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.