New Data Shows Nearly 25% of Canadian Workers are Immigrants

New Data Shows Nearly 25% of Canadian Workers are Immigrants

Over the last 10 years, immigrants have significant gains in Canada’s workforce and more the 50% have a bachelor’s degree, according to Canada’s 2016 census.

Statistics show that immigrants made up 23.8% of Canada’s workers in 2016. This is up 21.6% from 2006. During the same 10-year span, Canada introduced extensive changes to its immigration system to focus on skilled labour shortages, specifically the introduction of the Express Entry system in 2015.

Statistics Canada defines an immigrant as a person who has ever been or who is a permanent resident or landed immigrant.

When you look at Canada on a regional scale, the results are even more impressive. In 2016, immigrants represent high labour force numbers in the following cities:

• More than 50% of workers in Toronto, Ontario, metropolitan area
• 2% of workers in Vancouver, British Columbia
• 5% of workers in Calgary, Alberta

One of the main goals with the Express Entry system is to offset the expected labour decline due to Canada’s aging population. The three categories the system classes economic immigrants under are the Federal Skilled Trades Class, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Worker Class.

Since January 2015, nearly 150,000 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence have been issued through the Express Entry system.  Canada has announced this year that it plans to welcome nearly one million new permanent residents by the end of 2020. Through this plan, Canada has made targets to admit 250,000 of these newcomers through the Express Entry System.

To enter for the Express Entry pool, applicants need to decide which class they qualify under. Candidates will be evaluated based on their work experience, educations, language ability, skills, and other personal information.

Trends in Higher Education

According to Canada’s 2016 Census statistics:

• Over 50% of recent Canadian immigrants a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Four in 10 immigrants between the ages of 25 and 64 a bachelor’s degree or higher
• 3% of immigrant in the same age group had a master’s or doctorate degree
• Immigrants two times as likely to hold a master’s degree or PhD compared to the Canadian-born population

Trends in Jobs

According to Canada’s 2016 Census statistics:

• Canada’s social assistance and health care industry employed the most Canadians
• More than two million Canadians were employed in the two above industry
• Strong growth in the high-skilled computer and information systems professionals group, now representing 2.1% of Canada’s total employment
• Tech hubs in Canada are Ottawa-Gatineau (4.9% of all employment) and Toronto (3.7% of all employment)

For more information from the 2016 Census, click here.

Are you looking to apply for a work permit, the Express Entry program, or a student visa? Contact the Immigration Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to start your application today.

Canada to Make Changes to Medical Inadmissibility Rules

Canada to Make Changes to Medical Inadmissibility Rules

The current medical inadmissibility rules for newcomers need to be reformed and are out of touch with Canadian values, according to Canada’s immigration minister, Ahmed Hussen.

The announcement was made in front of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Immigration on November 22 as a part of a broader review of these medical rules.

The current policy is more than 40 years old, and Hussen said it needs to “be brought into the 21^st century.”

What are the Medical Tests for Canadian Immigration Currently?

Canada’s current medical inadmissibility rules require every applicant for a Canadian immigration visa and some who apply for temporary status to get a medical exam by a medical officer.

The list of medical tests for Canada immigration includes the following:

• Blood tests
• Urine test
• X-rays

The applicant’s mental state and medical record are also examined.

Applicants can be denied permanent residency strictly on medical grounds their admission could potentially cause an excessive demand on current health or social services that the government provides or their condition would put the safety and health of the Canadian population at large in jeopardy.

To determine if an applicant is admissible on medical grounds, the medical officer is required to consider severity, probable duration, and nature of any health impairment. The medical officer must also consider other factors including the following:

• Unusual or unpredictable behaviour that could become a danger to public safety
• Danger of contagion
• Social or health services required and whether the use of those will take away those services from Canadian nationals

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act: Section 38-1C

Hussen further explained that the current excessive demand provision does not align with Canada’s values and the inclusion of people with disabilities in the Canadian society.

Under Section 38-1C of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, excessive demand is summarized as the anticipated costs that are probable to exceed the average Canadian per capita social services and health services over a consecutive five years following the individual’s latest medical assessment. This period can be extended to 10 years, in some cases. The predicted impact on wait times for Canadian social and health services is also considered.

In 2017, for a demand to be considered excessive the cost threshold was $6,655 per year or $33,275 over a five-year period.

There are several exceptions to this excessive demand policy in cases of family sponsorship for a sponsor’s spouse, conjugal or common-law partner, and dependent child.

Moving Forward

Hussen said that all options are on the table with the impending changes to the medical inadmissibility rules for newcomers. This even includes the possibility of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) scrapping the excessive demand rule altogether.

But, the medical examination of every applicant for a Canadian immigration visa and some who apply for temporary status will stay intact.

According to Hussen, the goal of the review is to uphold the federal and provincial governments committing to making sure the fair treatment of immigrants and the protection of Canada’s health and social services.

Are you interested in immigrating to Canada permanently? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to see how we can make your Canadian dream come true.

How to Apply as a Nurse in Canada

How to Apply as a Nurse in Canada

As the number of seniors continues to rise, healthcare professionals are becoming more and more crucial. This growing number of dependents is putting a stress on the system.

As a result, Canada needs nurses. But, what are Canada’s requirements for nurses?

Requirements to Work as a Nurse in Canada

In general, to be eligible to register or work in Canada as a nurse (either a Registered Nurse or Licenced Practical Nurse), you need to demonstrate competency to practice. To prove this, you will need to have your education credentials assessed.

If your education credentials are deemed as the equivalent to nursing programs in Canada, the nursing regulatory body will address additional application requirements. These requirements to work as a nurse in Canada include work experience, language proficiency, good character, and screening for criminal history.

Once your application meets all the requirements, you are require d to write the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Exam (CPNRE) or Canadian Registered Nurse Examination (CRNE) as part of the licensure or registration process.

This is a requirement in all Canadian provinces and territories except for Quebec. It maintains its own registration examination.

At this time, these examinations can only be written in Canada. Once you have passed the required examination, you are eligible to work in Canada as a nurse.

How to Apply as a Nurse in Canada

If you are looking to work as a nurse in Canada, you have to be deemed able to practice an RN or LPN as noted in the general process above. To qualify, you have to register with the Canadian Council for Practical Nurse Regulators or the Canadian Nurses Association.

In Canada, each province and territory establishes its own registration requirements. Before you can register with the CCPNR or the CNA, nurses have to send an application to the nursing regulatory body in the territory or province where you want to work.

You will find the links to these nursing regulatory bodies below, alphabetized by province and territory.

Alberta

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

British Columbia

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

Manitoba

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

New Brunswick

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

Newfoundland & Labrador

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

Northwest Territories & Nunavut

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

Nova Scotia

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

Ontario

Both Registered Nurse & Licensed Practical Nurse Applications

Prince Edward Island

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

Quebec

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

Saskatchewan

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

Yukon

Registered Nurse Application

Licensed Practical Nurse Application

If you are looking for Canadian nursing jobs for international nurses, you can do so as a temporary resident on a work permit or a permanent residence.

Are you looking to work in Canada as a nurse? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to see how we can help with your immigration process.

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

Making the decision to come to Canada on either a temporary or full-time basis is a big decision. But now that you’ve made this decision, there is some work to be done.

Whether you are applying for a work permit, student visas, or citizenship, you want to make sure your applications are successful.

That’s where an immigration lawyer comes into play.

So, what does an immigration lawyer do?

Citizenship and immigration services require a special eye for detail that only an experienced immigration lawyer can offer.

For citizenship, in particular, the application process can be time-consuming and very complex. Immigration lawyers like Ronen Kurzfeld help you gather the documentation you need to become a citizen.

But what an immigration lawyer does isn’t limited to citizenship applications. There are other ways an immigration lawyer can help your case, including the following:

• Assist with citizenship tests
• Represent you in court
• Get immediate access citizenship in emergency situations
• Help you start a business in another country

Immigration lawyers help you analyze your rights, strategies, and possibilities, interpret the law, and lead you through the complicated immigration process. They do a lot of work on your behalf, such as preparing paperwork and organizing which items you need for your application. For example, proof of valid marriage or birth certificates. They also ensure the information you present is clear consistent, correct, and clear. This is especially important when filling out forms, collecting documents and preparing testimony and statements.

If you think you don’t need an immigration lawyer, there is one big drawback.

It’s easy to make mistakes.

Since the volume of immigration application is so high, one single mistake can lead to trouble.

Experienced immigration lawyers can help you complete the task successfully. They know how to avoid delays, what issues to prepare for, and what to expect. This can help make sure your applications don’t get held up on any legal technicalities.

Citizenship and immigration services take a long time to go through on your own without guaranteed success. With an immigration lawyer, you are one step closer to a move to Canada.

Are you looking to make the move to Canada? Get in touch with the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to see how we can assist you with a successful application.

 

Canada’s Target to Welcome Almost One Million New Immigrants By 2020

Canada’s Target to Welcome Almost One Million New Immigrants By 2020

Between 2018 and 2020, nearly one million new immigrants will come to settle in Canada. According to Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, this target is the most ambitious immigration levels in recent Canadian history.

These numbers are being set in the federal government’s new multi-year Immigration Levels Plan, which was formally presented on November 1 in the House of Commons.

The majority of newly admitted permanent residents will be economic migrants. Most of these economic newcomers would immigrate through the Express Entry immigration selection system. The targets in the economic categories will generally increase year until 2020.

The table below shows the target admission for Express Entry from 2017 to 2020.

Year	Target	Target Increase
2017	71,700*
2018	74,900	3,200 (4%)
2019	81,400	6,700 (9%)
2020	85,800	4,400 (5%)

*This number does not include the target number for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

In 2017, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have made itself clear that the Express Entry program is currently the main driver of economic immigration. This has been shown through an increased number of issued Invitations to Apply this year, more than the last two years together.

The increased target for 2017 Express Entry candidates was contributed as a result of a decrease in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off thresholds this year. This is because an increased intake places downward pressure on the CRS cut-off thresholds.

Between 2011 and 2016, the percentage of recent immigrants to Canada by category looked like the following:

• Economic immigrants – 60.3%
• Family Class immigrants – 26.8%
• Refugees – 11.6%
• Other – 1.3%

Family Reunification

Another important highlight from Canada’s multi-year Immigration Levels Plan includes a target to reunite spouses, parents, common-law partners, grandparents and dependent children of permanent residents and Canadian residents through the Family Class programs, including sponsorship. There will be a slight increase in the Family Class target admissions year over year, as seen in the table below.

	Low	High	Target	Target Increase
2017	80,000	86,000	84,000
2018	81,000	89,000	86,000	2,000 (2.4%)
2019	82,000	91,000	88,500	2,500 (3%)
2020	82,000	96,000	91,000	2,500 (3%(

 

Canada’s Progression Over the Years

It is targets like the proposed that has grown the percentage of immigrants to Canada. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 22 percent of Canada’s population is currently made up of first-generation immigrants, whom all settled as permanent residents and many have gone on to become naturalized citizens. There are many more residents in Canada on a temporary status, such as on a work permit or student visa.
By 2026, it’s projected that the share of Canada’s population made up by immigrants will reach as high as 30 percent of the overall population.
This is a significant number in comparison to that in the past 30 years, which is shown in the graphic below.

The immigration process is not an easy task. That is why working with the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld is your best chance at an approved application. Are you looking to immigrate to Canada? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Effective Oct. 24: Age of Dependent Children Raises to Under 22 Years of Age

Effective Oct. 24: Age of Dependent Children Raises to Under 22 Years of Age

The dependent child definition for Canadian immigration programs has been modified to include anyone under age 22, effective today. This means young adults who are ages 21 and under are eligible to immigrate to Canada with their parents. The change will impact those who are ready to file a Canadian immigration application. The new law reflects the government’s official policy of family reunification in Canada.

The new dependent child definition was previewed in May of 2017, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it would raise the age eligibility requirement on applications received on or after October 24, 2017. People who are submitting immigration forms for the first time may include children who are under age 22, so long as the children are not married or involved in a common-law relationship with another person.

The change to the dependent child definition goes into effect today and is not retroactive. This means that all immigration applications received on or after October 24, 2017, will be processed using the new definition.

Applications Filed Between August 2014 and October 23, 2017

The change in the definition of a dependent child restores the law as it existed before 2014. Starting in August 2014, the Canadian government changed the age requirement for dependent children to 18 years and younger. This resulted in fewer children immigrating to Canada with their parents.

Applications which were filed between August 2014 and October 23, 2017, will continue to be governed by the old law, meaning the definition of a dependent child will continue to include only those who are 18 years and younger.

IRCC explained that the change will not be retroactive because it would require pending cases to be re-examined, creating delays in processing times.

Parents who have adult children who are 22 and older may still be eligible to bring their children to Canada if the children are financially reliant on their parents because of a mental or physical health condition.

Helping Families Stay Together

Restoring the maximum age of a dependent child to 21 was one of the Liberal Party’s campaign promises in 2015. The amended law impacts all categories of immigration, including economic immigration, family reunification, and refugees. The policy is guided by a recognition that families do better when they stay together in Canada. Families can now claim more members as dependents, giving them a greater chance of immigrating together as a family.

Socioeconomic trends over the last decade have shown an increase in the number of young adults who still live with their parents. The number of adult children living with their parents has been on the rise since 2001. According to August census data, nearly 35% of young people ages 20 to 34 now live with at least one parent. Global economic instability, the high cost of living, and the cost of higher education have caused many young people to live at home while attending school or searching for a good job.

By increasing the dependent children age limit, more immigrants can include their adult children on their Canada immigration application. This will benefit the family and Canadian society, since the young adults and their parents will have a deeper support network and can further their studies in Canadian schools, giving them better opportunities once they enter the labour market.

Regulatory Changes Favouring Reunification

This is just the latest in a series of regulatory changes which emphasize families staying together. The government previously decided to award additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry candidates who already have a sibling in Canada. Another policy change made the application process more efficient for spousal and common-law partner sponsorship. The government also expanded parent and grandparent sponsorship by increasing the intake threshold for these applications from 5,000 to 10,000. All of these changes were made with family reunification in Canada in mind.

Canadian immigration policies and practices change frequently. If you are the parent of dependent children and young adults and are seeking to immigrate to Canada, contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld for more information on how the changes impact your situation.

Where is the Best Place to Live in Canada for Immigrants?

Where is the Best Place to Live in Canada for Immigrants?

Most people who are deciding where to immigrate in Canada choose a location based on factors such as employment, proximity to family, climate, education, and other amenities.

MoneySense.ca  recently published its list of the best places to live for Canadian immigrants. They considered average household income, crime, unemployment rate, languages, weather, and other factors to create a list of the top 100 places for immigrants to Canada to settle. If you are considering immigrating to Canada, check out the website’s top five cities.

#5 – Brandon, Manitoba

Brandon is located on the banks of the Assiniboine River in Western Manitoba. For immigrants who like a small-town feel, Brandon is a great place to live and work. Just over 50,000 people call Brandon home. Since 2010, the number of immigrants has increased tenfold, largely due to recruitment by the city’s largest employer, Maple Leaf Foods. Most of the newcomers speak Spanish, Mandarin or Ukrainian, and 19% of residents say that their first language is neither English nor French. The median household income in Brandon is $71,000, while the average rent is $844, which makes it possible for newcomers to live comfortably.

#4 – Brossard, Quebec

Brossard, located in Quebec and part of Greater Montreal, has a huge population of people who were born outside of Canada: over 36 percent of its 87,842 residents are immigrants. In addition to French and English, a variety of other languages are common in the city, including Chinese, Spanish, Cantonese, Arabic and Persian. Brossard is a highly livable suburb and with an average rent of just $793, the city is a bargain. Newcomers to Canada can work in Brossard or commute to Montreal. Immigrants interested in law, business, health or engineering may be eligible for specialized courses through the Ministere de l’Immigration, de la Diversite et de l’Inclusion.

#3 – Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan. With over 226,000 people, it is the second-largest city in the province and the 16th largest city in Canada. Regina has become an attractive city for immigrants due to its importance as a service provider to the natural gas and oil industries. Most people in Regina speak English, and immigrants to Regina will also find people speaking Filipino, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Punjabi, Chinese, German, Urdu, and Spanish. Regina is famous for its cold winters and humid summers, but it is also one of the sunniest cities in Canada.

#2 – Waterloo, Ontario

With a population of almost 110,000 people, Waterloo, Ontario is a small city with big town aspirations. New York’s Intelligent Communities Forum voted Waterloo its Intelligent Community of the Year in 2007 and it’s easy to see why. The Toronto-Waterloo corridor is home to more than 500 tech companies, including IBM, Google, RIM and more. Waterloo also boasts two excellent universities: University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. More than 50,000 students live in Waterloo, making it a top destination for newcomers who want to further their education. Waterloo is easy to navigate, with most places in town easy to reach by car in 5-25 minutes. The cost of living is lower than it is in the big city, but salaries and wages are competitive with Ottawa or Toronto. Waterloo residents can choose to live in an urban environment or in a rural area.

#1 – Ottawa, Ontario

As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa is the seat of government. The city boasts a booming tech scene that attracts many newcomers seeking employment in the technology sector. With a population of 900,000, Ottawa has the cultural opportunities of Toronto or Vancouver without the chaos of a much larger city. Asia is currently the biggest source of immigrants to the Ottawa region. One in five people speak a language other than English or French. Ottawa is the third-cleanest city in the world, with a reputation for being friendly to immigrants. There is plenty to do all year long such as skiing, yoga, skating, horseback riding, cycling, or fishing. There are also museums, concerts and other cultural events, making it a great place for people of all ages and backgrounds.

If you are interested in learning more about how to get settled in Canada, please contact the Immigration Law office of Ronen Kurzfeld for more information on the best places to live.

Canada’s Citizenship Act Changes Effective Oct. 11

Canada’s Citizenship Act Changes Effective Oct. 11

Canadian permanent residents now have an easier path to citizenship thanks to Canadian Citizenship Act changes which go into effect today, October 11. The law was amended in June of 2016, but many of its most important provisions did not become effective until 2017. Bill C-6, Changes to the Citizenship Act, is aimed at encouraging more permanent residents to apply for Canadian citizenship. The bill reduces the number of days that a person must spend in Canada before applying for citizenship, allows a person to count some time spent in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident, and makes other important Canadian citizenship act changes for 2017.

Canadian Citizenship Requirements 2017

Under the prior law, individuals who wanted to apply for Canadian citizenship had to first become permanent residents and then amass four years (1,460 days) of residency in Canada within a six-year period. Under the new Canadian citizenship rules effective October 11, applicants only need three years (1,095 days) of residency in Canada over a five-year period before they become eligible for citizenship.

Moreover, applicants no longer need to amass all of their qualifying days while on permanent resident status. The 2017 Canadian citizenship requirements allow individuals who were physically present in Canada on work-study or as a protected person to count up to 365 days of their time as a temporary resident toward their overall residency requirement. For people who were on temporary status before becoming permanent residents, each day spent in Canada as a temporary resident now counts as a half-day, up to 365 days.

This is an exciting opportunity for people who study and work in Canada who later become permanent residents, as it reduces the time a person must actually live in Canada as a permanent resident before applying for citizenship. For some people, the Canadian citizenship changes will mean they may be eligible for citizenship in as little as two years.

The Canadian citizenship requirements of 2017 also change the number of days that a person must be physically present in Canada during the years preceding a citizenship application. Prior to the new law, residents needed to be in Canada for at least 183 days in four out of the six years preceding the citizenship application. Now, a person must only be physically present in Canada for three out of the last five years, and there is no longer a minimum number of days needed in each year in order to be eligible for citizenship. This change makes it easier for permanent residents to travel, work and study abroad without forfeiting their opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship.

The Citizenship Act was also amended to make the law consistent with the new residency requirements. If a person is required to file Canadian Income Taxes, they must do so in three out of the five years before applying for citizenship.

Other changes to the Citizenship Act went into effect on June 19, 2017, such as repealing the government’s ability to revoke the citizenship of dual citizens who are convicted of crimes against the state; no longer requiring applicants for citizenship to affirm that they intend to continue to live in Canada once they are granted citizenship; and making it simpler for minors who live in Canada to apply for citizenship without the consent of a parent.

There will be more changes to the Canadian Citizenship Act later this year and in early 2018, including giving the Federal Court the power to render decisions on most citizenship revocation cases and giving citizenship officers the ability to seize documents which they suspect are fraudulent.

Benefits of Canadian Citizenship

Canadian citizenship confers many benefits, such as the right to vote, the ability to apply for any job, the right to travel efficiently with a Canadian passport, the right to participate in politics and even run for elective office. Permanent residents who become Canadian citizens will also be able to raise their children as Canadians, passing on the privileges and rights of living in this great country to future generations.

Determining Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship

Since key measures within Bill C-6 went into effect today, it is more important than ever for permanent residents to find out when they will be eligible to apply for citizenship. Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld for more information or fill out an immigration assessment.

How Many Immigrants Come to Canada Each Year?

How Many Immigrants Come to Canada Each Year?

Canada is on pace to receive more immigrants than it has in a century, with levels increasing to more than 300,000 in both 2016 and 2017. The Advisory Council on Economic Growth has already recommended Canada increase its immigration intake to 450,000, and now the Conference Board of Canada is exploring the idea in more detail.

Immigration and Population Growth: Canada’s Aging Population

According to Statistics Canada, there are now more people in Canada age 65 and over than there are under age 15. The population growth rate for the 65 and older set is also increasing faster than the population at large.

Demographers have long warned about the consequences of the older population outnumbering younger Canadians. People 65 and over are now 16.5 percent of the total population and this segment will rise to 24 percent by 2040.

Meanwhile, in 2016 the Canadian fertility rate was 1.6 children. The last time birth rates matched the 2.1 replacement level that the population needs to renew itself was 1971.

At the current rate, the natural population increase adds around 114,000 people to Canada each year, but the report predicts this number will drop to zero by 2033. That leaves immigration as the only source of people which will account for Canada’s growth rate.

Impact of Canadian Immigration on the Economy

The Conference Board of Canada’s new report, titled “450,000 Immigrants Annually?” explores how raising immigration levels would positively impact the economy.

The current immigration baseline is equivalent to 0.82 percent of the population. The new report explores how increasing immigration to 1 percent or 1.11 percent of the total population would affect the GDP and workers-per-retiree ratio, among other factors.

Canada’s GDP is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 1.85 percent over the next 25 years. The economic growth would reach 1.94 percent or 2.05 percent if the annual immigration intake is raised to 1 percent or 1.11 percent, respectively.

If Canada maintains the status quo, retirees would account for 24 percent of the population by 2040. During this period, the aging population would raise healthcare costs by at least 4.66 percent each year, accounting for 42.6 percent of provincial revenues.

However, if the immigration levels are upped to 1 percent of the population, healthcare costs would only rise to 40.7 percent of provincial revenues. If immigration intake was increased to 1.11 percent of the population, the healthcare share would decrease to 40.5 percent.

Although immigration would improve the economy, there is always the concern that immigrants will compete with native-born Canadians for jobs, driving down wages. Economists have concluded, however, that over the long-term, immigration does not drive down wages or take jobs from native-born Canadians.

The GDP per capita would drop just slightly with a 1.11 percent immigration scenario, from $62,900 to $61,600. However, immigrants only make about 83 percent of Canada’s average wage, which shows that the drop is not caused by a reduction in the pay rates of native-born Canadians.

The report makes it clear that the effects of immigration on the economy would be a net gain for Canada. Of course, if Canada becomes more reliant on immigration, the country will still need to address labour market challenges and other obstacles that immigrants face.  Almost everyone has met an immigrant who held a highly-skilled job in their country of origin but who was unable to work in that position in Canada. Eliminating those barriers would ameliorate the per GDP capita drop.

Canada Needs to Fill 1 Million Jobs

The Conference Board of Canada estimates Canada will need to fill a million jobs over the next ten years, and immigrants may be the answer. The Advisory Council on Economic Growth has already recommended an increase in the immigration population to 450,000 by 2021.

Even boosting immigration levels to 450,000 annually would not completely fix the demographic problems. But admitting more immigrants may be the first logical step in alleviating pressure on the social safety net and improving Canada’s economic performance.

The Conference Board of Canada’s recommendation to increase immigration targets will almost certainly create new opportunities for those who want to immigrate to Canada. Get in touch with the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to help you achieve your immigration dream.

How Increasing Canadian Immigration Levels will Benefit the Labour Market

How Increasing Canadian Immigration Levels will Benefit the Labour Market

The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration has announced its 2018 annual immigration plan, which sets targets for the number of people who can immigrate to Canada next year.

The annual immigration plan includes changes to some aspects of Express Entry, promotes collaboration with provincial and territorial governments about their immigration needs, and establishes priorities in the economic migration programs.

The Forum of Ministers also discussed expanding its Francophone language plan and improving the resettlement outcomes for refugees and displaced persons.

Taken together, these moves signal Canada’s intention to implement multi-year immigration planning that benefits the labour market.

At a meeting held in Toronto in mid-September, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI), agreed on short-term and long-term planning goals for Canadian immigration. The FMRI is comprised of members of the federal, provincial and territorial governments. The meeting foreshadows greater collaboration and better long-term planning for all immigration categories.

Although the Ministers only announced changes for 2018, the plan unveiled by the FMRI indicates that the country will move from an annual immigration plan to a three-year planning approach that can better address Canada’s labour needs, demographic changes, and international responsibilities with respect to refugees.

A quota for 2018 immigration has yet to be announced. However, the overall target for immigrants in 2018 will be at least 300,000 new permanent residents, and the total is likely to rise. Federal Minister of Immigration Ahmed Hussen noted that 300,000 was the baseline for 2016 and 2017 and that the terms of a multi-year plan would not see the number decrease.

Express Entry Changes

The Express Entry program enables immigrants to move to Canada as permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class programs. There are also programs which seek provincial nominees with special skills and immigration to Quebec. Immigrants who score the most points are eligible for express entry into the country.

The government is now awarding more points to applicants who already have siblings in Canada and to those who possess strong French language skills. These changes to Express Entry are expected to benefit the labour market by making it easier for skilled immigrants to obtain permanent residency throughout Canada.

Provincial and Territorial Immigration

The meeting also signalled a new era in immigration planning for the provinces and territories. The federal government will consult closely with the provincial and territorial governments in order to coordinate priorities for each region and to foster more information sharing between government entities. The federal government will work with provinces and territories to set multiyear immigration levels.

After the meeting, a representative from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the collaborative approach is needed to provide better support for the settlement of all immigrants, ensuring successful outcomes and a more united Canada. It is expected that the annual immigration plan will eventually be replaced with a three-year approach to provide for better long-term planning.

Economic Migration

In 2017, Canada allocated 172,500 of its baseline admissions to economic immigrants selected from the Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Business Programs and Provincial Nominee Programs.

The majority of immigrants to Canada in 2018 will remain economic migrants. While the government is expected to stick to its 300,000 total baseline in the near future, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration gave strong indications that the overall number of Canadian immigrants would increase in 2018, with the number of slots given to economic migrants also expected to grow. The provinces and territories have revised and updated their targeted occupation priorities list in preparation to meet the needs of the local labour markets for 2018 and beyond.

Francophone Immigration

The Ministers discussed expanding the promotion of Francophone immigration to communities outside of Quebec, which will increase the number of Francophone immigrants and expand the French language throughout Canada. This is in line with other recent initiatives to boost Francophone immigration such as:

• The IRCC’s changes to Express Entry to award Francophone candidates extra points, which will expand the pool of French-speaking skilled workers.
• Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream, which will facilitate Express Entry to Ontario for candidates who speak English and French.
• The federal government’s temporary worker stream called Mobilité Francophone, which makes it easier for employers outside of Quebec to find and hire French-speaking skilled workers.

Refugees and Displaced Persons

The FMRI explored options for improving the settlement process for refugees and protected persons. More than 12,000 asylum seekers have entered Canada in 2017, most often through Quebec and Manitoba. The number of asylum seekers is lower than it was in 2016 when Canada adjusted its target numbers to account for the crisis in Syria.

The FMRI gave special consideration to establishing a Pan-Canadian approach to asylum seekers who arrive in Canada outside of official border crossings. Better collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments is expected to promote more stable and orderly migration, while also maintaining Canadian border security.

Ministers stressed that Canada will remain open and welcoming to all while continuing to insist on strict security measures. The Ministers emphasized that anyone who arrives in Canada would receive due process, but there was no guarantee that a person would be granted asylum.

To find out if you are a candidate for immigration to Canada as an economic migrant, asylum seeker, family member or any other class, contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

The Ultimate Express Entry Document Checklist

The Ultimate Express Entry Document Checklist

In 2015, Canada launched a new application tool, called Express Entry, to make it easier for skilled workers to obtain legal permanent residence. Express Entry is an online system which allows those who want to immigrate to Canada to fill out a profile listing their age, language skills, job qualifications, education, language abilities and more. The profiles are then awarded points based on criteria which prioritize those who have qualifications in high-demand labour fields. People with the highest scores are periodically invited to apply for a Canadian Permanent Residence Visa, which is processed within six months.

The first step in the Express Entry process is to create an online profile. Qualified applicants will then be given an invitation to apply (ITA). Within 90 calendar days of being issued an ITA, you must submit a complete electronic application for permanent residence.

It is important to have all of your documentation prepared in advance. This Express Entry checklist will ensure you have the required information and supporting documentation for each step in the Express Entry process.

Step 1 – Express Entry Profile

During the Express Entry profile creation process, you must have two documents:

⇒    Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

⇒    Language test results

You can receive an ECA by contacting one of the organizations designated by the Canadian government.

Language tests are required for all three Express Entry Programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class).

 

Step 2 – Application for Permanent Residence

Once you have received an ITA, the online system will generate a personalized Express Entry document checklist listing the documents that apply to your situation.

The following documents are mandatory:

⇒    Copy of birth certificate or other equivalent document attesting to birth date

⇒    Marriage certificate (if applicable)

⇒    Divorce certificate or legal separation agreement (if applicable)

⇒    Evidence of common law marriage or cohabitation (if applicable)

⇒    Adoption certificate (if applicable)

⇒    Job offer letter from employer

⇒    CV/ Résumé

⇒    Proof of educational credentials

⇒    Provincial or territorial certificate of qualification

⇒    Police certificates for all countries you have lived in for more than six months

⇒    Copy of the biographical data page of a passport or travel document

⇒    Proof of work experience, which includes letter from each employer

⇒    For self-employed applicants, articles of incorporation or other evidence of business ownership and evidence of self-employment income

⇒    Proof of funds

Special Documents

For some situations, you need special documents to complete your federal skilled worker document checklist:

Family Information Forms

You will need to complete one of the two Family Information Forms, IMM5707 or IMM5645, depending on your family status.

Medical Exams From Panel Physician

If you intend to work in health services, child care, or primary or secondary education, you will need a medical exam from an approved physician.

You also need a medical exam if you have lived or travelled to any of the countries with health risks on the list compiled by the Canadian government.

Digital Photo

You must provide a digital photograph. The total size should be a minimum of 35mm x 45mm. The photo must show a front view of the head to the top of the shoulders, with the face in the middle of the photo. The size of the head should be between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown.

The digital dimensions of the photo must be at least 420 x 540 DPI. The minimum resolution must be 600 pixels per inch. To upload to the Express Entry online system, the file format should be JPEG or JPEG2000.

Step 3: Checklist of Fees for Express Entry

To submit a complete application, you must pay processing fees for yourself and every person who will come with you to Canada. To pay fees, you must have a valid credit or debit card.

⇒    Application processing fees : $550 CAD

⇒    Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) : $490 CAD per person. If your application is granted, you will need to pay the RPRF. There is no fee for dependent children.

If you are looking to apply for Express Entry, contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld for your best chance at success.

Trump Ending DACA Could Lead to Increase of ‘Dreamers’ in Canada

Trump Ending DACA Could Lead to Increase of ‘Dreamers’ in Canada

Many people have recently heard about DACA in the news. But what is DACA, who are the dreamers, and what is happening under Trump’s reign?

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The federal government introduced this program in 2012 under Barack Obama’s legislation.

Last week the Trump administration announced its plan to get rid of DACA. It is a program that protects undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. These children have a temporary right to live, work, and study in the United States. Individuals are vetted for any criminal history, education, or military participation. People who pass the vetting process have deferred deportment for two years. But they have a chance to renew as they become eligible for college enrollment, work permits, and driver’s licenses.

“Dreamers” are individuals protected under DACA, and there are currently over 780,000 approved Dreamers living in America. People had to be less than 31 years old on June 15, 2012, to apply for DACA, and lack immigration status. To be a Dreamer, an individual had to have arrived in the U.S. before he or she turned 16 and have lived there continuously since June 2007. Most Dreamers come from Central America and reside in California, Texas, New York, and Florida.

What will happen to DACA now?

During Trump’s 2016 campaign trail, he was adamant that he would immediately terminate the DACA amnesty for undocumented immigrants. His recent motion to end protection for individuals who illegally entered America as children will undoubtedly initiate a new wave of immigration and asylum requests. This decision could anticipate Dreamers moving to Canada from the US.

Trump’s controversial decision to end DACA has been met with backlash. Many states have called Trump out for being unethical. The Trump administration argues that DACA is unconstitutional and threatens American jobs and culture. In response, many states have threatened lawsuits against the administration, claiming Trump’s decision is outrageous and unlawful.

Many immigration advocates and Democrats have outwardly expressed the need to keep DACA instated, as Dreamers contribute to society and entered the US through no decision of their own. As it stands, North Americans are waiting to hear the final consensus regarding DACA.

Pressure on Canada

Analysts warn that Canada’s stressed immigration system faces further pressure handling the backlash surrounding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigrants. If a fraction of the Dreamers look towards Canada for protection, Canada needs to consider the consequences surrounding Dreamers moving to Canada from the US both legally and illegally. However, many candidates will not qualify for Canadian status under normal immigration requirements and many will have to claim refugee status, which is a long uphill battle for individuals.

As Trump moves forward with his plans to reform immigration policies, Canada must consider what will happen to DACA and it will affect the country.  It may be necessary for the federal government to implement a system where Canada offers Dreamers support.

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada have seen a drastic increase in asylum requests from Mexicans in 2016. This is partly due to Canada’s decision to remove a visa requirement. This decision allows more Mexicans to enter Canada and seek asylum.

No one is sure how drastically immigration predictions will change. As of now, Dreamers have time to plan as Trump has given Congress six months to agree to a deal. The pressure on Canada will continue to grow as the deadline approaches, placing stress on Canadian citizens and Canada’s immigration and refugee policies.

Canada shutting the door to DACA Dreamers would further hurt individuals who will potentially have their protection taken away from them. Prime Minister Trudeau has previously stated he welcomes asylum seekers, including victims of false hope under governmental flaws. Canada should expect the inundation of thousands of Dreamers looking towards Canada for freedom and protection.

Are you looking to immigrate to Canada? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to see how we can help with your immigration application.

Express Entry Amendments Led to Increase of Invited Candidates Based on Human Capital Factors

Express Entry Amendments Led to Increase of Invited Candidates Based on Human Capital Factors

Canada’s Express Entry immigration selection was amended in November 2016, allowing more candidates an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency. With Express Entry based on human capital factors alone, additional points needed for PR in Canada are not needed to receive a provincial nomination or job offer.

Before amendments came into effect on November 19, 2016, three in five invited candidates met the minimum points required for Canadian PR based on human capital, under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). However, from November 2016 to February 2017, the number of invited candidates meeting minimum points required for PR in Canada increased to 90%.

Senior staff at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed these statistics at a conference last spring. The presentation revealed that more potential candidates outside of Canada, specifically individuals eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) received invitations to apply for express entry than prior to immigration amendments in November.

The conference also revealed that more candidates with Natural and Applied Sciences (including STEM professions) were invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada, up 35% from 28%. At the same time, the number of invitations for candidates in lower skill level occupations decreased from 11% to 3%.

IRCC has stated that the goal behind the November amendments was to place a greater emphasis on human capital, applicable skills, and overall experience. Stakeholders argued that 600 additional CRS points for qualifying job offers distorted the balance with human capital. In order to find a balance between the current labour market and immigration outlooks, IRCC reduced the points rewarded for a job offer significantly. The points needed for PR in Canada is now reduced to 200 points allocated for a job offer if the occupation is listed in Major Group 00 of the National Occupation Classification. Otherwise, 50 points are awarded for a job offer of any other job classification.

As a means to encourage more international graduates to pursue an invitation to apply for permanent residency, IRCC allocated up to 30 CRS points to any potential candidate who studied in Canada. IRCC has stated that these reforms resulted in 46% of ITAs sent to international students from the period of November to February, up from 31% before amendments. These changes have resulted in more refined methods for former international students to claim permanent residence.

The IRCC conference also provided critical information on the ratio of ITAs that result in an approved application during the first two years of Express Entry. Around 47,000 applications for permanent residency were received, with 85% of invitations to apply for express entry resulting in an application. The approval rate during the final decision stage is 97%, resulting in the majority of ITA invitees being approved for permanent residency.

2017 will be a breakout year with dramatic changes implemented regarding immigration and permanent residency. A major trend is the overall number of ITAs increasing significantly since late 2016. The IRCC has stated this has resulted in reducing the minimum CRS point cut-off threshold, reaching a low of 413 on May 31. As more skilled workers are encouraged to apply for PR in Canada according to IRCC objectives, the diversity of candidates who will be approved to integrate into Canada will greatly expand.

Are you seeking permanent residence through express entry? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to ensure your application is at its highest quality.

Immigration Documents and Canadian Passports to Include ‘X’ Gender Designation

Immigration Documents and Canadian Passports to Include ‘X’ Gender Designation

Beginning on August 31, 2017, the process of applying for a Canadian passport will change dramatically. Canadians no longer need to designate their gender as male or female, rather individuals can identify as gender ‘X’. Furthermore, Canadian immigration documents, including Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will include an ‘X’ gender designation.

This movement has transpired due to recent social movements supporting individual expression in gender identity. Through introducing an ‘X’ gender assignment in documents required for Canadian immigration, the Canadian government is taking proactive steps towards advancing equality for Canadians regardless of gender expression.

For decades, LGBTQ communities have expressed their fears and problems travelling and immigration due to their gender identity. Legal issues surrounding LGBT rights in different countries around the world have promoted unethical and impractical immigration policies.

Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, supports including an ‘X’ gender designation on Canadian passports and all government-issued documents in the imminent future, which has been enthusiastically received by civil rights activists.

Canada will be considered the first country in the Americas that permits citizens to identify as gender ‘X’, following the footsteps of other countries such as Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. This proactive government initiative aligns Canada with other global leaders in changing the way citizens identify themselves on Canadian passports and allows foreigners to identify themselves through Canadian immigration documents confidently.

By including an ‘X’ gender designation, Canada is taking an important step forward in ensuring the LGBTQ community is represented properly, acknowledging adversities faced by trans, intersex, and non-binary individuals.

The future advancement of safety and freedom of expression regarding non-binary, intersex, and trans communities will require further national and international movements with the support of governmental and private organizations. Canada is amongst other tolerant nations who are removing existing prejudices and obstacles that prevent gender autonomy, self-expression, and freedom of speech.

The progressive “option X” choice will benefit many individuals who are in the process of applying for a Canadian passport, however many additional steps must be taken to support Canadian and global civil rights further.

Global representatives of the LGBT community commend Canada’s introduction of the gender ‘X’ inclusion on Canadian passports and documents required for Canadian immigration. It is likely that this approach will be adopted by other countries who place value on diminishing some of the many obstacles surrounding human rights and providing accurate reflections on self-identity.

A change to Canadian citizenship law means immigrants to Canada will soon be able to transition to citizenship quicker and easier than before. Get help with your Canadian citizenship application from Toronto immigration lawyer Ronen Kurzfeld.

Why Is It Important To Invest Time in Finding the Right Immigration Lawyer?

Why Is It Important To Invest Time in Finding the Right Immigration Lawyer?

The Canadian immigration process forms one of the complicated areas of immigration law. In order to understand the law, one needs to have a deep understanding of the regulations, and statutes that govern the immigration program. For a commoner, it might be very difficult to understand the complicated regulations. Therefore, seeking the services of the best immigration lawyer in Toronto, Canada is very important.

Working with an Immigration Attorney

The process of immigration is very complicated one and it is a long process. However, one can remain away from the stress of complicated immigration process, simply by working with an immigration attorney. The attorney can help clients to navigate through the entire immigration procedure and making the whole process very simplified. In fact, when a person works with an immigration lawyer it can remarkably increase the chance of immigration application getting successful.

This blog will discuss the reason why one needs to take the help of an immigration attorney for handling their immigration process.

Committed to Meet the Interest of Clients

When a person works with the best immigration lawyer in Canada, they can remain assured that they will not be taken for granted. The attorneys being accountable to the clients make them even more responsible when handling a case. They are known for assisting the client in finding which immigration process is safe for them based on their situation.

Handling Immigration Issues

One of the most important reasons to work with the best immigration lawyer in Toronto, Canada is to overcome the challenges that come with immigration process. Often issues like criminal record might make an immigrant inadmissible. In order to avoid such situations, the lawyer will ensure that an immigrant is not having any criminal record. At the same time, if an applicant is denied entry on false grounds, immigration attorney can represent client and fight for them in the court of law.

Wide Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

The success of an immigration application totally lies on how well the application has been filled. The vast experience and skills of an immigration attorney can help clients to remain aware of the fact whether they qualify for the immigration. Most importantly, the attorney will also ensure that the applicant has filled up the application properly and submitted all necessary documents.

Other Reasons

Many immigrants after settling down in Canada plans to bring their family members. For this they need to fill up Family Sponsorship Application. Immigration attorney will ensure that the applicant qualifies for it and will guide them with the application process. This would make it easy for the immigrants to unite with their family.

Any best immigration lawyer in Toronto Canada will also help permanent Canadian residents to obtain permanent residency and Canadian citizenship. The lawyer will try to provide the clients with the best routes that can help them to gain residency or citizenship.

The need of working with an immigration attorney is far beyond the above mentioned facts. The lawyer’s vast years of knowledge, experience, and skills can make the process of Canadian immigration and settlement very easy one for the aspiring immigrants.

Preparing For Your Express Entry Application with an Immigration Lawyer in Toronto

Preparing For Your Express Entry Application with an Immigration Lawyer in Toronto

One important distinction of the Canadian Immigration system is that it gives huge value to the potential immigrants. However, in order to carefully select the immigrants, Canadian government is constantly changing its immigration laws. For a common man or an immigrant, it is not possible to remain up to date with the changing laws. Thus, taking the help of an immigration lawyer in Toronto is always helpful.

Need of Immigration Lawyer

Immigration attorneys can help their clients to navigate through the process of immigration very easily. They will ensure that their client understand the rules and regulations easily. Apart from that taking the help of an immigration attorney automatically increases the chance of an application getting approved in the first attempt itself.

However, the time required to process the immigration application is a very lengthy one.  This is why the Government of Canada in the year 2015 introduced a system known as Express Entry.

 

Knowing Express Entry

Express Entry is an electronic system through which Canadian immigration applications are managed. Basically, it also looks after permanent resident applications for some popular immigration programs. The programs are: the Federal Skilled Trade Class (FSTC), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Workers Class (FSWC).

This system creates a pool of possible applicants who are planning to immigrate to Canada. After that, the candidates are ranked based on various criteria.  The rankings are usually based on the data provided by the candidates. CIC then considers the eligible candidates and invites the potential applicants to apply for immigration under any one of the programs.

 

Taking the Help of Immigration Attorney

This is where a potential candidate might need to take the help of an immigration lawyer in Toronto. The lawyers can help the clients to understand the system properly.

In fact, the lawyers can help applicants all throughout the application process. For example, the attorney can help clients to create a perfect profile in the Express Entry. Based on the profile the lawyer will highlight exceptional skills of the applicant.

The lawyer will ensure that their client have provided the necessary qualifications and skills. If an applicant is applying for the FSWC program, then the results of language test like IELTS or CELPIP must also be provided.

In fact, candidates applying from outside Canada should submit the ECA evaluation result. Thus, the immigration attorney will help clients to get through every minute detail that need to be followed for Express Entry.

Most importantly, the important role of a trusted Toronto immigration attorney is to ensure that their client files the application properly without any errors. Also, all the necessary documents like police certification, educational certificates, etc are submitted. It would then reduce the chance of an application getting rejected or denied.

Taking the help of any reputed immigration lawyer in Toronto can automatically improve the chance of receiving the visa. They will ensure that the applicant is able to smoothly settle in the new country and get their permanent residency as soon as possible.

Immigration Lawyer Toronto Can Help You with Express Entry Rejections

Immigration Lawyer Toronto Can Help You with Express Entry Rejections

If you have made the decision to immigrate to Canada, it is one of the best decisions. However, you have to know the norms and regulations of immigrating to Canada.

Among the various methods available, Express Entry is one of the most sought after immigration programs. One can take the help of immigration lawyer Toronto in order to have a clear understanding about the Express Entry System.

Express Entry System

It is a system through which the government of Canada controls the intake of immigrants for various programs such as Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Through this process, an applicant usually expresses his/her interest to immigrate to Canada through the Expression of Interest form. Once the form is submitted, the application gains an entry along with other interested candidates. The applicants are then provided with a score depending on how well the application form has been presented.

Usually, the processing time of any immigration application through the Express Entry System takes 6 months.

However, there still stands the chance of the application getting rejected.

Reason of Rejection

Every year thousands of immigrants plan to immigrate to Canada. Among the thousands of applications made through Express Entry some are rejected. Hence, in order to avoid such chances of rejection, an immigrant should always take the help of an immigration lawyer Toronto.

The immigration attorney can clearly explain to the applicants the probabilities when their application might get rejected. If you want to know about them take a look at it.

• Incomplete Application

One of the important reasons for application being rejected is because of incomplete applications. If the applicant fails to submit all vital details then the application might get rejected. For example, if an applicant forgets to provide a copy of their degree with the ECA.

• Proper Documents

An application can be rejected it is not submitted with proper reference letter. Or, the applicant might have forgotten to provide all police clearance papers.

What to Do If Application Is Rejected?

Are you the unfortunate one whose application has been rejected from Express Entry? If yes, is your answer, don’t get disheartened. Well there are ways through which you can gain an entry to Canada. All you need to do is to take the help of an immigration lawyer.

Firstly, the lawyer will help the clients to understand the reason for rejection. They will also check if the applicant has the chance to reapply again.

• Appeal

If your application was rejected on some illegitimate grounds, the lawyer can help clients to appeal against the order in the court.

• Reapply

The lawyer can help clients to submit a second application through Express entry and that too without errors. They will now what information needs to be provided so that the application is not rejected.

You must always take the help of a trusted immigration lawyer Toronto in order to carefully assess the option present in front of you when your application is rejected. They can easily tell the best recourse for your case.

Immigration Lawyer Canada Can Help You Restore Your Immigration Status in Canada

Immigration Lawyer Canada Can Help You Restore Your Immigration Status in Canada

Canada witnesses a huge influx of immigrants every year. But the government of Canada has the complete right to reject Canadian immigration and also revoke the immigration status or Canadian citizenship of the immigrants. So if your immigration status has been revoked by the Canadian government and you want it to be restored, you can take the help of immigration lawyer.

Immigration lawyer Canada can make the process of maintaining and retaining the immigration status much easier. Usually, immigrants those who plan to immigrate to Canada can do so under three categories. They are:

• Workers
• Students
• Visitors

Immigrants immigrating to Canada are considered as ‘temporary residents’. They are basically given a limited period of time for staying in Canada. Once the time period ends a person is bound to go back to their home country. Hence, the natural tendency of the temporary residents is to extend their time period of the permit with the help of an immigration lawyer.

Often, it is seen that based on the situations, people needs to comply with the conditions that are clearly mentioned in the IRCC. If one fails to comply with the conditions, the person put themselves on the risk of losing their legal status. Those who are living in Canada without a status might face a lot of difficulties. For example, a people living without a status may not be provided medical treatment. However, chances are that they might face deportation.

Many Ways Present To Restore the Status

Well, you don’t need to worry in case your legal status gets revoked. Canada immigration lawyer can suggest you the ways through which the status can be restored. If you want to know the ways you can check the rest of the blog.

The most important step for the restoration of status is to get in touch with an immigration lawyer.

The attorney will review the case and will consider the best possible recourse for it. This is done because the status of an immigrant might be revoked based on various situations. With each situation being different it is crucial to get right advice. Thus, the immigration lawyer Canada can guide clients with the best possible methods for restoring the status.

 

Help with Appeal

They will ensure if the applicant can apply for a renewal. If they are eligible they can reapply within 90 days of losing their status. An immigration attorney can help clients to appeal against revocation orders in the Federal Court. They will try to make sure that the client is receiving a fair trial.

Fight for You

Immigration attorneys will try to ensure that you are given a second chance to reclaim their residency or citizenship or status. They will do this by gathering evidence and show that you followed the Canadian law strictly.

Working with an immigration lawyer Canada is always considered to be the best option. It not only saves time and money, but it can also increase the chance of a case being successful.  A good lawyer always remains by the side of their client and provides the best legal advice for a case.

Consulting Toronto Immigration Lawyer after Express Entry Rejection

Consulting Toronto Immigration Lawyer after Express Entry Rejection

Immigration to Canada is considered to be one of the most beautiful opportunities for the people. After all, Canada is being considers as ad best place to live, work, and even pursue higher education. However, the decision to immigrate to Canada can be bit tough if one doesn’t know the proper regulations of immigration.

 

Often, many immigrants opt to apply for permanent residence and immigration application through Express Entry. But it has been seen that many applicants are rejected. In order to avoid such rejection one can take the help of Toronto immigration lawyer. The immigration attorney can help clients navigate through the complicated process of immigration and also through the Express Entry system.

 

What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is considered as an application management system in which IRCC have total control over the immigration applications. In order to apply through this online portal, an applicant needs to be issued with an invitation letter.

This system basically controls the applications for permanent residence under the following programs:

• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Federal Skilled Worker Program

The reason behind using this system is to reduce the processing time for permanent resident application. Usually, this system takes 6 months to process an application.

Well, in spite of your best efforts a permanent resident application might get rejected or denied. When you see your application being rejected it can totally shatter you.  But you don’t need to feel disheartened as there are many ways through which your application can become successful.

However, you will need to consult a Toronto immigration lawyer and seek their legal advice.

Need To Consult an Immigration Lawyer

When you consult an immigration attorney, firstly, the attorney helps the clients to understand the reason behind the application rejection. Under the Canadian Express Entry, 50% of the applications are rejected as they fail to meet the basic requirements of eligibility.

Other instances have shown that an application might get rejected or denied when the application is incomplete. Basically, during the immigration consultation process, the lawyer can clarify the cases when an application is considered incomplete. They are:

• Right Documents
• Improperly filled application
• Missing the deadline of MyCIC Accounts
• Police certification

Provide You with Options

On whatever grounds an application is rejected, it is important that the applicant should act quickly. Therefore, it is important to take the help of an immigration attorney. The attorney will assess the case and can tell the client about the best possible alternatives available for the applicants.

1. Help with Appeal

On consulting an immigration attorney after Express Entry rejection, the attorney can help clients in appealing against the order. But an appeal can be made only if there is a strong ground for appeal.

1. Resubmitting Application

Immigration attorneys can help clients to resubmit a new application. The lawyer will guide clients in correctly filing the application and providing necessary documents. This can help an application from not being rejected again.

Prospective candidates must ensure that they don’t make any mistakes in the application. However, because of any mistake an application is rejected, Toronto immigration lawyer can guide clients in correctly resubmitting the application.

What is the Minimum IELTS Score Required for Canada Immigration?

What is the Minimum IELTS Score Required for Canada Immigration?

If you are considering studying abroad or pursuing opportunities in other countries, you might have heard of the standard IELTS exam. But, what is IELTS?

What is IELTS?

The International English language testing system (IELTS) is the most well-known standardized English proficiency test across the globe. The IELTS is developed by leading language assessment experts and is taken by millions of individuals seeking higher education every year.

This comprehensive English proficiency exam assesses your English skills in every aspect: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The IELTS is a thorough demonstration of your ability to use English to study, at work, and in your everyday life abroad.

The IELTS is recommended for anyone hoping to further their education and expand on skills in English dominant countries such as Australia, Canada, UK, USA, and New Zealand. The exam is recognized and accepted by universities, employers, immigration officers and other professional organizations.

IELTS Test Format

The IELTS test format is broken down into four categories: speaking, writing, listening and reading. There are two versions of the exam, tailored for either academic or general training. The total exam time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Listening and speaking categories are the same for both exam types; however, the subject matter for reading and writing varies depending on if you are interested in academic or general testing.

Reading, writing and listening categories of the exam are all written on the same day with no intermediate breaks. The speaking component can be completed within a week before or after the other tests, according to your testing organization.

What is the Minimum IELTS Score Required for Canada Immigration?

For each program under Express Entry, there are different IELTS score required. Below are three tables that specify the IELTS score results in each of the four categories and how it translates to your Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) level.

 

Federal Skilled Worker Program – IELTS – First Official Language (Maximum: 24 points)

CLB Level	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing	Points per Ability
7	6.0	6.0 – 7.0	6.0	6.0	4
8	6.5	7.5	6.5	6.5	5
9	7.0	8.0	7.0	7.0	6
10+	7.5 – 9.0	8.5 – 9.0	8.0 – 9.0	7.5 – 9.0	6

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 Federal Skilled Trades Program – IELTS 

CLB Level	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
10+	8.5 – 9.0	8.0 – 9.0	7.5 – 9.0	7.5 – 9.0
9	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
8	7.5	6.5	6.5	6.5
7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
6	5.5	5.0	5.5	5.5
5	5.0	4.0	5.0	5.0
4	4.5	3.5	4.0	4.0

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Canadian Experience Class – IELTS 

NOC	CLB Level	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
0, A	10+	8.5 – 9.0	8.0 – 9.0	7.5 – 9.0	7.5 – 9.0
0, A	9	8.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
0, A	8	7.5	6.5	6.5	6.5
0, A	7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
B	6	5.5	5.0	5.5	5.5
B	5	5.0	4.0	5.0	5.0

IELTS Listening Tips

The listening portion of the exam is 30 minutes, where you will listen to four recordings of native English speakers. The recordings will feature conversations, a monologue, an educational speaking, and a lecture.  You will write your answers by hand, and later assessed on your ability to comprehend main conversational ideas, information, opinions, attitudes and idea development.

The best IELTS listening tips are to practice reading comprehension beforehand, and carefully read questions before you begin listening! Training yourself to read context clues before you listen will help you hear the information you are listening for. There is often spoken clues in words and phrases that will guide you to the questions you need to answer.

IELTS Writing Tips

The writing portion of the exam is 60 minutes and topics vary depending on the exam format.

If you are taking the academic test, topics will pertain to undergraduate and postgraduate studies, or professional programs. Task 1 is to summarize a graph, table, diagram, or chart. You may need to describe data, trends or visuals. Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a problem, argument, or point of view. This written response requires a formal style and proper grammar.

Academic IELTS Writing Tips: Always include a conclusion at the end of your passage that summarizes your main points, and closes off your thoughts. Make sure words flow concisely.

The general training test will also focus on two tasks. Task 1 is to explain a situation or a letter request, which may be presented formally or in a personal style. Task 1 is to write a point of view essay in response to a problem, argument, or point of view. This section can be written in a personal format.

General IELTS Writing Tips: Always express your point of view as clearly as possible. Do not copy words or phrases that will not be included in your final word count. Using descriptive words for your thoughts provides a readable and personalized essay.

IELTS Speaking Tips

The listening portion of the exam is 11-14 minutes, and consists of three parts. During Part 1 the examiner will ask you general questions about work, family, home, studies, and personal interests.  Questions will last about five minutes. For Part 2, you will be given a card with a question about a general topic. You have one minute to prepare before speaking about the topic for up to two minutes.  You will be asked a few further questions regarding the topic. Part 3 contains further questions regarding the topic in Part 2. You will be able to further discuss ideas and issues for about five minutes.

The best IELTS speaking tips are to practice speaking English out loud as much as possible and listen to yourself! Take advantage of every opportunity to have verbal conversations with friends, colleagues and teachers. The more confident you are with your speaking abilities the easier verbal comprehension becomes.

There are no right or wrong answers on the speaking test, so take your time, express your thoughts and use proper English!

IELTS Reading Tips

The IELTS reading portion is 60 minutes long, and is comprised of 40 questions that test multiple reading skills. You must be able to pick up detailed information, skim read, comprehend opinions and arguments and summarize ideas.

The academic test includes three long texts that can range from factual to analytical context. Scripts are taken from magazine, newspapers, journals or books. They are selected at a skill level for individuals entering university or seeking professional designation.

The General Reading test includes articles from books, newspapers, magazines, advertisements, or guidelines. These materials are meant for everyday exposure and comprehension.

The number one IELTS reading test tip is to practice! Speed is not the determinant in a successful exam, rather skillful reading that allows you to pick up on critical words, ideas and general context. All the information you need to answer the questions are included in the text, so take your time and find the answer!

IELTS Success

To pass the IELTS exam, you need a minimum overall score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each category for the Academic test. Minimum accepted scores vary depending on institution requirements.

If you want to succeed on the IELTS test, follow these tips and guidelines to master your English skills and begin your journey to success. Preparing for every exam section in advance will fully prepare you and give you the confidence to ace the exam and score the highest marks!

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