Guide to Hire the Best Immigration Lawyer for Going Canada

Guide to Hire the Best Immigration Lawyer for Going Canada

Canada over the past 2 decades has bagged the title for being the dream destination to millions of international candidates. People from all quarters of the globe come to this country to establish their careers. Thanks to the increase in the acceptance rate of Canadian universities and growing job opportunities.

For these two main factors, people are no more shying away from leaving their native lands. Moreover, the process of immigration has been easier than ever before. A skilled and professional immigration lawyer with proper guidance can pilot his clients in the right direction.

Are you planning to try your luck in Canada? If so, hire the best immigration lawyer in order to have a successful application without any unnecessary delays. However, to achieve this feat, you first need to have a good lawyer.

If your lawyer is incompetent, your dream of establishing into Canada can be shattered in no time. Moreover, unintentional unlawful activities can also land you in legal trouble.

Fret not! This article will help you with all the details & tips to hire a professional lawyer with ease.

Ask for Credentials

Before finalizing an immigration lawyer, you must ask for his credentials. According to the rule, one has to have completed a law program ranging between 2 to 4 years in Canada. After completion of their degree, they must take the following evaluating steps before becoming eligible to practice in private or public:

1. Full period of articling
2. Bar admission course
3. Bar exam

If a lawyer fails to meet all these requirements mentioned above, reject him right away. Credentials are the sure shot way to identify the professionals from that of unprofessional ones.

Trust word of mouth

Secondly, you can also rely on word of mouth in case of hiring a good lawyer for immigration. Ask for your friends or relatives or even coworkers who have earlier worked with a lawyer to get into Canada. In fact, 35% of the successful candidates get their lawyers via referrals. This can also get you some discount in some cases.

Look for Experience

Experience matters in the truest sense when it comes to choosing a lawyer, especially for immigration. The entire process is filled up with several rules and regulations. Only an experienced lawyer can have the capability to get you through a successful immigration process.

Usually, it is always advisable to opt for a lawyer who has experience over 10 years at a stretch. This is because they will also be familiar with any sort of change related to immigration. So, as an applicant, you need not take all such hassles.

Consider the Costing

Never shy away from asking the budget of the lawyer. Generally, the lawyers will charge based on hours. This is perhaps an affordable way as you only need to pay for the number of hours you spend with the lawyer. However, make sure to ask a detailed breakdown of the payment. You should also ask him the mode of payment he prefers. Not to mention, before you ink any deal, read between the lines to understand any hidden fees or charges.

Opt for a Representative

If you are working in association with a law firm, make sure to look for your representative. An estimable firm will never hide their lawyers. After meeting the representative, don’t feel embarrassed to ask the same questions which you earlier questioned the firm. Always have a cordial relationship with your representative in order to avoid any stringent rules.

Read the Reviews and Testimonials

Lastly, give a thorough read to the reviews & testimonials given by the earlier clients before deciding on an immigration lawyer. This user-generated content will give a comprehensible knowledge about the streamlined lawyers and make a smart decisive move.

That’s all in a nutshell. Consider all these tips mentioned above and do a little research to appoint a leading immigration lawyer.

Get an Account of Manitoba Immigration Candidates for Permanent Residence

Get an Account of Manitoba Immigration Candidates for Permanent Residence

Manitoba is the darling spot of Canada as every year approximately 15,000 people from countries across the globe come here. This Canadian province promises new jobs and career opportunities for people, apart from offering a congenial ambience to sustain. With the help of any professional immigrant lawyer, candidates can secure a permanent residency in Manitoba.

Based on the latest survey, Manitoba has received the highest number of nominations for permanent residency in 2018. So, if you are planning to make it to Canada, but not sure about your heading, Manitoba is the place. All you need is an experienced immigrant lawyer for guiding through all the legal procedures and formalities seamlessly.

You will be surprised to know that a huge number of people went were finalized for the Skilled Workers in Manitoba as well as and Skilled Workers Overseas immigration options in 2018. According to the released data from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) showed the total number of candidates to be 5,119.

Some Exclusive Details:

If you are unfamiliar with the term MPNP, it’s time to brush the basics. Broadly speaking, the MPNP is an exclusive part of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program. It is designed to allow the participating territories & provinces to nominate certain number of candidates under economic immigration for permanent residency every year.

Candidates usually hire the best immigrant lawyer to understand all the necessities related to this program to the core. Even being the oldest most provincial nominee program, it has been able to maintain its popularity till now. In fact, since its beginning, it has managed to attract tens of thousands of immigrants.

Statistics Time:

In accordance with the province rule, 90% of the immigrants have to be employed with their 1st year of stay in Manitoba. Needless to say, the same number prefers this place and chooses to settle over here. Moreover, for those who didn’t get a job are provided with community or family connection in the province. In 2018, only 21 percent of candidates came into this category.

 

What are the eligibility criteria?

To get considered for a nomination for this program, you must qualify certain criteria. Amongst the candidate pool, it becomes a tough decision to choose the deserved ones. Hence, the authority has entitled some regulations for an easy selection process.

You need to meet the following criteria to get eligible for the MPNP program:

• You must create & furnish an Expression of Interest or EOI at the province
• Also as deserving candidate, you should have sufficient experience of a skilled worker

Needless to say, the acceptance rate is quite high in Manitoba. Last year, over 25,000 skilled candidates delivered an EOI profile. Out of which, around 8,000 Letters of Advice to Apply had been issued.

Final Thoughts:

The major key finding is that in Manitoba 98% skilled workers get accepted every year. So, if you are planning to settle into Canada, hire an immigrant lawyer and increase your chance to make it permanently out there.

A Comprehensive Guide on Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada

A Comprehensive Guide on Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada

Every year a plethora of international students aspire to pursue their higher academics in Canada. To make their dream come true, they do all it takes to make it to this nation. Starting from preparing for all those standardization tests to hiring the best immigration lawyer, the candidates put in their best endeavors to achieve this feat.

Now comes the fun fact. For those who come and complete their education have a tendency to work in and for the country. This is mainly due to the following reasons:

• Work opportunity
• Cultural diversity

Addressing the growing popularity for continuing their stay, the Government of Canada has launched an exclusive program named post-graduation work permit or PGWP. This bespoke program is designed in order to provide proper assistance to international students to gain priceless work experience in Canada.

You must be thinking what is the added advantage to such a program? Well, this program also aids in getting those international candidates a permanent residence of the country. Needless to say, this path can also avail one the jackpot, i.e. a citizenship in the country.

Are you planning to make it Canada in the near future? Hire an experienced immigration lawyer. He will guide you through all the processes and norms. However, before you go that far, take a quick tour on this program for better comprehension.

Advanced Insights

Multiple employers in Canada seek workers for their enterprises with the right set of skills and language proficiency. International students coming from India, China, New Zealand etc. happen to possess the required skills and thus are capable of getting well-paid jobs in the country.

In accordance with the norm, this program lasts between eight months and two years. Moreover, if you study for at least 2 years in any Canadian government recognized university, you can gain a work permit for 3 years at a stretch.

Not to mention, the work experience which you will gain in this tenure will pave the path to get hold of Canada Express Entry program. Here’s not the end. In order to encourage the stay of the international students, the government has made some good changes encompassing the program.

As per the new rule, international students can now apply within 180 days of their graduation or post-graduation from any Canadian university. Earlier the days was limited to 90 days to make the application. However, with the doubling of the former number of days, it is to be expected that more and more number of students will be applying for PGWP. Hiring a professional immigration lawyer can help them get through the process seamlessly.

Advantages:

• No need for a separate study permit
• The earlier study permit will be valid for 180 days post completion of education
• Easy to obtain jobs
• Less hassle

You can also acquire all these advantages if you plan to go to Canada. However, to make it happen, you must qualify certain criteria.

What are the Qualifying Criteria?

• Candidates must retain a PGWP valid for the next two years
• They should also have a 4-years bachelor’s degree from an overseas university
• For those who lack the same need to have a diploma from any university of Canada
• International students should also have good marks based on the tests like CELPIP or IELTS
• They should also be able to relocate to the new job location within 30 days of accepting the appointment letter.
• Candidates must provide a commitment for working a minimum of 2 years at an entry-level position in the company
• Lastly, they have to agree for applying for immigration within 365 days after they join a Canadian company

Bottom line

That’s all in a nutshell! With such advantages and benefit-driven features, getting a PGWP is not a daunting task. All you need to hire a reputable and experienced immigration lawyer to guide you through the entire procedure.

Why You Should Choose Canada for Higher Education

Why You Should Choose Canada for Higher Education

Do you want to complete your higher education from a foreign university? Are you still asking yourself which country will help you best to complete the education?

The right answer to your questions is Canada.

Overtime Canada has become the most sought-after country for higher education. The positive attitude of the Canadian government has helped the students from all over the world to apply to the universities. If you are thinking about applying to Canadian Universities, it is better to get in touch with an immigration lawyer beforehand.

Just to be sure about your decision, check out the following benefits that you will get if you study at a Canadian University

English Is Everywhere 

The official native language of Canada is English and French. However, most people understand English and communicate in this language. Each and every Canadian University offer courses which are taught in English. You just need to find the right field for you and apply for the same. To know about scholarship opportunities and applying norms in Canada, you should contact an immigration lawyer.

Canada Has Many Top Ranked Universities of the World

Most of the Universities in Canada are highly reputed in the academic world. Many of the higher education institutions compete with the famed UK and USA universities. The graduate employability rate of Canada is also very high which really makes this country lucrative for the students.

Research Values

This is one of the key components of the graduate programs of Canadian universities. The universities support and give a scholarship to the students who have got the best research ideas. If the idea of the research is good, the industries and the government often come forward to bear the cost of your research. You just need to follow through some rules and regulations. The best option for you is to get in touch with an experienced immigration lawyer so that you do not need to worry about the nitty-gritty of law.

Beautiful Environment

The environment of Canada offers the students an overall soothing experience. In their off time, the students can explore different places of Canada to relieve the stress. The peaceful political environment also creates a safe haven for the foreign students.

Multicultural Values

Every year Canada allows thousands of immigrants from across the world. A large number of students that come to Canada for educational purpose often make the beautiful country their home. The multicultural values of Canada prevent any unpleasant racial situation from taking place. The government of Canada ensures that the value of different culture is respected and maintained properly in the country. To know more about the culture of the country contact an immigration lawyer immediately.

Immigration

As an immigrant student, you will be offered work permit at Canada. After the graduation is completed a three-year long work permit is automatically allocated to the students. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada can help the students so that they can get a visa easily. After working in Canada for a year you can also apply for permanent citizenship. You can read more about working in Canada after graduation here!

There is no doubt that Canada can provide the best opportunities to you. So, what are you waiting for? Get help from an immigration lawyer and apply for the Canadian Universities right away.

Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada: Total Fee Structure for the Express Entry System

Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada: Total Fee Structure for the Express Entry System

The second largest country in the world, Canada, is the new immigration hot spot. As per Statistics Canada, the country’s population increased by 1 million people in just 2 years. After all, it’s a country of countless opportunities, a better quality of life, free healthcare, and friendly people.

Even though more than 80 programs are available to immigrate to Canada, becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident can be tough, given the terms and expense. One of the easiest pathways to apply for Permanent Residency status in Canada is through the Express Entry program.

What is the Express Entry System for applying for Permanent Residence in Canada?

Express Entry is an electronic immigration selection system designed to choose skilled workers from overseas and grant them permanent residency in Canada. Devised to rank economic immigration candidates, the popular program invites candidates with qualifying CRS scores to apply for PR status in Canada.

The Express Entry process is pretty fast, screening potential applications in as little as 6 months. If selected, the eligible candidates (along with their families) are allotted permanent residency (PR) Status by the Canadian Government, valid for 5 years. Since Express Entry is a federal immigration system, immigrants are eligible to settle anywhere in Canada.

But, what is the cost to immigrate to Canada under the Express Entry System?

The Complete Fee Structure of the Express Entry Immigration Program

The exact amount of fees to be paid for immigration under the Express Entry program depends on the candidate’s profile. However, there are two major fees that every applicant must pay under the Express Entry immigration program.

Government processing fee for your family members and you

The processing fee is paid to the IRCC to process your immigration application and includes the following costs

• $550 CAD for the applying candidate
• $550 CAD if a spouse or common-law partner is accompanying the applicant
• $150 CAD for each dependent child

The right of permanent residence fee

The right of permanent residence fees includes the following costs

• $490 CAD for the applicant
• $490 CAD if a spouse or common-law partner is accompanying the applicant
• No right of permanent residence fee for dependent children.

In addition to the process and permanent residence fees, there is a list of costs Express Entry Program applicants must pay as a part of their PR application process.

Biometrics fee

When submitting the application, a biometric fee is levied to cover the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo. The biometric cost varies from $85 CAD per person to around $170 CAD if the applicant is accompanied by the family.

Language test fee

To gain PR status in Canada through Express Entry, an applicant must establish their language skills by taking an approved language test in English or French. The English language tests include IELTS (~ $300 CAD) and CELPIP. For the French language, there is TEF Canada and TCF Canada (~ $350 CAD). On average, the language tests cost around $300 CAD per person.

Educational Credential Assessment

Educational credential assessment is a report that must be submitted with the Express Entry application to access the applicant’s degrees and diplomas earned outside of Canada. It costs around $200 CAD for each applicant. Including the courier handling charges, the ECA would cost around $300 CAD.

Medical Examination

All PR applicants must have an immigration medical examination done in order to successfully file their application. The fee for this medical exam varies from physician to physician, but, on an average, costs between $250-320 CAD.

 

Category	Single Applicant	Applicant with Spouse	The applicant with Spouse & One Dependent Child
Application Processing Fee	$550 CAD	$1,100 CAD	$1,250 CAD
Permanent Residence Fee	$490 CAD	$980 CAD	$980 CAD
Biometric Fee	$85 CAD	$170 CAD	$170 CAD
Language Test Fee	$300 CAD	$600 CAD	$900 CAD
Educational Credential Assessment	$300 CAD	$600 CAD	$600 CAD
Medical Examination	$250 CAD	$500 CAD	$750 CAD
TOTAL	$1,975 CAD	$3,950 CAD	$4,650 CAD

 

If you want to apply under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), an additional fee is charged depending on the province chosen by the applicant. The applicable fee varies between $250 CAD for New Brunswick to $1,500 CAD for Ontario.

Hence, for a single applicant applying for permanent residency status in Canada under the Express Entry system, the total bearable cost would be around $2,500 CAD including all the miscellaneous expenditures.

How can I turn my tourist visa into a student visa in Canada

How can I turn my tourist visa into a student visa in Canada

Canada is one of the most beautiful countries to visit. The endless lakes, parks, forests, and monuments promise to make your vacation worthwhile. But, alongside all the beauty, the country is also home to world-class universities and a high-quality education system that attracts around 150,000 international students annually. So, if you are a tourist who is a student or are planning to pursue higher education, you might want to extend your stay in Canada to complete your studies.

But, is it possible to get your “Visitor Visa” or V-1 Visa converted into “Student Visa” or S-1 Visa in Canada?

Transforming your Canadian “Visitor Visa” to a “Study Visa”, As of now, you can’t just request your “Visitor Visa” to be converted into a “Study Visa” within Canada.
As per the official site of the Government of Canada, to study in the country:

1. The applicant should have a legal status.
2. The applicant should have a study permit (if applicable)

 

Tourists wanting to pursue a short-term course of study for six months or less do not require a study visa or a study permit. They can complete the course on their visitor visa before its expiration. However, no visa extensions will be granted for completing a short-term program.
If you wish to enroll in a long-term educational program, which has a duration of more than 6 months or will exceed the permitted time limit of your stay, from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you must apply for a study permit from outside Canada.
You are not required to get a new study visa if your V-1 visa is valid for a longer period than your study permit. However, most single entry visitor visas are valid for 6 months, so it is important to have a Study Visa (S-1) alongside your passport and study permit.

Why a “Visitor Visa” can’t be changed to “Study Visa” from within Canada?

Many tourists enter Canada using a “Visitor Visa” with an intent to study. A misconception is that they can simply file a change to update their “Visitor” status to “Student” status from within the country’s premises once they get accepted into a DLI institute. This mindset is quite common among foreign nationals and is referred to as “preconceived intent” – this might result in denial of your study permit.
Moreover, the officials at CPC find it difficult to perform background checks on foreign visitors from within Canada. This may delay the processing of your study permit, which will ultimately delay your visa.
Hence, to avoid the intent conflict and background check fails, it is advisable for visitors to apply for the study permit and S-1 visa before entering Canada, and, from their home country.

How to apply for a Study Permit as a Visitor in Canada?

To apply for a Canadian study permit and study visa, one would need
● An enrollment letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
● Proof of funds to show that you can afford your tuition fees, living costs and return travel
● No criminal records
● A medical examination to prove good health
● Proof that you will leave Canada once you complete your studies
Once you have submitted your application, you would need to wait until it is approved.

On approval, a letter of introduction, and an S-1 visa will be issued, which must be shown at border control in Canada along with a valid passport. Once you are given the clearance, you’ll be granted the student permit and will be allowed to stay in Canada for the duration of your course plus 90 days.

Planning to Relocate in Canada? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Planning to Relocate in Canada? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The government of Canada is set to welcome almost a million people as the permanent residents of the country. As per the government officials, the program has started from the end of 2017 and will run till the end of 2020. Along with that, the International Experience Canada has made it easy for young people, aged between 18 and 35, to move to the country.

No matter how big the opportunity is, it is important to do some research before making any decision regarding immigration to Canada. Consulting an immigration lawyer Toronto can help you fasten the process with better probability of succeeding. To make the research hassle free, a guide with detailed information about almost everything is provided below. Check out the information to make a knowledgeable decision.

Visa

Acquiring a valid visa is the primary step that you need to take. A visa is a stamp in your passport that indicates that you have been permitted to travel and stay, either permanently or temporarily, in the country. There are two categories of Canadian visa; i.e permanent visa and temporary visa.

Temporary Work Visa: With help of this type of visa, you can stay in Canada for a certain period of time. The time period is settled by either Canadian Consulate or the Border Services Officers. The new system of application requires the candidate to create an online profile. After proper verification, the profile will be submitted to the pool of candidates. The applications are randomly drawn from the pool at a regular interval. The invitation to apply for the work permit is then sent to the chosen applicant.

Permanent Visa

Express Entry System

The Express Entry program of the Canadian Government lets the immigrants apply for the permanent residency visa. In this system, applicants are able to create online profiles to convey their interest in the permanent visa for immigration to Canada. There are three economic immigration programs through which the candidates can create their work profile. The categories are depicted below.

• Federal Skilled Worker Class: This economic application category is specified for the experienced, skilled professionals. The professions that the applicants belong to must be sought after by the Canadian Government. A skill test will be conducted to measure the skillfulness of the candidate. Apart from the skill test, the candidates must fulfil some other criteria.
• Federal Skilled Trades: In this category, the applicants must have at least two years of experience. To apply, the candidates must have a job offer in hand or have a qualification certificate.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This is applicable for those applicants who have at least a year’s work experience in Canada. The language test and a medical test is must for the applicants to become eligible. The whole process takes almost 6 months to complete, but, you can apply for a bridging visa until the CEC is being issued.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

This is one of the most celebrated ways of gaining a permanent visa. In this category, the workers can get nominated for permanent residency, depending on the situation of the labor market of the particular region.

Business Immigration Program 

This is suitable for the self-employed, entrepreneurs and experienced investors. Apart from this, there is also a Self-Employed Persons Program. The Start-Up Visa for Entrepreneurs is another option for the immigrants to apply for the permanent visa.

Family Sponsorship Program

Through this program, the permanent residents of Canada can sponsor their spouse, conjugal partner, dependent child and other relatives to get a permanent resident visa of Canada. The sponsor becomes responsible for the financial wellbeing of the person they are sponsoring.

Finding Places to Live

When you are moving to a new country, finding a place to live can get a bit difficult. The government-run Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation can help you with the required information. You should complete all the procedure regarding immigration to Canada before searching for a house.

The best option is to rent a property instead of buying while beginning your new life in Canada. It is best to stay in hostels or motels before choosing the right place to stay. Check whether the basic amenities, such as heating and water, are working properly before renting any house.

How and Where To Find A Job

A job is the pivotal piece of a puzzle which helps to solve difficulties of starting a new life in an unknown country. Getting a job might sound easy, but the real world is starkly different than the imaginary one. Construction is the most sought after job in Canada. Apart from that, the following jobs are also considered popular among the immigrants. Immigration to Canada always becomes a little easier if you have a permanent source of income.

Skilled Workers

The shortage of IT workers in Canada is huge. The government is anxious that the country will struggle to fill the posts in the coming future. Along with IT, medicine and management sectors are also facing a severe deficit in human resources. As per the reports of the Canadian Government, the shortage will be getting worse in the coming five years.

Thus, people belonging to these professional sectors have more chance of getting their visa approved.

Skilled Traders

The most popular job description under this category is construction. However, electrician, millwright, plumber, and engineers are some of the job descriptions that people can apply to. The people who are applying for the fields of sales, accounting, and marketing should remember that it takes time to touch the bar of achievement that they are hankering after.

Salaries

Almost all the provinces of Canada offers good salaries to the workers. According to the reports, salary trends in Canada are on the rise. The reports have shown that average weekly earnings last year rose to 3.2 percent than the year before. Among the provinces, Alberta offers the most competitive salaries and lower living costs.

Health Care

Canada is revered all over the world for its free health care system. The provinces and the territories finance the basic health care services and most surgeries. The provinces have the last say regarding what should be covered by the state-sponsored medical insurance. Know the rules of the provinces regarding the health care before relocating there.

Being a tolerant country, Canadian Authority might cut some slacks for the immigrants. However, to start ahead, you should know every aspect of the country. Immigration to Canada will be smooth if you take the knowledgeable steps.

How Immigration is Impacting Canadian Jobs?

How Immigration is Impacting Canadian Jobs?

Since long, Canada is being a stringent supporter of providing roofs over the heads of immigrants and refugees. In the wake of the refugee crisis of 2016, when the world was showing their conservative sides, it was Canada which opened its border to almost 30,000 Syrian refugees. Only last year, Canada became a new home to 296,000 refugees and immigrants.

However, the Canadian immigration policies are being heavily criticized for sometimes. The concerns range from straining the social support system to lowering the average wages. Terrorism is another major concern of Canadian citizens. While some of the concerns have merit others are considered as biases against refugees and immigrants.

To solve this somewhat critical point of debate, here are some morsels of information about how the immigrants impact the Canadian job market and thus, impact Canadians.

Canada Has a Long History of Immigration

Did you read history in your school?

Well, if you had then you are well aware that Canada is built by the immigrants.

If you think we are talking about the 21.9% foreign-born population of Canada, then you are wrong. We are talking about the first days of this country. Canada transpired as a country after British and French started to build colonies in the 1600s. The indigenous people, who are often mistaken as immigrants, are the only true blue Canadians. Those indigenous people hold only 4.3% of the entire population. The remaining 95.7% of people are all immigrants or rather, the descendants of immigrants.

So, the multiculturalism and immigration have created the separate identity of today’s Canada. In fact, Canada is revered in the world stage for its diverse culture and open mentality for the immigrants. Many Canadians also respect this Canadian immigration culture that is well known around the world. 

Immigrants Are Maintaining the Population

The low birthrate of Canada would have made the population shrink if the immigrants were not allowed to move into the country. Not only Canada, but the shrinking population is also increasingly becoming a headache of the developed nations.

To maintain a steady population, the birth rate should be around 2.1 children per woman. This birth rate overweighs infant mortality, the number of men and other different factors.

In 1970s, the birth rate of the country dropped below the regular threshold for the first time. Since then, the number is dropping steadily. Currently, the Canadian birth rate is 1.6 children per woman.

This is the direct effect of education. As the women are enjoying better access to education and birth control, they have started to recognize their roles that are way beyond becoming a mother and a wife. Many European and Asian countries are also facing a similar situation. Japan is one of the widely cited examples in this matter. The governments of such countries are afraid about the future when the number of old people will outgrow the number of young ones.

The countries, that have a strong immigration system, can, however, avoid the catastrophic situation. Such countries, make sure that the population remains steady or continues to grow despite the lower birth rates. By creating easier Canadian immigration policies, the government is trying to do just the same thing.

Immigration is Good for the Canadian Economy

The economists and immigration lawyer around the world debate about the impact of immigrants on the total economy of the country. Not going into dreary detail, we can simply say that if the population drops, the economy of the country follows suit.

Fewer workers mean less number of goods and services that can be produced. If the production falters, so does the economic output. Currently, Canada is growing 1.5% annually. Now consider there are no immigrants in the country. That means, there is less manpower in the field of production. Which implies, less number of people have to produce the same number of goods and services to maintain the economic growth of Canada. Without the help of the immigrants, who are propping up the Canadian population, reaching this feat would have been next to impossible.

Let’s say the Canadians were able to produce all the goods and services without the help of the immigrants. Now, who will buy those products and services? The immigrant Canadians add to the country’s purchasing power also. With money in their pockets, the immigrant Canadians are able to purchase goods and services which in turn boosts the health of the Canadian economy. If there were no immigrants, then the country had to find new ways to sell the products to the external markets to maintain the growth rate.

So, the Canadian immigration policies are not only helping the country to maintain its cultural diversity, but it is also helping the country to maintain its economic growth as well.

Do Immigrants Drive Down Wages?

No.

The critics point out that as the immigrants are prepared to work in lower wages than the native-born Canadians they are pulling the wages rates down. This is one of the most outrageously biased points that the critics often use to win arguments.

The truth is, Canada has far too many jobs. When the number of vacancies is lower than the number of applicants, the employer tends to offer more wages to draw in talents. In the case of Canada, most of the industries are facing labor shortages. So, immigrants have no hand in making the wages lower.

In fact, some Canadian companies offer Canada born employees more wage as employers believe that they will require less training than the immigrants. The basic reason for the immigrants to get lower payment is that they are often compelled to work below their qualification.

Immigrants Make Sure That There is a Steady Supply of Skilled Workers

No country will allow immigrants if they do not play important roles which are beneficial for the country. Likewise, the Canadian immigrants fill important job gaps of the market. As a result of the lower birth rates, the workers in some certain area will start to shrink. For example, the skilled trade sector of Canada is seeing a severe shortage of workers. There are simply not enough persons in the country who can take place to the people who are retiring from the profession. Healthcare and IT sectors of Canada are also facing similar kind of problems.

There is no denying that open Canadian immigration system is creating some major problems. The immigrants, however, bring more to the country than the critics think. Thus, the best way is to solve the problem without getting biased. In fact, being the only country people find safe to move in, Canada should be proud and so should be the Canadians. If you are new to Canada, here are 4 things you can take benefits of immigrating to this lovely country!

What is the Minimum IELTS Score Required for Canada Immigration? [Updated for 2019]

What is the Minimum IELTS Score Required for Canada Immigration? [Updated for 2019]

If you are considering studying abroad or pursuing opportunities in Canada or 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

---

 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

---

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!

Are you looking to apply for the Express Entry program? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to give your application the best chance at acceptance.