Latest NEWS!
January 12, 2013

Beginning May 4, 2013 the New Federal Skilled Worker Program will re-open and CIC will accept new applications. Only a fixed number of applications will be accepted and these will now be processed in a few months rather than years as was the case before.

The Canadian Government is placing greater emphasis on language skills and youth. Prior knowledge of English and/or French is now the most important criteria in the selection process for Skilled Workers. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is also being introduced, so that education points awarded to applicants will more accurately reflect the foreign diploma's true value in Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will also give additional points for a spouses language ability and any Canadian work experience (prior to application) he or she might have. More details to follow...

March 29, 2012: In Canada's new budget the Department of Finance revealed that Canada Immigration is "proposing to return applications and refund up to $130 million in fees paid by certain federal skilled worker applicants who applied under previous criteria established prior to February 27, 2008."

As of January 1st 2012, all Canadian Experience Class applications must be submitted directly to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. See: Canada Experience Class

New Quebec Immigration Application Fees (Jan 1, 2012)
New Parent and Grandparent Super Visa (Dec. 1, 2011)
New Rules for Live-in Caregivers (Dec. 11, 2011)
New Generic Application Form for Canada (July 18.2011)
New Rules for skilled workers (June 26, 2011)
New Language Testing Rules (June 26, 2011)
New List of Occupations in Demand (June 26, 2011)
New Investor Requirements (June 26, 2011)

Quebec Experience Program. If you are a foreign student or a temporary worker in Quebec you can benefit by an accelerated 60 day process on paper (no interview) with a minimal knowledge of French. More information

New Rules for Live-in Caregivers
(from CIC News Release Dec. 15, 2011)

"The Government of Canada has taken action to protect live-in caregivers from abuse and exploitation with regulatory improvements implemented in the Live-in Caregiver Program in 2010 and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2011. Changes include:

* allowing live-in caregivers to apply for permanent residence after 3,900 work hours, rather than two years of work, to ensure overtime is appropriately recognized;

* the elimination of the need for a second medical examination when the caregiver applies for permanent residence;

* increasing the amount of time a caregiver has to complete their work obligations, from three years to four;

* the adoption of a standardized employment contract that ensures both parties agree to the salary, hours of work, vacation time, overtime, holidays, sick leave, and the terms of termination and resignation;

* defining the costs the employer is obliged to pay, including the caregiver’s travel expenses in coming to Canada, medical insurance, workplace safety insurance and third-party representative fees;"

For more information please see: Live In Caregivers

An Immigration Tip
Did you know that Quebec Immigration offers the ONLY truly open application process for Skilled Workers immigrating to Canada?

That's right!

To apply to any other part of Canada, except Quebec, you need to be on the List of Occupations in Demand. And this list is now closed until July 1, 2012!

To apply to any province except Quebec under a PNP program you need an employer to initiate the process on your behalf. Not for Quebec. You do not need to be on any Occupation in Demand List and you do not need a pre-arranged job offer.

New Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

As of December 1, 2011, you may be eligible to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa and enjoy visiting your family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew your status.

See: Sponsoring Family

Note: As of July 18, 2011, applicants for Permanent Residence are asked to complete the new Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008). Applicants are encouraged to complete the form electronically and validate the information to generate 2D barcodes before printing. To ensure you have the most recent application form, please use the link to the application forms.

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