The change of Canadian Government, which will take effect on January 1st 2014, will redefine the definition of dependent child to someone younger than 19, rather than the current 22, and remove an exception for older children who are studying full time.
 Immigration and Citizenship Canada (CIC) reports that the change reflects the government’s objectives in terms of “fueling economic prosperity, transition to a fast and flexible economic immigration system and targeting those with the skills to meet labor needs”.
Under the current law, to be considered as dependent child, they need to be under 22 and remain single. However, there is still exemption for those over 22 if they depend on the parents’ financial support and have attended school continuously as full – time students.
The new rule for dependent child will not affect those applicants in the process but those who file an immigration application after January 1st, 2014 will have to follow the new rules.

CIC News

In 2012, during the speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Prime Minister Stephen Harper gladly praised Canada for its fiscal rectitude: the best debt – to GDP ratio, the lowest tax rate on business investment, and the world best banking system. Combined with the rich natural resources and the stable economic development, Mr. Stephen Harper concluded that “Canada’s choice will be, with clarity and urgency, to seize and to master our future, to be a model of confidence, growth and prosperity in the 21st century”.

Canada, in fact is proud for its success of quickly recovering from economic downturn. While the States and some parts of Europe are on the edge of bankruptcy, Canada is in the enviable order. Steady debt reduction, reforms to the tax and pension systems and rigorous financial regulation over the past 15 years enabled Canada to weather the crushing downturn of 2008 better than most of the world.

Besides the growth of economy, Canadian cities’ rankings are always at or near the top of place for education, business establishment, family raising and long healthy life. Moreover, the crime rate has dropped for 20 years. Even the quality of air, according to World Health Organization, is excellent.

• #1 Best country for business (Forbes, 2012)
• #2 Best quality of life’s country (The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2012)
• #3 Best quality of air’s country (WHO, 2011)
•  #10 Best country for Education (Education firm Pearson, 2012)

What is more? Mr. Rob Jekielek, a principal at New York–based Reputation Institute, a research and consulting company, states that Canada has huge advantage to become a leading player in finance and education, and even energy superpower thanks to tremendous amount of reputation capital.

These are factors that attract talents from around to world to come and settle down in Canada. Immigration Canada shows that the number of American temporary residents in this country grew by almost 15% in 2009. At the UK, a recent poll by Angus Reid found that almost half of British respondents would prefer to raise their families in Canada. In addition, Angus Reid discovers that the level of economic satisfaction in Canada is much higher than in the U.S. and U.K, with 9 out of 10 Canadian think their country is the best one in the world.

(Photo: Scott Gardner/Canadian Press)

Source: canadianbusiness.com

Minister Kenney announced that the Government’s number one priority is to serve better in remaining jobs, growing economy and keeping long term prosperity. Thus, Mr. Kenney ensured that the selection criteria for skilled immigrants can answer the needs of Canadian economy; and help skilled immigrants adapt easily to Canada’s life and fully realize their potential in the new country.

The improvements to the FSWP points grid are based on a large body research which has consistently shown that language abilities and youth are the two key factors to the success of skilled immigrants in Canada.

The final changes of the program selection criteria include:

• Language is the most important factor in the selection process;
• Young age is received more points in the criteria;
• The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) will be introduced; which helps reflect the true value of immigrant’s education in Canada.
• The process of employment changes to shorten the waiting time, if skilled applicants can show their qualification, which matches the Canadian labor market; and
• More points for Adaptability sector for the language ability of spouse and Canadian work experience.

Minister Kenney admitted that there are too many immigrants in Canada, which have experienced underemployment and unemployment, and this has been detrimental to these newcomers and to the Canadian economy. The positive point about changing of the selection criteria of FSWP is to ensure the new immigrants fully contribute their skills and qualifications to the economy as soon as possible.

In addition, there are two new steps to the new selection system.

1. Applicants demonstrate the minimum language threshold, which is level 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark assessment system. To prove their language proficiency, applicants need to get the language test from existing agencies designated by the Minister
2. Applicants must have their education credentials assessed before landing in Canada. The list of organization that can assess the education credentials will be available early in the New Year. The assessment of foreign educational credentials aims to provide applicants the realistic understanding of how their credentials are compared to the Canada’s education standards. Plus, the action of upgrading applicants’ education can be done prior to coming Canada.

The changes will not apply to people who have applied for the program before May 4^th, 2013 with reserved job or under Ph.D. stream.

The new system will also reduce the processing time to few months, rather than few years. Plus, the new Federal Skilled Workers program will accept the fixed number applications each year to fasten the processing time and avoid backlogs.

The Government is also working on the development and implementation of an Expression of Interest (EOI) model in the medium term, which will provide employers to easily access to the pool of skilled applicants.

(Source: CIC)

Minister Kenney asserts that this new immigration program for skilled tradespersons can significantly help some of Canada’ regions overcome the labor shortages and also enhance the economy. Mr. Kenney also admits that the country immigration system did not work well in terms of addressing the labor demand in the market. Therefore, these changes will let us “move to a fast and flexible immigration system that works for Canada’ economy”– said Mr. Kenney.

For the moment, people who want to apply for this immigration program must meet the following criteria are listed below:

1. have an offer of employment in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory to ensure that applicants are “job ready” upon arrival;
2. meet a basic language requirement;
3. have a minimum of two years of work experience as a skilled tradesperson, to ensure that the applicant has recent and relevant practice as a qualified journeyman; and
4. have the skills and experience that match those set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC B) system, showing that they have performed the essential duties of the occupation.

For the first year of the program, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will accept up to a maximum of 3000 applications to ensure the fast processing times, avoid backlogs and manage intake. 

Mr. Michael Atkinson, the President of the Canadian Construction Association adds that the introduction of the new Federal Skilled Trades Programs will help address the shortcomings from the current Federal Skilled Worker Program. Plus, the new program provides greater consideration to the needs of industry when processing immigration applications.

Dan Kelly – President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business shows his happiness to the launch of the new program. Mr. Kelly said that the new immigration can work well for small employers who are in the great needs of skilled trades’ people

The eligible occupations will include trade people who are electricians, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and pipefitters, among others. CIC is working on the list of skilled trades’ occupations by gathering information from provinces, territories and Federal government partners. The list will be announced at any time prior to the opening of the new program on January 2, 2013

Additionally, the Federal Skilled Trades Program will supplement to other immigration programs for skilled tradespersons to immigration Canada, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs and Canadian Experience Class

Minister Kenney concludes that the new Federal Skilled Trades Program, as proposed in Economic Action Plan 2012, will help facilitate the entry of skilled tradespersons and transform the immigration system of Canada into a fast and flexible system focused on jobs, growth and long – term prosperity.

(Source: CIC)

B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Province to nominate the chosen candidates to apply for accelerated permanent residence via Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Since 2007, the program has nominated more than 17,000 individuals, including approximately 16,600 skilled workers and 400 immigrants in the business category. More importantly, over $700 million and 1,600 new jobs have been created thanks to business immigrants.

Through the Fast Track Option, applicants under business stream are allowed to request immediate nomination for permanent residence if they deposit the amount of $125,000 to the Province. The deposit will be returned to the Fast Track nominees without interest when they satisfy their PNP performance agreement. In case the applicants are failed to meet their performance obligation, the Province will keep the deposit.

With the regular nomination process, where there is no deposit, applicants are required to establish the business before being nominated by the province.

Since 2007, 26 applicants have successfully immigrated to Canada under Fast Track Option, along with 261 applicants nominated via the regular nomination process. The review aims to examine the benefit of Fast Track Options regards to regional job creation and contribution to B.C.’s competitiveness in attracting more business immigrants.

The suspension of Fast Track nomination option will not affect the process of assessing business immigration applications for PNP. In fact, all applications will be continually assessed and nominated via regular nomination process.

The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labor expects to finish its reviewing of Fast Track Option within the next 60 days. Then, changes will be implemented to ensure the effective ongoing of the business stream of B.C. PNP.

Frequently Asked Questions regards to the suspension event:

Q: For how long will the Fast Track Option be suspended?

A: The B.C. expects to finish its reviewing of Fast Track Option within the next 60 days. Then, changes will be implemented to ensure the effective ongoing of the business stream of B.C. PNP.

Q: How will suspension of the Fast Track Option affect the review of applications already submitted to the BC PNP?

A: The suspension of Fast Track nomination option will not affect the process of assessing business immigration applications for PNP. In fact, all applications will be continually assessed and nominated via regular nomination process.

Q: What are my options now that the Fast Track Option has been suspended?

A: If your application was approved before November 15, 2012, and you sign a performance agreement, you will still be eligible for the Fast Track Option.

If your application is still in process, you will not be eligible for the Fast Track Option at this time and you may choose to either: (1) continue your application under the regular nomination process, or (2) withdraw your application and receive a refund of your application fee.

Q: Will the suspension of the Fast Track Option affect the processing time for applications under the BC PNP?

A: No.

Q: How can I obtain more information about the suspension of the Fast Track Option?

The BC PNP will be contacting applicants who have submitted an application to advise of the suspension and inform them of their options. This includes approved applicants who have been issued a work permit within the last six months.

Source: newsroom.gov.bc.ca

The important point has been discussed throughout two – day meeting is the development of Expression of Interest (EOI) system. EOI will ­assist Canada’ s immigration system in quickly selecting applicant that meets the demand of labor market. The system will provide chances for FPT governments and employers in accessing to a pool of skilled workers.

Minister Jason Kenney, Federal Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, asserts that the main priority of the federal government is to focus on the growth of economic and job creation. This is where immigration plays a vital key role in Canada’s long term prosperity. Mr. Kenney also adds that the resilient cooperation between governments of Federal, provincial and territorial is the key success of Canada’s immigration system and securing better outcomes for new immigrants.

Stephen Khan, FPT Meeting Co-Chair and Alberta Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education adds that the Canada’s immigration system must be more competitive compared to other developed country. The FPT Ministers strongly agree that Provincial Nominee Program has helped spread the benefits of economic immigration across the country. Therefore, they are willing to show their commitment and effort to the development of Canada economy via immigration system.

Source: CIC

There is a common question raised among applicants for New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program whether they must operate a business in New Brunswick after two years landing in Canada.

When immigrants first arrive in New Brunswick, they have to sign the agreement called Deposit Agreement between New Brunswick Province and Immigrants, which is stated that:

• Both parties recognize that New Brunswick has particular needs and circumstances, and that New Brunswick is best positioned to determine the specific needs of the province vis-à-vis immigration. Both parties further agree that these needs can be accommodated insofar as they are not incompatible with national immigration policy (as stated below);
• New Brunswick has the sole and non-transferable responsibility to assess and nominate candidates who, in New Brunswick’s determination:

a)      will be of benefit to the economic development of New Brunswick; and

b)      have a strong likelihood of becoming economically established in New Brunswick

Becoming economically established means you need to start your business after being accepted in Entrepreneur Program.

• Provincial Nominee applicants may be nominated on the basis of economic benefit to New Brunswick, including long-term regional growth and community development.
• Upon receipt of the Certificate of Nomination from New Brunswick, Canada will:

a)      exercise the final selection; 

b)      determine the admissibility of the nominee and his or her dependents with respect to legislative requirements including health, criminality and security; and

c)      issue immigrant visas to provincial nominees and accompanying dependants who meet all the admissibility requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations and of this Annex.

At the Federal level, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible to make the final decision to grant the Certificate of Nomination for immigrants, NOT New Brunswick.

• Canada will consider a nomination certificate issued by New Brunswick as a determination that admission is of benefit to the economic development of New Brunswick and that New Brunswick has conducted due diligence to ensure that the applicant has the ability and is likely to become economically established in New Brunswick.
• Subject to applicable legislation and polices governing the disclosure of personal information, Canada and New Brunswick agree to share information on prospective and actual immigrants so as to maximize the effect of recruitment and retention efforts. This will include tracking of provincial nominees to New Brunswick for a minimum of three years from their date of entry, as a basis for assessing the effectiveness of targeted recruitment and integration and retention activities. Based on the strict controlling activities of Federal Government, they will know whether applicants operate the business and then make their decision based on the case(s).

Based on the information above, it is really dangerous if immigrants fail to operate a business after two years of landing. As stated in New Brunswick Immigration policy, applicant who fails to do so, have to make extension request to New Brunswick officers, which will be transfered to the Government of Canada. The Government will then base on the recorded activities during two years in accordance with the National Immigration Policy and New Brunswick Immigration Policy to make the final decision whether or not to remove the PR visa of applicants. Upon the final decision is make, the New Brunswick Government will retain the deposit of $75,000. If applicants are not rejected, New Brunswick will keep the $75,000 deposit but if applicants are rejected by the Federal Government and their visas are removed, New Brunswick will give back the deposit.

You can find information regarding to the National Immigration Policy and New Brunswick Immigration Policy below:

National Immigration Policy

Sect 6 art 70(1)

(b)   The foreign national is coming to Canada to establish permanent residency

(c)    The foreign national meets the Selection Criteria and requirements

We can find the requirements under IMMIGRATION & REFUGEE PROTECTION REGULATIONS – SOR /2002/227; amended on November 17, 2011:

Art (98)

(a) entrepreneur must control a percentage of the equity equal or greater than 33 1/3% (except for Quebec 25%)

(b) entrepreneur must provide active and ongoing management into Canadian business

(c) The entrepreneur must meet the conditions for a period of at least 1 year.

The law also refer to agreement done with a province, if applicable (and it will be the case with New-Brunswick PNP).  Normally, the agreement with a Province will contain more detail and the Federal Government can refer to this agreement also to make a decision.

New Brunswick Immigration Policy

In the step 8 of New Brunswick Immigration Policy:

“Establish your business and fulfill the investment requirements as outlined in the Deposit Agreement. Until the business is established you must provide bi-annual updates on the status of your business.”

The Deposit Agreement between Province and applicants specifies the terms and conditions of applicants agreement to make a financial investment in a business in New Brunswick.

Conditions of New Brunswick Provincial Nomination Program

Applicant’s business is established within two years of landing in Canada.

• Your business is registered or incorporated.
• You provide proof that a minimum $125,000 CAD business investment has been made.
• You have assumed a day-to-day managerial role in the business.
• Your business has been operating for one year.

So it is a totally false information if a consultant tells you that you can just make a deposit (or payment) of 75 000$ CAD and getting the PR without opening a business.

We invite you to report this kind of behavior to Canadians authorities because some immigrant could be penalized with this kind of information.

How do I report Internet or e-mail scams and fraud?

In Canada, you can report Internet fraud or other scams by contacting the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Call Centre.
 
Toll-free: 1-888-495-8501                      Overseas and local: 1-705-495-8501
Toll-free fax: 1-888-654-9426
E-mail: info@antifraudcentre.ca

Toronto, November 2, 2012 — According to Jason Kenney – Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, by the end of 2013, Canada will have a fast, flexible “Just –in-Time” immigration system, which can respond to the labor market. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced that the number of people under Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) category in 2013 will increase up to 55,300 people. Together with concrete effort taken to manage the backlog, by the end of 2013, CIC can process new applications less than one year instead of eight years under the old FSW program as applicants are received a flexible “just in time” system. Additionally, CIC’s expectation is to clear up the FSW applications received to date by the end of 2014.

The transformation will also allow the introduction of an Expression of Interest (EOI) system – allows employers and provinces quickly sort through the pool of applicants and send the promised applicants to either skilled worker or provincial nomination program. EOI system will be put in place for FSW and probably other economic immigration streams. CIC, at the same time, is moving forward to a just-in-time systems where match people with skills that can answer to the requirement of Canada’ labor market, decrease file processing’s time, and get immigrants working in a short period of time.  

Minister Kenney stated that the Government’s act on immigration is to remain the economy and job growth for the country as it is their number one priority. However, the immigration backlogs are the obstacles to attract the world’s top talent. Minister Kenney concluded that with the decisive actions taken to tackle the backlog, Canada can select immigrants that can meet the needs of Canadian labor market. More importantly, the time required for processing applications can be reduced to less than 12 months.

In 2013, CIC is planning to receive between 53,500 to 55,300 Federal Skilled Workers, including their family (spouses and dependents). In addition, the new selection criteria for FSW will take effect when FSW program reopen in 2013. The final change in regulation will be available in Canada Gazette later this year.

(Source: CIC)

The lists of honored entrepreneurs are at following:

• Valery Tolstikhin from One Chip Photonics Inc., which hires 85 workers producing low cost optical transceivers. Tolstikhin won in the fast growth enterprise category. He also member of advisory committee at Algonquin College.
• Dipak Roy from D-Ta Systems has successfully generated sonar radar for the defense and aerospace industry. He also has another company with 60 employees before selling it to GE in 2003. Roy has won among the innovation – oriented enterprises.
• Vinod Rajasekara is the co – founder of HUB Ottawa. He is recognized for his contribution to the social enterprise in the city as HUB Ottawa has been effectively foster networking among office space to enhance innovation across sectors in the city.
• Obaid Ahmed from OAK computing was honored in the youth category. Ahmed’s achievements are his contribution in several start-up companies, entrepreneurs’ mentor and donation of his services to non – profits in Ottawa.
• Supiya Mishra, who is owner of visionTech4u won awards as a woman entrepreneur. Mishra’s work is as a IT consultant, where she is in charge of administering IT infrastructure, designing websites and marketing through social media.

Manjit Basi, who is in the judge panel  and also a successful immigrant, happily comments that she is glad to see such a number of talented immigrants. Basi states that the honored entrepreneurs are not only focus on developing their business but also putting back into the community. Moreover, she hopes that this kind of award will act as a bridge to bring the great contribution of entrepreneurs to society recognition and a good tool to encourage them.

To read more information about awards, click here.

(Source: Ottawa Citizen, 2012)

(Source: Aberta Report About Immigration Progess, 2012)