An overview of Quebec Immigration

In the province of Quebec, as contrary, the first official language is French and English is considered as a second language. As 85% of the population in the province of Quebec is French-speaking, the Government of Quebec has made a contract with the Federal Government of Canada to pick and select its own immigrants. Since 1993, the province of Quebec has its own immigration department, offices and visa officers all over the world.

Quebec is an extremely multi-cultural society with a large population of Asian origin. Quebec also has an extremely high living standard and very safe cities with little crime rates.

Quebec immigration regulations are too based on the point system and profession list. As per the most recent regulations Quebec has three occupations lists:

1. High Demand occupation list
2. Occupations with preferred training
3. Non admissible occupation list

The immigration evaluation process involves two stages, the initial stage under which the candidate have to meet minimum requirements and then an evaluation is made under the second stage for immigration purposes.

In the primary stage, a passing point of 30 for single persons and 35 for married persons is set. The criteria based on which points are given are Education, Work Experience, Age, Knowledge of French and English language; reside in Quebec and association / relations in Quebec. If married, Education, Age, Work Experience and languages proficiency of applicant’s spouse.

Once a candidate has met this minimum requirement an evaluation is made under a special set of selection points where the passing point is 50 for unmarried and 58 for married persons. The criteria based on which immigration assortment are made are same as phase 1 and extra criteria included are personal qualities, motivation, knowledge and Stay of Quebec, number of children and Settlement fund.

Applicants who meet the criteria of the Quebec immigration program are required to formulate an application to the Quebec Immigration office using the given forms duly completed along with all supporting documents. The government of Quebec holds an interview of the applicant. Visa processing fee of $300 CAD for main applicant and $100 CAD for each additional person included in the application has to be paid to the Government of Quebec. Applicants have to also show a minimum required funds in bank or cash.

Interviews are conducted in French or English. Though, better the command of French language, the better are the chances of passing the interview. On passing the interview a selection certificate known as Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ) will be issued to the applicant by the Quebec government.

When this Quebec Selection Certificate is received, applicants are required to make an request to the Canadian government for federal approval together with passing a medical examination and security and criminal checks, the same visa processing fees i.e. $550 CAD per adult and $150 CAD per child and Right of Landing fees $975 CD per adult. The CHC office does not carry out an interview.

As a general rule, applicants under the age of 35 years with good understanding of English, six months study of French language at a French speech school and with six months of work experience might have very high chances of getting Canadian Immigration under the Quebec Immigration Program.

Recent changes in Quebec Immigration programs

Quebec Immigration Minister Yolande James has recently publicized changes to Quebec’s immigration program that would make simpler and faster the immigration procedure for international students and foreign workers in Quebec in addition to make easy the selection of immigrants who can accomplish the province’s economic and labor market requirements.

Though the province of Quebec welcomed over 45,100 newcomers to previous year, it is facing a considerable labor shortage. The goal of the planned changes is to catch the attention of more immigrants in the coming years.

The majority of the changes will not be in operation until later this year. Though, some rules have previously been implemented, and some details about potential changes have just been announced.

The most important change is the beginning of a completely new program, called le Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ). The program will facilitate foreign students and temporary workers in Quebec to immigrate enduringly to Quebec under a easy application process if they meet up criteria. Whereas the PEQ has not been put into practice yet, it is probable to come into effect in the coming months.

To qualify under the PEQ, foreign students have to obtain a degree or diploma from an educational institution accepted by the Quebec Ministry of Education and they ought to have studied in Quebec for at least two years. Additionally, if their studies were not finished in French, they have to show that they have effectively completed a level B1 French course at a Quebec educational institution.

Temporary foreign workers might meet the criteria under the PEQ if they have 12 months of Quebec work experience in a skilled, executive or professional occupation in the 24 months previous to their application. They should be employed and show legal status in Quebec at the instance of their application. Also, they must show that have effectively completed a level B1 French course at a Quebec educational institution, or give results of a standardized French Proficiency Test. On the other hand, they can demonstrate that they have contented the French language requirements of the professional order governing their profession in Quebec.

Foreign students and temporary workers who do not meet up the above criteria can still apply to immigrate to Quebec under the Quebec Skilled Worker category. It is expected that the fast-track PEQ will be launched in the coming months.

Permanent resident card of Canada has new look and improved security aspects

The Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney announced the execution of the redesigned permanent resident card, which will be in flow commencement from 24 August 2009.

This redesigned permanent resident card or PR Card of Canada will facilitate stop the deceptive use of Canada’s immigration documents and guard the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. The new PR card includes security features that adhere to international standards for travel documents. This was possible by the latest technology which is continuously evolving.

The latest card holds micro-lettering and fine line patterns that are anti-copying, like banknotes. Also, the photograph of card’s holder and personal details are recorded on a bar code in an encrypted format that can only be read by authoritative officials.

New permanent residents of Canada will automatically be given the new card as part of the immigration process. Existing permanent residents of Canada will get a new card only when their existing card expires. In the period in-between, their existing card is still valid.

As at all times, permanent residents ought to check the ending date of their existing PR card and apply for a new PR card, if essential, well in advance of international travel. This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to enter again in Canada on a commercial transpotation.

Government of Canada to stop immigration fraud through international collaboration

A new international initiative puts Canada at the front position of worldwide efforts to spot and fight against immigration scam. Under this milestone, Canada, the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Australia will be capable of sharing the fingerprint information of asylum seekers and foreign nationals facing exile, including dangerous criminals. This will develop Canada’s capability to make out foreign nationals who are seeking to enter Canada and who are trying to bury their history from authorities.

Under the corporation, Canada will be capable of securely and in secret verify fingerprints with those stored in Australian and U.K. databases. The proposal was developed under the Five Country Conference (FCC) among Canada, Australia, the U.K., the United States and New Zealand. The United States will be joining the plan shortly, and New Zealand is taking into account legislation to join in the near future.

Canada has had a very old joint relationship with the FCC countries and Canada is building on this joint venture. Through this plan, Canada is tackling identity deception and abuse of its immigration and refugee programs, while simultaneously guarantee that Canada continues to welcome real refugees.

Along with our international partners, we are making a commitment to ensure the safety and security of our respective countries,” said Minister Van Loan. “This is one way that we are balancing Canada’s priority of economic prosperity while using innovative ways to improve border security.

Information sharing amongst FCC countries will let Canada to:

1. Improved identification of fake requesters, ensuring that Canada is more victorious in verifying the identities of genuine refugee requesters.
2. Get better ability to detect people who not tell the truth about themselves.
3. Guard public safety by removing those who are found to be prohibited to enter in Canada.
4. Shelter Canadians from brutal foreign criminals.

The advantages of information sharing have previously been confirmed by partner countries in earlier trials. In one case, a protection claimant in the U.K. was found to have formerly been fingerprinted on entrance in the United States while traveling on an Australian passport. Australia afterward confirmed that the person was an Australian citizen wanted on unlawful charges. This resulted in his exile to Australia, where he is now in prison.

Every country concerned in this plan has employed a number of safeguards to care for privacy and has completed a broad privacy impact assessment. CIC is undertaking this program in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and with the support of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

CIC, the CBSA and the RCMP are furthermore leading a five-year project to initiate biometrics into Canada’s temporary resident program. The project, publicized in the 2008 budget, will cover visitors who need visas or work or study permits and are scheduled to be rolled out between the year 2011 and 2013. The Government of Canada is going toward ultimately using biometrics for all foreigners inflowing the country.

Source: www.cic.gc.ca

Processing times of Canadian Immigration

The length of time it takes to process your application of Canadian Immigration varies depending on the country where you applied. But there are a certain things to follow if you want to keep away from unnecessary delays in your immigration application.

You may avoid delays in your Canadian immigration processing times by:
1. Making sure that all the essential information is incorporated with your immigration application.
2. On time notifying the visa office of any changes to private information on your application, for example your address, telephone and fax numbers or a change in the structure of your family.
3. Avoiding frequent inquiries to the visa office.
4. Following all directions from the visa office in a sensible manner.
5. Make it certain that the photocopies and documents you give are clear and legible.
6. Providing certified English or French translations of original documents that you put forward in other languages.
7. Sending your application to the right visa office consistent with your situation.
Your immigration application may be delayed if the visa office has to take additional steps to evaluate your immigration case.

Your application of Canadian Immigration may take a longer time if:
1. There are security problems or criminal activities connected to your application, or if extra security background checks are required.
2. Your family status is not apparent as a consequence of a situation, for example a divorce or an adoption that is not up till now complete or child guardianship issues that have not been resolved.
Source:www.cic.gc.ca

Changes in the Federal Skilled Worker Program

Most immigrants to Canada are clearly aware of the long log jam at Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) and, although to a smaller extent, provincial nominee programs. Canada might have one of the main open immigration systems in the world, but processing times of Canadian Immigration are lag behind many other countries – often taking 3-5 (or more) years for conclusion.

As part of a plan to decrease the immigration holdup and speed up processing of immigrants with the most active skills, the Canadian government newly embarked on a complete review of the Federal Skilled Worker program.

At the end of November 2008, the Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism issued the long expected instructions on the 38 occupations entitled for processing after February 28, 2008.

The number shown prior to each occupational title corresponds to the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, which is a consistent method of categorize and telling occupations in Canada. Each NOC code holds a description of major job duties, a variety of job titles, job (skill and education) requirements and other information. For the reason of the Federal Skilled Worker program, job titles are not ultimate; the issue is whether the applicant has no less than 1 year of experience in the previous 10 years performing the major duties of the appropriate occupation.

All candidates to the Federal Skilled Worker program have to score still at least 67 points out of a maximum of 100 points under the government’s evaluation criteria. Points are calculated based on age, education, work experience, language ability, and arranged employment and adaptability factors.

At the same time as these changes to the Federal Skilled Worker program have been hot, for those candidates who meet the new criteria, CIC is indicating that processing times will range from 6-12 months.

New Points System for Canadian Immigration

Under the recent changes in the Federal Skilled Workers submission for Permanent Residents application for Canada brought about by the Ministerial Instructions, in print last November 28 2008, to be qualified you have to have as a minimum 1 year work experience under the list of 38 Highly Demanded Occupations.

To be victorious in your immigration request you have to be capable of passing Citizenship and Immigration Canada's, selection criteria or what is usually known as the "Points System".

Score requirement of Canada's points system was reduced from 75 to 67 points on 18 September 2003. This means a substantial boost in the number of people who meet up the Canada visa requirement for the Canadian skilled worker and Professional Category. The earlier requirement of 75 points from 28 June 2002 predestined that even very qualified people did not achieve adequate points.
To get the current 67 points pass mark you will be assessed foundation on your credentials which will be based on the following:

Selection Factor alongwith maximum Points:
1. Education: Maximum 25 points
2. Ability in English and/or French: Maximum 24 points
3. Experience: Maximum 21 points
4. Age: Maximum 10 points
5. Arranged employment in Canada: Maximum 10 points
6. Adaptability: Maximum 10 points
Total: 100 points
Pass marks: 67 points

As a minimum, you will obtain the 67 required points under the points system if you have as a minimum 4 years work experience (as a minimum 1 year under 38 high demand occupations and 3 years under Occupation categories O, A and B -Managerial, Professional, Trade and Skilled), a college or university Degree, 21 to 49 years old, can prove that you are proficient in either English or French, for instance IELTS score result.

Since not all applicants have the same qualifications and conditions, it is predictable that an applicant will meet problems in achieving the necessary pass mark.

If a candidate does not attain the required pass mark there are adaptability points, for instance, any relative in Canada that he or she can explore added points.

I would like to give you some show stoppers so you can take a look at your individual’s circumstances and see if there is something you can still do to make stronger your immigration case.

The usual problems regarding work experience are:
1. Lacking work experience.
2. Have work experience but:
a) Incorrect job title
b) Incorrect job description

c) Too many dissimilar jobs with not sufficient work experience in any one occupation to qualify.

Canadian Job Search Safety Advice

If you are thinking to search job in Canada via internet, you have to be aware of job scams on internet.

Valid or legitimate Job sites will not ask for any banking or personal information or any kind of money deposits. Legitimate job sites always charge from employer not from prospective employees.

Keep in mind that do not provide personal or sensitive information in your resume, for example:
1. Your Social Insurance Number.
2. Your age, marital status, date of birth
3. Your driver's license number
4. Your health card number
5. Your banking or financial information, which includes credit card or bank account numbers and any Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) or National Identity card Number.

Certain information may be talk about with a prospective employer, only after the appointment process has begun. If a job posting seems questionable, please think again before sending application.

5 reasons to study in Canada

There are over 150,000 international students who go to Canada each year to study. International students carry a rich culture to Canadian classrooms. Their information and skills are welcome in Canadian schools.
There are 5 reasons to choose Canadian College / University

1. In Canada, tuition fees and the cost of living for international students are amongst the lowest in the world.
2. Canadian universities and colleges are valued worldwide for their high quality of education.
3. Adequate students can gain precious Canadian work experience through off campus employment.
4. Canada ranks amongst the most multicultural nations in the world. Irrespective of ethnic origin, students feel at home in diverse communities and campuses.
5. As per the United Nations, Canada offers one of the uppermost standards for quality of life in the world.

1111 Financial Auditors and Accountants

Financial auditors examine and explore the accounting and financial records of persons and establishments to make sure the accurateness and fulfillment with established accounting standards and procedures. Accountants plan, organize and oversee accounting systems for persons and establishments. Articling students in accounting firms are incorporated in this unit group. Financial auditors and accountants are in employment by auditing and accounting firms all through the private and public sectors, or they might be self-employed.

Example Titles of 1111 Financial Auditors and Accountants:

• Accountant
• Certified general accountant (CGA)
• Certified management accountant (CMA)
• Chartered accountant (CA)
• Chief accountant
• Financial auditor
• Income tax expert
• Industrial accountant
• Internal auditor
  

Main duties of 1111 Financial Auditors and Accountants:
1. Financial auditors execute some or all of the following duties:

• Examine and analyze periodical and ledger entries, bank statements, inventories, expenditures, tax returns and further accounting and financial records, documents and systems of an entity, department, company or other establishment to make sure financial recording correctness and conformity with established accounting principles, procedures and internal controls.
• They set up detailed reports on audit findings and formulate recommendations to develop individual or establishment's accounting and management practices.
• Perform field audits of corporation to make certain the compliance with provisions of the Income Tax Act, Canadian Business Corporations Act or other constitutional requirements.
  They may manage other auditors or professionals in charge of accounting inside client's establishment.

2. Accountants carry out some or all of the following duties:

• Plan, arrangement and administer accounting systems and organize financial information for an entity, department, company or other establishment.
• Look at accounting records and arrange financial statements and reports.
• Develop and keep cost finding, reporting and internal control procedures.
• Look at financial accounts and records and organize income tax returns from accounting records.
• Examine financial statements and reports and give financial, business and tax advice
  Might act as a trustee in insolvency proceedings.
• May oversee and train articling students, other accountants or secretarial technicians.

Employment requirements for 1111 Financial Auditors and Accountants:

1. Chartered accountants need a university degree
and
Completion of a specialized training program accepted by a provincial institute of chartered accountants and, depending on the province, whichever two years or 30 months of on-the-job training
and
Association in a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants upon victorious completion of the Uniform Evaluation (UFE).

2. Certified general accountants and certified management accountants need a university degree.
and
Completion of a training program approved by the Society of Certified General Accountants or Society of Management Accountants and quite a lot of years of on-the-job training
and
Official recognition by the Certified General Accountants Association or the Society of Management Accountants.

3. Auditors need education, training and recognition as pointed out for chartered accountants, qualified general accountants or qualified management accountants
and
Some experience as an accountant.
Auditors may need recognition by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
To act as a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings, auditors and accountants must hold a license as a trustee in bankruptcy.
Licensing by the provincial or territorial governing body is generally necessary for accountants and auditors practicing public accounting.

Additional information about 1111 Financial Auditors and Accountants:

• There is limited mobility amongst the three professional accounting designations (CA, CGA and CMA).
• Progression to auditing or accounting management positions is likely with experience.

Government of Canada signs first-ever immigration agreement with Northwest Territories

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister of Canada Jason Kenney announced the signing of an agreement to facilitate and attract new immigrants to the Northwest Territories.

He was very pleased to declare the very first nominee agreement with the Northwest Territories. This pilot plan will enhanced extend and make stronger the benefits of immigration for the Northwest Territories and permit it to bring in the immigrants it needs faster. Provincial nominee programs are an important part of Canada government’s focus on ensuring that its immigration system comes into line with labor market needs.

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is controlled by the Government of the Northwest Territories through an accord with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The program will help build up the Territories’ economy by attracting skilled individuals to fill serious labor shortages and encourage business development.

This program will let North West Territories to promote the migration of skilled workers. Foreign workers can lend a hand in building a strong, balanced and diversified economy that will do well to all Northerners.

Persons nominated by the territorial government are entitled to have their request processed on a priority basis for permanent residency through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Final authority rests exclusively with CIC to issue permanent residency.

Candidate can be selected for permanent residency under one of four program categories:
1. Skilled Worker
2. Critical Impact Worker (Service and Hospitality Sector Occupations)
3. Entrepreneur Business
4. Self-Employed Business

Beginning from 05 August, 2009, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment will be delivering the Northwest Territories Nominee Program at its service centers. This is a 3-year pilot program.

Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2009/2009-08-05.asp