottawa, August 17, 2012 — Proposed regulatory changes announced today to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) will allow Canada to better select skilled workers who can “hit the ground running” upon arrival.

“The Federal Skilled Worker Program is Canada’s largest economic immigration program,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “The changes we are making to update the selection criteria are based on a large body of data and evidence we've accumulated over the years showing what skills and qualifications are most likely to lead to success for skilled immigrants.”

Following an extensive program evaluation, stakeholder and public consultations, as well as other research, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is proposing the following changes to the FSWP:

• Making language the most important selection factor by establishing new minimum official language thresholds and increasing points for language;
• Increasing the emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience and remain in the workforce longer;
• Increasing points for Canadian work experience and reducing points for foreign work experience;
• Simplifying the arranged employment process to prevent fraud and abuse yet enable employers to staff positions quickly; and
• Awarding points for spousal language ability and Canadian experience.

Another proposed change is the introduction of the Educational Credential Assessment – a mandatory requirement that FSWP applicants have their education abroad assessed against Canadian education standards by designated organizations. CIC will then award points according to how an applicant’s foreign educational credential compares to a completed educational credential in Canada. It does not necessarily guarantee that they would become licensed to practice in a regulated occupation.

“This is an important step we are taking to address the problem of immigrants arriving and not being able to work in their field,” stated Minister Kenney. “This new requirement will help potential newcomers make informed choices about immigration and Canadian career paths.”

CIC will be issuing a Call for Service Proposals on August 20, 2012, inviting submissions from organizations with expertise in foreign credential assessment to conduct the reviews. The deadline for submissions is September 21, 2012. For more information, please visit CIC’s International Qualifications Network website.
The full text of the proposed FSWP regulatory changes is now available online in the Canada Gazette. They also include improvements to the Canadian Experience Class and the creation of a new Federal Skilled Trades Program. The Department welcomes input from stakeholders and interested parties.
Final publication is scheduled for late 2012 and the new FSWP points grid will likely take effect in January 2013. While there is currently a pause on new applications (except for FSWP candidates with a qualifying offer of arranged employment or those applying under the PhD stream), CIC expects to begin accepting applications again early next year.
These changes have been announced by Minister Kenney in the past year.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2012/2012-08-17.asp

How to apply to come live in Canada

Do you want to come live in Canada but do not know what options are open to you?

You can apply to live in this awesome country - not as a burden to the country but as an asset. It's a win-win situation. You can apply through one of the following programs:

• Skilled workers and professionals
  For people who want to settle and work in Canada (outside of Quebec)
• Quebec-selected skilled workers
  For people selected by the Quebec government to settle and work in Quebec
• Canadian Experience Class
  For people who have recent Canadian work experience or have graduated and recently worked in Canada
• Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people
  For people who want to start a business in Canada
• Provincial nominees
  One of Canada’s provinces or territories can nominate you to settle and work there
• Sponsoring your family
  How a family member can sponsor you to join them here if they are permanent residents or Canadian citizens

 To find out about the requirements and the steps to apply in each category, go to the Government of Canada’s  Citizenship and Immigration Canada website: www.cic.gc.ca. It is comprehensive, clear and up to date. You’ll find everything you need and links to other information portals.

Research; do your homework. Then, apply.

Adios amigos!

8 things to consider before choosing an immigration destination in Canada

So, which province, city or town?

Having decided that Canada is the best country to move to, you need to follow through on this wise, exciting decision by choosing which province and city or town you'd like to move to.

Canada is the world's second largest country by area. It is a big, beautiful country comprising ten provinces and three territories. The ten provinces are Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. The three territories are Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon.  

Deciding where to live in Canada can be a daunting task. In order not to be overwhelmed, you may take the following factors into considering when making a choice:

1. Do you have relatives and friends living there?
2. Is weather a big issue for you?
3. Is diversity in population important to you?
4. What are the job prospects?
5. What are the ages of your kids/ Do you have kids?
6. Does your preference include a monolingual(English or French) or bilingual(English and French) city/town?
7. Is size of city or town important to you?
8. What about issues relating to taxes, minimum wage, health care, education, and so on?

And a number of other criteria not mentioned here. Gladly, you can find everything you need online.

I know a few people who made a random choice and found it perfect. Regardless, you can always move to another province or city if your preferred destination turns out  to be different than you thought. 

Be back with more information on immigrating to Canada.

Ciao!!!