APPLYING TO WORK OR IMMIGRATE TO CANADA MARCH 19, 2009 Citizenship and Citoyennet et Immigration Canada Immigration Canada Canada
Visa Offices in the U.S. BUFFALO Regional Processing Centre Receives all immigrant applications DETROIT Immigrant & Non- immigrant processing LOS ANGELES Immigrant & Non-immigrant processing NEW YORK Immigrant & Non-immigrant processing SEATTLE Immigrant & Non-immigrant processing WASHINGTON, D.C. Visitor visas only
Student Employment - On campus employment - Co-op Work Permit (integral part of study) - Spousal employment open work permit - Off campus employment
Post-Graduate Work Permits Employment for up to a period of 3 years Graduated from a program at a post-secondary institution Full-time studies Application submitted within 90 days + valid SP Cannot be valid for a longer period than the length of the studies >2 years = 3 year permit <2 years but at least 8 mths = duration of studies
Work Permits - other Applicant secures job offer Employer obtains LMO - approval from HRSDC office (www.hrsdc.gc.ca) - or Employment may fall under exemption category (e.g. NAFTA, spousal, post-graduate employment, intracompany transfer, provincial nominee, etc.) Work permit is employer specific (up to 3 years) except for post-graduate/spousal work permits
Work Permits HRSDC Confirmation Applicant secures job offer Employer required to obtain approval from HRSDC office - LMO Worker must meet job requirements language/education/experience
Work Permits HRSDC Confirmation Is the job offer genuine? Impact on Canadian labour market - neutral or positive economic effect www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Work Permits HRSDC Confirmation LOW SKILL PILOT PROJECT To meet demand for workers in lower skill level occupations Maximum duration 24 months 24 months in 4 months out Employer responsibilities - return airfare - ensure affordable, suitable accommodation - provide medical coverage - employer/employee contract - provincial workplace insurance - demonstrate efforts to recruit and train CDN workers
Work Permits HRSDC Confirmation National Confirmation Letters National labour market opinion that applies to all foreign workers who have job offers in the described fields Information Technology Workers http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/itw-jobs.asp - Embedded systems software designer - Senior Animation Effects Editor - MIS Software Designer - Multimedia Software Developer - Software Developer Services - Software Developer - Telecommunications Software Designer
SPOUSAL EMPLOYMENT SPOUSE AND COMMON-LAW PARTNERS OBTAIN OPEN (I.E. NOT JOB SPECIFIC) WORK PERMITS IF PRINCIPAL APPLICANT S OCCUPATION FALLS WITHIN NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATION (NOC) SKILL LEVELS: O MANAGEMENT OCCUPATIONS A PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS B TECHNICAL OR SKILLED TRADESPERSON And - PRINCIPAL APPLICANT S WORK PERMIT IS VALID FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS
PERMANENT IMMIGRATION
Application Categories Economic Class Federal Skilled Workers Canada Experience Class Provincial Nominees Quebec Skilled Workers Investors Entrepreneurs Self-employed Family Class Spouses Children Parents Grandparents Others Humanitarian Class Refugees
ECONOMIC CLASS 1) Provincial Nominees : Province nominates a person if: - Skills are in demand in that province - Must intend to live in that province If the province selects the applicant, it will issue a Certificate of Nomination (BC, AB, SK, YK, MB, NB, NFLD, PEI, NS and ON participate in the program) 2) Quebec Skilled Worker: The province makes its own selection, and if OK, issues a Certificat de Selection du Quebec or CSQ. The applicant must intend to reside in that province See www.cic.gc.ca for details
ECONOMIC CLASS 3) Federal Skilled Workers: Points awarded on the basis of age, work experience, language proficiency, education, arranged employment and adaptability factors (spousal education, relative in Canada, work and study experience in Canada, ). Must have experience in a designated occupation. 4) Canadian Experience (NEW): The Canadian Experience Class is prescribed as a class of persons who may become permanent residents on the basis of their Canadian experience and who: -intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec; -have maintained temporary resident status during their qualifying period of work experience as well as during any period of full-time study or training in Canada. 5) Arranged Employment: LMO for indeterminate employment or in Canada on valid work permit and employer has made formal offer of indeterminate employment.
How Applications are Assessed Federal Skilled Workers: Federal Skilled Workers must meet the following basic requirements: At least one year of full-time equivalent continuous work experience in a NOC O, A or B occupation; Available, transferable funds for settlement Minimum of 67 units at selection Admissibility requirements (medical, criminal, security) Occupation must be in one of 38 specified NOC occupations
How Applications are Assessed 38 SPECIFIED NOC OCCUPATIONS 0111 financial managers 3233 Licensed practical nurses 0213 computer & information Systems Managers 4121 University Professors 0311 Managers in Health Care 4131 College & other voc instructors 0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers 6241 Chefs 0632 Accommodation Service Managers 6242 Cooks 0711 Construction Managers 7213/15/17 Contractors/Supervisors 1111 Financial Auditors and Accountants pipefitting/carpentry/heavy 2113 Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists equipment 2143 Mining Engineers 7241 Electricians 2144 Geological Engineers 7242 Industrial electricians 2145 Petroleum Engineers 7251 Plumbers 3111 Specialist Physicians 7252 Steamfitters/pipefitters/ 3112 General Practitioners/Family Physicians sprinkler system installers 3141 Audiologists & Speech Language Pathologists 7265 Welders/related machine ops. 3143 Occupational Therapists 7312 Heavy-Duty equip mechanics 3142 Physiotherapists 7371 Crane Operators 3151 Head Nurses & Supervisors 7372 Drillers/Blasters 3152 Registered Nurses 8221/8222/9212 Supervisors 3215 Medical Radiation Technologists mining/quarry/oil&gas drilling/ petroleum,gas & chemical processing
Skilled Worker selection grid Factor Points 1 Age 10 2 Education 25 3 Language proficiency 24 4 Work experience 21 5 Arranged employment 10 6 Adaptability 10 Potential maximum: 100 Minimum pass mark: 67
Minimum Requirements: Settlement Funds Available, transferable and unencumbered by debts or other obligations Family Size Funds Required 1 $10,601 2 $13, 198 3 $16,225 4 $19,700 5 $22,343
Age Age maximum 10 points 21-49 less 2 points for each year over or under
Education Education (max. 25) 25 = MA or PhD; minimum 17 years studies 22 = 2 undergrad degrees; min.15 years studies 22 = 3 year diploma/certificate; min 15 yrs studies 20 = 2 or 3 year BA; minimum 14 years studies 20 = 2 year diploma/certificate; min. 14 yrs studies 15 = 1 year diploma/certificate; min. 13 yrs studies 12 = 1 year diploma/certificate; min. 12 yrs studies 5 = secondary school credential R73 Education credential recognized by the authorities responsible for registering, accrediting, supervising and regulating such institutions in the country of issue
Language Assessment Two types of evidence: Written Submission - subjective Language testing more conclusive: Taking an approved language test is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED if have skills in a language that is not your native language IELTS: International English Language Testing System www.ielts.org CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program www.celpip.com TEF: Test d Evaluation de Francais www.fda.ccip.fr/
Minimum Requirements: Work Experience Must have been: Within 10 years before application Continuous full-time or equivalent Paid The NOC is a classification system for jobs in the Canadian economy. It describes duties, skills, talents and work settings for occupations At NOC skill level: O Management A Professional B Technical/Skilled Trades
National Occupational Classification (NOC) A classification system for jobs in the Canadian economy. It describes duties, skills, talents and work settings for occupations.
Arranged employment Arranged employment (max. 10) Full time, indeterminate JOB OFFER confirmed by Service Canada (HRSDC) OR Applicant presently working in Canada on work permit which is valid at the time of application and when the visa is issued, and the employer has offered indeterminate employment OR Presently working in Canada in a confirmation-exempt category including post-graduate work and the employer has offered indeterminate employment Note: Arranged employment for NOC O, A or B only
Adaptability Adaptability (max. 10) Education of accompanying spouse/partner (maximum 5) Previous full-time study in Canada in a program of study for at least 2 years while under a valid Study Permit - 5 points; Previous full-time employment in Canada for at least 1 year while under a valid Work Permit 5 points Relative in Canada (5 points) Arranged employment (additional 5 points)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) became effective September 17, 2008. This is a prescribed class of persons who may become permanent residents on the basis of their Canadian experience. They must intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec and must have maintained temporary resident status during their qualifying period of work experience as well as during any period of full-time study or training in Canada.
Two Streams Available Temporary Foreign Worker Stream Post-Graduation Stream
Temporary Foreign Worker Stream Must have 2 years of full-time equivalent work experience at the National Occupation Code (NOC) O, A or B level (managerial, professional or skilled and technical) acquired in Canada within the three years preceding the date application is made
Post-Graduation Stream Completed a required program of study in Canada and obtained a Canadian education credential (i.e. degree, diploma or certificate) Been enrolled full-time in the program of study or training for 2 yrs Acquired one year full-time equivalent work experience at the NOC O, A or B level in Canada, within the 2 yrs preceding the date the application is made
How Applications are Assessed Status English or French language proficiency Work experience for Temporary Foreign Worker Stream or Post-Graduation Stream Education requirement, for Post-Graduation Stream only
Status * Must have had temporary resident status during the period of work which qualifies for CEC, as well as during any period of full-time studies or training
Language Assessment Provide evidence that their proficiency in English or French has been assessed by a designated language testing agency for their abilities to speak, listen, read and write; or Must submit evidence of their proficiency in English or French
Language Test Results (IELTS) For applicants with work experience in NOC skill level O or A: must meet Benchmark (IELTS equivalent) skill level 7 or higher in all levels For applicants with work experience in NOC skill level B: must meet Benchmark (IELTS equivalent) skill level 5 or higher in all levels
Language Assessment One type of evidence: Language Testing IELTS International English Language Testing System www.ielts.org TEF Test d Evaluation de Francais www.fda.ccip.fr/
Other Evidence of Language Ability Written narrative explaining any language training and how English or French is used in day to day life; Certificates or transcripts to prove training; Letters from employers or instructors supporting language ability; Any documentary evidence that will help in the assessment of English or French proficiency.
What is the Process? THREE WAYS TO QUALIFY TO SUBMIT APPLICATION 1. Qualifying experience in one of the designated occupations 2. Arranged Employment Offer 3. In Cda for at least one year with valid worker or student status 2 & 3 Buffalo 1 - C&I Centralized Intake Office (CIO) Sydney NS app is reviewed and if applicable will direct you to submit complete app to visa office outside of Canada
How Long Does it Take? Routine application may take up to 12 months Supporting documents must be submitted Submission of complete application up front will reduce processing time! Medical examinations are required An interview may be required Police clearance certificates from all places of residence in the last ten years or since age 18 are required
Existing Priorities Applications prior to February 27, 2008 Processed in manner existing @ time of application Applications made on/after February 27, 2008 Provincial Nominees Quebec applicants Canada Experience Class Arranged Employment & 1yr as student/worker Skilled worker with experience in one of 38 NOC categories Investors Live-in Caregivers
Inadmissibility Criminal Medical Misrepresentation Note: Misrepresentation can lead to exclusion
Permanent Resident Card All immigrants & permanent residents issued state of art identity/travel document Numerous security features include laser engraved photo & signature, tactile printing, optical strip, validity limited to 5 years, etc. Required of all permanent residents as of 31 December 2003
Sources for Information on Canadian Immigration www.cic.gc.ca o o o o o o General information Application Kits Fee Schedules CIC Publications Links to Related Sites Updates on new Immigration Act www.canadainternational.gc.ca o o General information Links to other resources
Other Useful Websites Service Canada www.servicecanada. gc.ca NOC www23.hrdcdrhc.gc.ca Buffalo Consulate www.buffalo.gc.ca Government of Canada www.canada.gc.ca
Questions? Canadian Consulate General Detroit, Michigan www.canadainternational. gc.ca/detroit detroit-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca Citizenship and Citoyennet et Immigration Canada Immigration Canada Canada