Canada Won’t Issue Visas to Residents of Ebola-affected Countries

Canada has suspended the processing of all visa applications from the West African countries affected by the Ebola epidemic.

On Friday, Immigration Minister Chris Alexander issued the ministerial instruction as a measure of precaution against the spread of the disease by stopping travelling from that part of the hemisphere.

“There is an outbreak of a communicable disease in several regions of West Africa,” the instruction said. “The entry into Canada of persons who have recently been in those regions may introduce or contribute to the spread of the disease in Canada.”

Canadian visa posts in the region have immediately stopped processing both pending and new applications for travel and immigration from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

The ban also applies to those who have “resided, travelled or transited” in an Ebola affected country in the three-month period prior to the issuance of a visa. Processing fees will be refunded in those cases. However, “discretionary relief” would be granted to facilitate entry to Canada in justified cases.

“The precautionary measures announced today build on actions we have taken to protect the health and safety of Canadians here at home,” Alexander said in a statement.

“Our government continues to monitor the situation in West Africa very closely and will continue to act in the best interests of Canadians.”

Although Australia has already restricted admissions of visitors from countries battling Ebola, immigration experts say it’s a rare move by Canada.

“It is an unusual step,” said Toronto lawyer Mario Bellissimo, former chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s immigration law section. “(Canada) has the right to ensure a visitor is not a danger to the public, but this is targeting everyone from a region . . . . The question is: Is this an overreaction?”

While preventing potential virus-carriers from coming to Canada is a more effective disease control than medical screening at the borders, Bellissimo said the suspension on travellers from an entire country could potentially breach the Charter of Rights.

Both the UNMEER (the United Nations’ Ebola mission) and African presidents from the affected areas have asked Western countries to avoid such visa bans.

Australia’s move this week was criticized by World Health Organization director general Dr. Margaret Chan, who questioned the effectiveness of border closing in halting the spread of Ebola.

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Canada Immigration Closed for Parents and Grandparents

The Parent and Grandparent sponsorship programme has reached the maximum number of applications that will be accepted this year, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced last week.

It was a short-lived moment of euphoria for those families who had been waiting to reunite through the immigration programme that allows Canadian residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents.

As the programme re-opened this January, with much fanfare after two years, it reached the 5,000 intake cap within one month.

Now, the programme has been closed again, for at least one year.

On January 2, the CIC re-opened the Parents and Grandparents sponsorship programme for application, promising to accept 5,000 new applications this year.

In general, the Canadian government committed to welcoming 20,000 new parents and grandparents to Canada, drawing the remaining 15,000 candidates from the existing backlog of applicants.

Due to a backlog of applications and long processing times Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) had stopped accepting applications for the immigration stream on November 5, 2011.

Since then, CIC has been pursuing the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification, aiming to reduce the backlog.

In 2012-2013 it admitted approximately 50,000 parents and grandparents as Canadian permanent residents.

It also made permanent the Super Visa Programme, which allows parents and grandparents to enter Canada as long-term visitors.

In addition, it developed a renewed Parents and Grandparents stream, with the promise of faster processing times and a number of new requirements. Among some of these requirements were the increase of the minimum necessary income (MNI)  by 30 per cent, an extended period of demonstrating funds from one year to three, an extended sponsorship undertaking period to 20 years instead of 10, and reduction in the maximum age of accompanying dependents to 18 years or younger.

Commenting on the closure of the programme, the CIC said: “As the CIC has now received 5,000 complete applications, new intake into the Parent and Grandparent programme will again pause until next year, as we devote our energy to reuniting more families.

“By the end of 2014, we expect to welcome an additional 20,000 parents and grandparents to Canada, marking a substantial reduction in wait times for all applicants.”

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander said: “Our government understands the importance of spending time with family and loved ones and we committed to improving the immigration system so that families can be reunited more quickly.

“Canada has the most generous family reunification programme in the developed world.

Complementing this programme, the new Super Visa remains a convenient option with a high approval rate for those who wish to visit their families in Canada for up to two years at a time.”

The CIC encourages applicants who were unable to apply for the 2014 programme to consider the option of the Super Visa, which provides parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents with a visitor visa that can be renewed for two years at a time, for a period of up to 10 years.

Around 1,000 applications are accepted every month, and 87 per cent of the applications on average are approved.

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Canada to Introduce New Skilled Visa Application Process for 2015

Canada is to introduce a new visa application process in 2015 with the aim of attracting the best and brightest immigrants.

The process, provisionally entitled Expression of Interest (EOI,) is being described as a move from a passive economic immigration system to one that actively recruits skilled people to move to Canada to work.

‘We are getting ready to treat most immigration applications in a revolutionary new way. Having a job is the best path to economic integration and EOI will select immigrants based on their skills,’ said a spokesman for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC.)

‘EOI will select immigrants based on the skills Canadian employers need and they will be encouraged to pursue citizenship and be welcomed as equal members of the Canadian family,’ he added.

Planning for the change will be undertaken next year with the full system ready for launch in January 2015. There will also be a concerted effort to reduce backlogs in the current system.

‘As of January 2015, the EOI system will help switch from passive processing of applications in the order we get them to a prioritised system that gets in-demand people with the skills to succeed to Canada faster than ever before,’ the spokesman explained.

The 2014 Immigration Levels Plan is to make way for Citizenship and Immigration Canada to transition to the new system in January 2015.  EOI will operate in two steps. Prospective immigrants would indicate their interest in coming to Canada by providing information electronically about their skills, work experience and other attributes.

Individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria will then have their ‘expressions of interest’ placed in a pool and ranked against others already in the pool. CIC would only invite the best candidates, including those with in-demand skills or with job offers, to apply for a visa. Expressions of interest that are not chosen after a period of time may be removed from the pool. As a result, application backlogs would not accumulate and processing times will be kept to a minimum.

‘We will also assess applicants on a variety of other factors such as education, work experience and language ability with a greater emphasis on the ever changing needs of the Canadian labour market,’ the spokesman added.

The Canadian government is to work with provincial and territorial partners to make EOI a success and partnering with Canadian employers so they will be ready to find candidates in the EOI pool that meet their skills requirements when the domestic labour force cannot.

Further details about EOI will be released by Citizenship and Immigration Canada in due course and as they become 

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Canada Opens New Visa Centers in Manila and Cebu

Hoping to attract more immigrants, visitors and students, the Canada Immigration opened new visa application centers (VACs) in Manila and Cebu to make it easier and more convenient for Filipinos who wish to enter Canada.

"The Government of Canada plans to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth by attracting an increasing number of visitors as well as the world’s best and brightest talent to Canada," the Canadian Embassy said in a press statement Monday.

In an effort to speed up the application process for visas and permits, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is expanding their global network of VACs, which provides administrative support to applicants before, during and after their temporary resident application is assessed by a CIC immigration officer.

"Anyone wishing to apply for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or permanent resident travel document is encouraged to use the new VACs," the Canadian Embassy said. 

Applicants may contact VAC service agents by phone, email or in person. The service agents are able to answer questions in local languages and to make sure that applications are complete. "This helps avoid unnecessary delays or refusals due to incomplete applications," the Canadian Embassy said.

However, the embassy noted that VACs are not involved in the decision making process and are not authorized to provide applicants with advice about their visas.

For an additional fee, VACs also offer other services, including photocopies, application photographs and self-service computer terminals for those wishing to take advantage of the new online applications. 

The new VACs are located at:

• Manila:  6F Unit 608, Ecoplaza Building, 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Extension, Makati City
• Cebu:    9th Floor Keppel Center, Unit 905, Samar Loop cor. Cardinal Rosales Ave., Cebu Business Park, Cebu City

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Parent and Grandparent Super Visa Increased

More than one thousand Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applications have been approved in less than three months since the Super Visa program took flight, for an overall approval rate of 77 percent, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

“I'm pleased that the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is working as intended and giving large numbers of eligible parents and grandparents an opportunity to spend extended periods of time with their families in Canada,” said Minister Kenney. The process for getting a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is simple and straightforward. Applicants for the Super Visa must submit proof that the host child or grandchild meets a minimum income, demonstrate that they have purchased comprehensive Canadian medical insurance and undergo the Immigration Medical Examination. Almost 99 percent of Super Visa applicants who met these requirements also went on to meet all other standard admissibility criteria which are required for all visa applicants.

In the days following its announcement, Abbotsford-based writer Manpreet Grewal said that “few would argue the wisdom of the new parent and grandparent super visa.” She added that “the super visa will allow parents and grandparents to follow a natural flow between Canada and other countries without creating an unnecessary burden on the Canadian taxpayer or spinning families into unnecessary stress.”

As of February 26, 80 percent of the finalized Super Visa applications were processed to a final decision within 41 calendar days, well below the target of eight weeks. As application volumes ramp up, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will continue to aim for a Super Visa processing time of eight weeks or less.

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Liberal Immigration Critic Calls Conservatives’ “Super Visa” A Sham!

There has been a lot of discussion about the Conservative government’s new “Super Visa” in the community recently, but unfortunately it has turned out to be an insult to families desperate to bring their parents here. The Super Visa was supposed to bring families closer together by allowing parents and grandparents to visit their children in Canada for up to two years at a time over a decade.

But the reality is that most families won’t be able to afford the high-costs involved with the Visa, including meeting minimum salary levels and paying thousands for private health insurance. All of this is assuming the application is even approved, and we all know how difficult that has become under the Conservatives. Worse, the Super Visa controversy is distracting attention from the Conservatives’ decision to freeze parental sponsorship applications for two years – breaking a promise to new Canadians. For some, having the right to sponsor their parents is the reason why they chose to come to Canada. What the Conservatives have done – no matter what their excuse – is not right.

With a majority, the Conservatives have begun their Reform Party agenda, known for its anti-immigrant policies.  They have chosen to ignore all the hard-working new Canadians who elected them based on empty promises. In contrast, the Liberal Party of Canada believes in reuniting families. In government, Liberals worked closely with immigrant communities leading to a fair and flexible immigration system. Indeed, more immigrants have been welcomed in by Liberals than by any other Party in Canada.

Only with a Liberal government in Ottawa will Canada have an immigration policy that puts the concerns and needs of immigrants first.

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Canada Immigration Opportunities for Biologists and Related Scientists

Canada has a large demand for biologists and other scientists; Those looking to emigrate can apply under the Canada immigration Federal Skilled Worker program. This skilled immigration program is for people in a range of different occupations including for biologists, zoologists, pharmacologists, and geneticists. If you have skills in occupations listed on the Priority Occupation List under the Canadian skilled worker visa category you will not need sponsorship by an employer.

Canada Immigration uses a Priority Occupation List which is a list of occupations deemed in demand by the Canadian Government; There is an ongoing national skills shortage in a number of areas. Skilled workers are people who are selected as permanent residents based on their points score and ability to become economically established in Canada.

Skilled workers who meet the visa program's requirements which includes the requirement that you have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience within the last ten years can apply for a visa under the Federal Skilled Worker program. Applicants also need to pass the official language proficiency test in order to apply.

If your occupation is listed on the Priority Occupation List, you are eligible for skilled migration to Canada without needing to have a job offer from a Canadian employer. In addition, processing times are quite quick; You may be able to gain entry to Canada within months of beginning the application process.

Here is a list of Biologist and some similar priority occupations that are in demand in Canada. If you come under one of these occupations and gain enough points under the skilled worker visa category you should be able to emigrate to Canada.

• Biologist
• Botanist
• Geneticist
• Marine biologist
• Pharmacologist
• Toxicologist
• Zoologist

In order to qualify, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in biology or in a related discipline. A master's or doctoral degree in biology or a related discipline is required for employment as a research scientist in biology. Post-doctoral research experience is usually required before employment in academic departments or research institutions.

Once your application is submitted to Canadian Immigration and Citizenship, it will be processed according to the six selection factors in the skilled worker points grid, which are:

• your education
• your abilities in English and/or French
• your work experience
• your age
• whether you have arranged employment in Canada, and
• your adaptability

There are many ways to immigrate to Canada. If you don't meet the criteria to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you may qualify under another category.

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Family Super Visa Introduced by Canada

Canada Immigration officials on Friday announced a new two-year, multi-entry "super visa" for parents and grandparents of immigrants settled in Canada.

The move came after wait times for sponsorship of "family class" applications had grown to an unwieldy seven years or longer.

"Without taking action, those times will continue to grow, and that is unacceptable," said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney in announcing the move.

"Action must be taken to cut the backlog, reduce the wait times, and ensure that the parents and grandparents program is sustainable over the long run," Kenney said.

The multiple-entry "Parent and Grandparent Super Visa" will be valid for up to 10 years, officials said, and allow applicants to remain in Canada for 24 months before needing seek visa renewal.

The new visas will begin on December 1 and the will be issued, "on average, within eight weeks of the application," officials said.

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Upgraded Immigration Policy with Startup Visa Canada

On the heels of the Startup Visa Act awaiting presentation to Congress in the United States comes the launch of Startup Visa Canada, which aims to upgrade Canada Immigration program by making it easier for prospective entrepreneurs with Canadian investors to launch science and technology companies.

The movement has three principles behind it: Boris Wertz, an investor and co-founder of GrowLab; Danny Robinson, an entrepreneur, investor and member of the B.C. Innovation Council; and the Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA). "We are already falling behind countries like Chile, Singapore and Britain, who have already upgraded their programs," Mr. Wertz says, "but I believe we can learn from their programs and make ours better.”

NPR reported this week, in fact, that a Chilean government sponsored program called Start-up Chile is offering entrepreneurs from around the world $40,000 (U.S.) and a year-long residency visa to bring their business ideas to the country. And, the story points out, many American entrepreneurs are already taking Chile up on its offer. Owners don't have to know Spanish, since all commerce is conducted in English.

“Our belief is that we must promote a culture of entrepreneurship in order to successfully compete in the new global economy," says Chris Arsenault, director at CVCA. "Canada can become a beacon, attracting the best and the brightest from across the globe.”

It's hard to argue with a strategy designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses in Canada and create more jobs in the process.

Growing now, but where are we headed?

"While financial markets have been wildly gyrating this year, small business confidence has been on a relatively even keel," Laura Jones wrote in The Province this week. The senior vice-president of research, economics and Western Canada for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says confidence levels have registered between 65 and 75 on her organization's monthly business barometer, levels that are consistent with a growing economy. "As a point of comparison," she added, "at the low point during the 2008 downturn, confidence was at 35 on the index." The outlook, of course, is cloudy, given the economic uncertainty hanging over our neighbours in the United States.

Worldwide study characterizes entrepreneurs

A new analysis released Friday by Ernst & Young, the 2011 High-impact Entrepreneurship Global Report, provides insight into the characteristics of high-growth small-business owners. More than 800,000 people were surveyed in 60 countries worldwide, and more than 70,000 of them were entrepreneurs. It found that high-impact entrepreneurs (which E&Y defined as having estimated annual growth above 20 per cent) usually start their companies between the ages of 26 and 45. "They are more likely than entrepreneurs from lower-growth companies and the general population to have college or graduate degrees," the company says in a press release, "and they are likely to work in partnerships. Also, high-impact entrepreneurs are most likely to conduct a significant portion of their business internationally."

EVENTS AND KEY DATES

Innovation in Canada and Brazil

The opening seminar with an Innovation and Technology theme by the Brazil Canada Chamber of Commerce will put the concept in a global perspective. What role does innovation play in creating leadership in industry – and in countries? The seminar will include representatives from government, innovative companies and industry in Canada and Brazil. The all-morning event takes place Sept. 14 in Toronto at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre (250 Yonge Street, 35th floor). Cost is $40 for members, $60 for non-members.

The wattage meter rises

Dragon's Den panellist Kevin O'Leary and TV host and automotive industry expert John McElroy have been confirmed as speakers at the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show 2011, adding some star power to the proceedings. Mr. O’Leary will answer tough questions facing today’s manufacturers, including "how will the global recession affect your industry?" and "what can you do to protect your company and come out stronger?" Mr. McElroy is "expected to make auto makers sit up and take notice" as moderator of an automotive roundtable. The show takes place Oct. 17 to 20 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.

EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS

Forty is the new 20

Tired of headlines that read “Hottest Entrepreneurs Under 30,” or “Top 40 Under 40,” or “Top 20 Under 20?” Stories about technology entrepreneurs often ignore the grown-up crowd. But some of Canada’s hottest tech entrepreneurs launched their businesses after 40 – the arbitrary age that often acts as the upper limit of the “best of” lists. These six technology entrepreneurs share their stories, and prove that 40 is nowhere near “over the hill” for startup success. And check out the related photo gallery.

FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES

Connecting owners with immigrants

Many small business owners are in desperate need of skilled workers, but they are either unaware of or don’t consider the qualified pool of new immigrants that have already arrived in Canada, Maytree Foundation president Ratna Omidvar told reporter Carys Mills in July. Maytree is trying to come up with strategies to connect the two, contending it will bring benefits to both.

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Tips for a Successful Canada Immigration

It’s been a while since the last update of this blog. I already shared to you different Immigration tips for a successful immigration. Since many of us are having a hard time to go to the US, some of the immigrants choose Canada as the replacement for US. Now I will share to you guys the tips for the successful immigration in Canada.

During the immigration process you would be called in for an interview. To become a citizen it is important that you pass that interview. Questions are primarily designed to test the knowledge of the applicant but other questions relating the applicant’s background are also asked. Your confidence level would certainly help you a lot during such interviews. There are a number of tips that should be kept in mind which would ensure your interview to go as smooth as possible.

• Tell the truth no matter what. It is important to remember that if you lie intentionally during such an interview it may be caught at a later stage which would only cause problems. You might even end up getting deported back to your country. If you are questioned regarding your criminal record it is important to answer truthfully and explain the circumstances which led to the criminal activity. Maybe it wasn’t your fault in the first place so why lie about it.
• Bring all the necessary documents for the interview. Apart from that the best advice anyone could give you is to be on time. Arrive at the place early and you won’t have to rush through security in order to be on time for the interview. Catch your breath and enter the room confidently. You know what they say first impression is always the last impression.

• During the interview communicate well. If you don’t understand any question ask them to repeat it. Being shy at this stage wouldn’t do you any good. Listen to the question carefully when it is being repeated and answer accordingly. You would be able to answer a question in a much better way if you understand what is being asked. Guessing the answer wouldn’t do you any good either so it is always beneficial to ask them to repeat the question.
• As mentioned earlier the first impression is the last impression. The first thing an interviewer sees is you dressing. Before you start talking the interviewer would judge you by your clothing. There dress to impress. It is important that you feel at ease during the interview. Be yourself and don’t try extra hard to impress the interviewer. That wouldn’t help you in any way. In fact that can very well backfire and might damage the impression you may have created. Be polite and appreciative. After the interview is over thank the interviewer for taking your time and considering your application. Do not go out of your way to thank the interviewer. Being overly grateful might not be the right attitude for such situations. Just a quick acknowledgment should suffice.

Attention to every little detail should be given. Even the slightest of things can affect the whole process and determine the success and failure of the interview. It is necessary for you to prepare for the interview and be organized. Show you are confident and give it your best shot.

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Canadian Immigration Remained at High Levels in 2009

The rate of immigration and Visa for Canada applications remains high with more than 500,000 new permanent and temporary residents in 2009. Immigration Minister Jason Kenney had the following to say:

"Momentum toward a full economic recovery continued throughout 2009, and immigration will continue to support that momentum."Immigration Minister Kenney went onto say that "The Government of Canada is maintaining immigration levels to meet Canada's short-, medium- and long-term economic needs, help offset our aging population and low birthrate, and sustain our workforce."

Canadian immigration released the following immigration statistics:

• There were 252,124 new immigrants in 2009. Canadian immigration had a target of between 240,000 and 265,000 new permanent residents. 
• The immigration levels are 30,000 higher than the average annual intake of permanent residents in the 1990s. 
• Sixty percent of new Canadian immigrants were economic migrants bringing must needed skills and experience to Canada. 
• There were 178,640 temporary foreign workers and 85,131 foreign students who came to Canada in 2009.

Canadian immigration also mentioned that overseas workers and students who graduate in Canada can remain through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and through a provincial nominee program. In 2009 Canadian immigration accepted 2,544 CEC applicants. Immigration Minister Kenney had the following comments to make:

"The number of foreign students who came to Canada by means of Canada Sudent Visa grew by seven percent last year, resulting in the highest number of foreign students ever admitted to Canada." He went onto say "To be a more innovative society able to compete and prosper in a global, knowledge-based economy, Canada needs people with an international outlook, skills and experience. Attracting more international students is a priority for our government."

Canadian immigration also provided further details of refugee statistics:

• 22,844 refugees emigrated to Canada. This included resettling 7,425 government-assisted refugees and 5,036 privately sponsored refugees.
• There were also 10,383 refugees in Canada who had made successful asylum claims plus their dependants.
• Further immigration reforms will if they go ahead result in an increase in twenty percent in the number of government-assisted and privately sponsored refugees resettled in Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) also released the most requested statistics from the last quarter of 2009 (September to December).

Source: workpermit.com

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