Getting Ready to Launch of Canada's Express Entry

In-demand immigrants’ applications will be processed in six months or less

Quick facts

    Express Entry will manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
    Provinces and Territories will be able to use the Express Entry system to select a portion of candidates for their Provincial Nominee Programs.
    Express Entry will launch at 12 noon EST January 1st, 2015. The first draw for an invitation to apply is scheduled for the last week of January.
    Once candidates have been selected from the pool they will need to complete the immigration process, which includes health and security checks. Applications will be processed in six months or less.
    Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, with clean and friendly cities, world-class universities, and business and job opportunities.

Know about EXPRESS ENTRY- Canada’s new electronic Immigration System.

In January 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will launch a new electronic system called Express Entry to manage applications for permanent residence in certain economic programs. Canada needs high levels of immigration to meet current and future labour market needs, which will ensure economic growth and long-term prosperity.

Express Entry will allow actively recruiting, assessing and selecting skilled immigrants under the following federal economic immigration programs:

• the Federal Skilled Worker Program,
• the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and
• the Canadian Experience Class.

Provinces and territories will also be able to recruit candidates from the Express Entry system for a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs to meet local labour market needs. Under this new system, employers will also have a key role in selecting economic immigrants. Employers will access candidates through Canada's new and improved Job Bank and through provinces and territories where applicable.

The Express Entry system involves two steps:

Step 1) Potential candidates complete an online Express Entry profile

Potential candidates will complete an online Express Entry profile where they will provide information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details. Those who meet the criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs subject to Express Entry will be placed in a pool of candidates.

Candidates will be ranked against others in the pool. Only the highest-ranked candidates (those deemed to have the best chances for economic success), and those with qualifying offers of arranged employment or provincial/territorial nominations, will be invited to apply for permanent residence.

If a candidate does not already have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a provincial/territorial nomination, he or she must register with the Government of Canada's Job Bank which will connect him or her with eligible Canadian employers.

Where applicable, employers will be required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada. There will be no fee for Labour Market Impact Assessments for permanent residence applications under the Express Entry system. 

Completing an online Express Entry profile does not guarantee that a candidate will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

Step 2) Citizenship and Immigration Canada will invite certain candidates to apply for permanent residence and process their electronic applications within six months.

Candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence if they rank among the top in the pool, based on their skills and experience. Candidates who have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer (subject to the Labour Market Impact Assessment process in place at that time) or have been nominated by a province or territory will be given high scores in the ranking system.

Candidates will have 60 days to submit an electronic application for permanent residence through one of the following programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP);
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP);
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC); or,
• A portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Citizenship and Immigration Canada will process the majority of complete applications (i.e. applications including all the necessary supporting documents) within six months or less.

Candidates in the Express Entry pool who do not receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence after 12 months may resubmit their profile and re-enter the pool if they still meet the criteria. This provision will prevent backlogs and ensure quick processing times.

Express Entry will result in faster and more efficient service to potential skilled immigrants. It will also allow the Government of Canada to be more flexible and responsive to Canada's changing economic conditions and priorities.

For more information go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/express/express-entry.asp.

Emerging Study Abroad Destinations

Emerging Study Abroad Destinations: In view of the rising cost of education and macro economic factors, the favourite places to study overseas have also given way to Emerging Study Abroad Destinations. Here’s a look at five of them
The best of the universities are competing globally to attract students. However, students are making their choices judiciously looking at critical aspects that matter to them. As the choice of study destinations increase, the complexities too grow while deciding on private or public institutions; course offerings, cost of living, tuition fees, job prospects, culture, language and so on. But, by enriching oneself with information, one does manage to conquer the confusion. The result is that we have more nations in the consideration set of students.
Below are few Emerging Study Abroad Destinations that you can explore:
SWEDEN
A country with 9.7 million people and 95,700 lakes, Sweden is exemplary in research and innovation. While it has autonomous institutions such as Chalmers University of Technology and Stockholm School of Economics, there are 14 public universities and 20 university colleges funded by the government. Karolinska Institute is one among the top 50 institutes in the world. Studyinsweden.se is your one-stop information centre for higher education studies in Sweden.
Swedish are known for their tremendous vitality in food production, which is reflected in their cuisine. In plenty are the berries and mushrooms – not to forget the mussels, farmed oysters, shellfish from the west coast and of course fresh fish, which are quite popular among students.
Programmes & fees
One may opt for Bachelor’s (3 years), Master’s (1 or 2 year) or doctoral programmes in business, humanities or in natural sciences. Most programmes conclude with a degree thesis or project. The academic year is divided into two semesters: Autumn (August to mid-January) and Spring which runs up to the beginning of June. Universities set their own tuition fees, and they range from SEK 80,000 to 140,000 per academic year for most subjects barring medicine that is on the higher side. But the scholarships covering living cost and tuition fee, balance it out. The average living expenses amount to SEK 7,300 per month (Rs 65000).

If you will be studying in Sweden for more than three months and you are not an EU citizen, you need a residence permit (else you may need a visa). For a residence permit to study in Sweden, apply online @ www.migrationsverket.se/

Mandatory requirements

• Admitted to a fulltime course (Statement of admission or letter of acceptance by the university)

• Valid Passport

• Means to support your stay and studies (Bank account statement or Scholarship evidence)

• Part of course fee paid in advance

• Residence Permit (Fee for studies - Adults: SEK 1,000 or INR 9,000)

Top Institutes

Karolinska Institute

Uppsala University

Lund University

Stockholm University

SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is built on a complex interplay between the Confederation, the cantons and the communes. You can pursue higher education at 10 cantonal universities and 2 Federal Institutes of Technology, at the 8 practice-oriented universities of applied sciences and at the universities of teacher education.
Switzerland pays much attention to R&D, which is evident in being among the most competitive nations globally in INSEAD’s Global Innovation Index, Global Competitiveness Report and the Innovation Union Scoreboard.
The quality of life is very high and so is the employment rate of university graduates. Multinational firms that have their origin here include Nestle, Novartis, Roche, and Swatch – the world’s largest watch-making company.
Students prefer to eat variety of pasta, sandwiches, salads or a birchermüesli and love to hog on Swiss chocolates, cheese and cookies.
Education system and programmes
Swiss institutes in higher education offer programmes as diverse as Engineering, Business Administration, or Arts. As far as Indian students are concerned, the most popular courses are in the fields of Natural Sciences and Engineering. These are Computer Sciences, Material and Electrical Engineering, IT, Life Sciences, Biotechnology etc. Hotel Management, language and MBA courses are also picked up by Indian students and are high in demand. Attuned to the ‘Bologna system’; Swiss higher education comprises undergraduate (3 years) and postgraduate studies (1.5 to 2 years for a Master degree, and then PhD). The academic year is divided into two semesters: Autumn (mid September to end-December) and Spring which runs up to the beginning of June from mid-February.
Cost of education and living
Studying in Switzerland is not cheap, as one would need anywhere between CHF 19,000 and 29,000 per year (between around Rs 12.5 to 19.5 lakhs) depending on the location of the university and personal needs. This amount covers housing, food, clothing, health insurance etc.
However, annual tuition fees at Swiss Universities (around CHF 1,200 or Rs 81,000) are low compared to living standards. Food is quite expensive and a burger, a soft drink and coffee combo at a fast food joint, could cost you CHF 10. The Swiss Government, through the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS), awards various postgraduate scholarships to foreign researchers from all fields. It has also set up an international scholarship programme called “ESKAS”.
Working part-time and extension
While in Switzerland, you will be able to apply for part-time working permit. The procedure generally needs the support of the University and you will need to get permission from the specific Swiss Canton. Also, as a general rule, if you receive support from a Swiss University for further studies, or from a private business for working in Switzerland, you are eligible for extending your stay. To get a visa, one must have a letter of acceptance from a Swiss University. Then one needs to request a visa through the Swiss representations in India with key documents.

Top Institutes

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

University of Zurich

University of Geneva

University of Basel

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Republic of Korea is a perfect breeding ground for high-tech and creative fields. Globally, Korea is known for its supremacy in the IT sector and consumer electronics, which is evident by the presence of firms such as LG and Samsung. The country has a robust economy driven by manufacturing and exports and as such the job opportunities are also high.
The recent Hallyu boom (popularity of Korean culture particularly pop music, movies and art) has also helped the youth to get familiar with Korea and its education system. Inspired by the traditional belief that the mind and body are one, Korean Cuisine especially bibimbap and kimchi are fast becoming popular.
The Higher education system
The higher education system comprises universities, industrial and technological universities, open universities, universities of education, junior colleges and others both in the public and private domain. The duration of undergraduate (UG) courses is 4 to 6 years; with Medicine, Oriental Medicine And Dentistry each demanding 6 years of study. There are courses in 30 different majors including Literature, Law, Theology, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Music, etc.  The Master’s course is 2 years or more, while a PhD can be completed in 3 years or more. A good place to look for information is http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/en
Low tuition fee & living cost
Korea has comparatively lower cost of education than US, UK or Canada. The National Universities have a lower tuition fee component than private universities. A postgraduate course in Humanities in the former would range anywhere between US$ 2500 to 2700 (US$ 2000 to 2300 for UG) per semester but in a private university a similar course would cost US$ 3800 to 4000 per semester (US$ 3000 – 3500 for UG).
The average living costs includes expenses on accommodation in a twin-sharing dormitory (US$ 800 for a semester or 5 months), meals (US$ 300 per month) and miscellaneous expenses amounting to US$ 100 a month on account of Internet usage, transportation and insurance.
Mandatory application requirements

• Certificate of enrollment from the university you are enrolled

• Valid passport and D-2 Student Visa

• Means to support your stay and studies (Bank account statement or Scholarship evidence)

• Application form for registration in person at the Immigration Office (www.immigration.go.kr) with jurisdiction over their place of residence in Korea (within 90 days of arrival)

Top Institutes

Seoul National University

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Pohang University of Science and Technology

Yonsei University

MALAYSIA
Known for their unique transnational bachelor's degree programmes such as ‘2+1’ twinning and ‘3+0’ degrees, Malaysia has a multiethnic environment with close to 1 lakh international students from 100 countries. The country has over 80 universities including 20 public and 8 foreign university campuses. Further, there are around 500 institutes- 80% of them private, 75 public community colleges and around 30 polytechnics. Good information sources for students are: www.educationmalaysia.gov.my and www.studymalaysia.com.
Malaysia is considered as the gateway to Asia and it has one of the widest selections of cuisines. This ranges from Malay, Indian Chinese that are very popular to the flavour-rich and distinctive offerings from Peranakan and Eurasian cooking.
Higher Education
The five public universities in Malaysia are Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Putra Malaysia. Making the higher education sector go global is on high priority for Ministry of Higher Education. The qualifications awarded by universities registered under laws related to Malaysian education are governed by Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF). The MQF specifies the minimum credits required for a programme before an academic qualification can be awarded. For instance, for a bachelor degree one needs 120 credits but for a Master’s and PhD obtained by research, there are no given credit values.
Cost of education
On an average, the cost of living is as low as RM12,000 per annum (US$3,750). Owing to the three kinds of institutions, the fee varies substantially. A UG degree in Management costs US$ 8600 to 11,400 in a private Malaysian University while it would cost US$ 13,700 to 24,000 in a Foreign University Branch Campus for three years. Fees are lower in public universities. Similarly one can get a UK engineering degree (3 years) in Malaysia through a 3+0 franchised degree programme at an estimated RM51,000 (US$ 16,000), whereas the tuition fee of the same 3-year degree programme at the host university in the UK is about RM144,000 (US$45,000). For most, a budget of RM1,200 (US$375) per month is sufficient for a rather comfortable living while studying.
Working part time and scholarships
All international students studying can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week only during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets and hotels as long as their student passes remain valid. However there are certain job positions that one can’t take up such as cashier, singers, masseurs, and musicians. Quite a few scholarships are available for international students. Visit www.studymalaysia.com for more details.
Mandatory application requirements
One needs to apply directly to the top universities in Malaysia in both public and private domain, considering one’s academic pursuit, career objective and budget. The following are needed:

• International Student Application Form including accommodation form (if required)

• Certified copies of all relevant examination results and academic certificates

• Copy of valid international passport - all pages; copy of identity card and photographs

• Personal medical health report

• Application fees (ranging from US$160 to US$250)

• Visa and Student Pass

Top Institutes

Universiti Malaya

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
After the establishment of the Federation in 1971 comprising 7 emirates namely- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah; education in the UAE has expanded several fold. There are over 100 higher education institutes (HEI) in UAE in different categories: private, federal (government), for-profit and not-for-profit.
Dubai among the six emirates has the largest number of HEIs and has now out-placed the UK in attracting students from the Arab States. It has become the third most popular destination followed by the US and France for students from the region. The maximum numbers of foreign students in UAE are from India followed by Oman and Jordan.
With every type of food available in the UAE, inhabiting over 200 nationalities, students do not feel out of place at all. In fact everyone looks forward to the two unique festivals: the Taste of Dubai Festival at Media City and Gourmet Abu Dhabi every year.
Higher education System
The federal HEIs are in different locations for example, UAE University is in Al Ain, Zayed University has its presence in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) operate 16 campuses in six places. Each institution offers Foundation, Bachelor and Master Programmes. Some universities such as UAE University offer PhDs, while HCTs offer Diploma/Higher Diploma programs. The CAA-licensed institutions, which are on the rise, are private entities, regulated by standards of the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Non CAA-licensed free zone branch campuses are institutions operating under emirate legislation, but without a federal license.
A great majority of these institutions are branch campuses of international institutions, offering education toward degrees awarded by the home campus. The popular academic programmes among international students are: Business Administration followed by Engineering and Medicine including Health. Science is the least preferred among expatriates. Other programmes include Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Fine Arts, Design, Communication, Pharmacy and Islamic Studies.
Cost of education and living

Living in the UAE is pretty expensive especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi and the programme fees are also not very cheap. Courses in the UAE are assessed in semester credit hours with each course carrying a certain number of credits, as one completes the course. The cost of each credit hour varies depending on the course one takes up. However, on an average, the annual cost say for a programme in Engineering would cost AED 46,000 in University of Sharjah. An MBA in UAE University at Abu Dhabi that requires minimum 48 credits has a per credit hour rate of AED 2709 (INR 21.5 lakhs excluding Housing). Housing on a twin-sharing basis would cost anywhere between 6000 to 9000 AED annually.

Mandatory Application Requirements

• Valid passport

• E-form application (fees paid - AED 1120 e-form fees)

• Copy of the establishment card and Travel insurance

• Student visa is mandatory and one must be sponsored by a UAE institution as recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education (www.moe.gov.ae/english). Most student visas are valid for a year. One should apply through the immigration authorities. For details one may visit www.uaeinteract.com/travel/visas.

Top Institutes

United Arab Emirates University

American University of Sharjah

Abu Dhabi University

Studying abroad can help you stand out from peers

A year or semester of study abroad can help college students learn a language, get immersed in a new culture and broaden their understanding of the world.

It may also help them get a job.

Stacie Berdan, co-author of a new book, "A Student Guide to Study Abroad" (the Institute of International Education, $14.95), as well as an international careers expert, said that in a global economy, employers increasingly value study-abroad experiences.

"A lot of growth is going on in markets outside the U.S.," Berdan said. "The study-abroad experience shows you can live and work internationally and manage cross-cultural situations."

It may also help you stand out from your peers.

According to the Institute of International Education, about 274,000 students studied abroad during the 2010-11 academic year, the latest period for which data are available, only a small fraction of total undergraduates in the U.S.

"The number of students going abroad is rising, but it's rising so slowly," said Allan Goodman, co-author of "Study Abroad" and the institute's president and chief executive.

"College students are not making international a part of their education."

A number of obstacles can get in the way of international ventures during school — including academic requirements, graduate school entrance exams and athletic schedules — but if you do get abroad, the experience could help set you apart from job candidates after graduation.

Experts offer these tips for making the most of your time overseas.

If you're in the planning stages, be strategic about when you go. In the past, students typically went overseas during their junior year, but today there are more options to go abroad in between semesters, like during the summer break or sophomore year, Goodman said.

That flexibility may make it possible for more students to fit an international experience into demanding academic schedules.

"By junior year, it's often too late for a lot of students," Goodman said. "They're locked up in double majors and can't afford to miss classes."

As far as location, some employers say they prefer it when students go to regions with big potential for economic growth, such as Asia, South America and Eastern Europe.

"First of all, it's better to go (abroad) than to not go," said Diane Gulyas, president of the performance polymers unit at DuPont, a $54 billion chemical and materials company. "But I do think Asia is hot. Over the next five years, 50 percent of the growth in my business will come from Asia."

If you've already studied abroad, career experts say it's important to put the experience into terms that will appeal to employers, regardless of where you went in the world.

"You have to be able to articulate what you gained from your semester abroad," said Steve Miranda, managing director of the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies at Cornell University. "If you're an architecture student and you went to Italy, say that you went to one of the world's pre-eminent sites to study architecture."

In addition to highlighting the tangible skills you've picked up, like proficiency in a foreign language or knowledge from classes specific to your field, advisers suggest noting any "soft skills" you now have, such as a greater sense of confidence and adaptability.

"Employers are looking for people who can problem-solve, and the study-abroad experience goes directly to that," said Gihan Fernando, executive director of the career center at American University, where more than half of students study abroad before graduation.

Those skills will appeal to employers of any size and location, not just multinational corporations, advisers say.

Fernando said he has seen positive results.

"The students (at American University) who've had a study-abroad experience have a higher likelihood of being employed at graduation or shortly after," he said.

Indian engineering graduates' degrees to be recognised across 17 countries

NEW DELHI: Engineering graduates from India will find it easier to take advantage of international prospects as their degrees will now be recognised across 17 major countries including the United States, Japan and Australia. On Friday, India became a permanent member of the Washington Accord, an international agreement for accrediting undergraduate engineering degree programmes.

International mobility of engineering graduates from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) has not been an issue given the global recognition of these institutes, but this has not been the case with the graduates from the 1,300-odd other engineering colleges in the country.

With India becoming a permanent member of the Washington Accord, Indian engineering graduates will be considered to have met the academic requirements necessary to take up the practice of engineering in any of the signatory countries. The Washington Accord aims to promote mobility and quality assurance across countries. Besides recognition for Indian engineering degrees, membership of the international accreditation agreement will ensure a minimum global quality for all engineering institutions in the country.

Congratulating the officials of the human resource development ministry and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), human resource development minister Smriti Irani said, "This will ensure highest quality assurance standards to be implemented in our technical and engineering programmes and provide global mobility to our engineering graduates. Graduates having degrees, which have been so accredited, would have substantial international equivalence of their achievement levels across the signatory nations. This will substantially enhance their employment opportunities around the world."

The decision to give India permanent membership, seven years after it acquired provisional membership, was taken at the meeting of the International Engineering Alliance in Wellington, New Zealand, on Friday. The membership is effective immediately.

This brings to a close India's 15-year quest for permanent membership. In 2000, the All India Council for Technical Education (the NBA was part of the council) initiated efforts for membership of the Washington Accord but no real progress was made.

Another attempt was made in 2003, even though India's proposal was considered fit for appraisal in June 2003, delays by the government in pursuing the case meant that India missed out being considered at the 2005 meeting of the Washington Accord members.

Despite efforts in fits and starts, India's serious quest for membership began with a push from former HRD minister Kapil Sibal through moves including granting of autonomous status to the NBA. The Washington Accord requires countries to have a mandatory national accreditation system. In September 2013, the IITs agreed to be brought under the NBA's accreditation umbrella, a move that helped India's case enormously.

How to Qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program

If you are a considered a Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), you may be able to qualify for immigration to Canada. A Federal Skilled Worker application is one of the main paths for immigration to Canada, as the government welcomes skilled newcomers to join the workforce.

Requirements for Skilled Worker Eligibility

In order to be considered for the FSW program, a foreign worker must have ONE of the following:

• At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the past 10 years in one of the 24 eligible occupations (see further below)
• Qualified for Arranged Employment with a Labour Market Opinion and a full-time, permanent job offer from a Canadian employer
• Completed a PhD in Canada, or have completed two years of study in Canada towards a PhD, in both cases at a recognized institution

In addition, the applicant must prove an ability to speak either English or French

How are Skilled Worker Applicants Evaluated?

In addition to the work requirements, applicants are assessed on a number of different “factors” about their personal circumstances and are awarded “points” for each factor.  Applicants are than evaluated on the six selection factors which determine their ability to adjust to the Canadian economy.

6 Selection Factors for Assessing Applicant’s Eligibility

1. their education
2. their abilities in English and/or French, Canada’s two official languages
3. their work experience
4. their age
5. whether they have arranged employment in Canada, and
6. their adaptability.

An applicant must score 67 points out of a possible 100 to be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa.  Individuals must also show that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents after they arrive in Canada.

How Do I Calculate My Points?

Calculating your points can be somewhat complicated. It is more than just a matter of adding up the scores. It is not recommended that you rely on your own assessment.
There are many legal issues involved in the proper calculation of immigration points that must be taken into consideration when adding up your score. A thorough understanding of Canadian immigration law is required to accurately assess whether you have enough points to immigrate. It is recommended that you get a professional assessment to accurately calculate your score.

What if I don’t get enough points to qualify?

It is important to note that if an applicant scores below sixty-seven (67) points, he/she may still be approved in cases where the immigration officer assessing the case exercises positive discretion in the applicant’s favour.
The Immigration Regulations permit an immigration officer to exercise positive discretion if the officer is of the opinion that it is likely that the applicant will economically establish himself/herself in Canada.
Beware, however, that the Immigration Regulations also gives an immigration officer the power to exercise negative discretion in cases where the applicant scores 67 points or above if the officer forms the opinion that the applicant will unlikely economically establish himself/herself in Canada.

Which Occupations are Eligible for the FSW Program?

There are 24 eligible occupations for the Federal Skilled Worker List. There is a cap on these occupation streams of 5000 and sub-caps of 300 applications in each of the 24 occupations on the list.  This means that there are limited opportunities, and is a reason why enlisting professional help with your application will help your case.

Eligible Occupations for FSW Program

Engineering managers, Financial and investment analysts, Geoscientists and oceanographers, Civil engineers, Mechanical engineers, Chemical engineers, Mining engineers, Geological engineers, Petroleum engineers, Aerospace engineers, Computer engineers (except software engineers/designers), Land surveyors, Computer programmers and interactive media developers, Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics, Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety, Audiologists and speech-language pathologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Medical laboratory technologists, Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants, Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists, Medical radiation technologists, Medical sonographers, Cardiology technicians and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, n.e.c.

What To Know about Language Requirements

All applicants to the FSW Program should first determine whether they meet the new minimum language threshold: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). To prove language proficiency, a prospective applicant must take a third-party language test from an organization designated by the Minister and submit their test report along with their application to CIC.

CIC-designated language testing organizations include:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test d’évaluation de français (TEF).

Third-party language tests are scored differently by each of the three organizations.  Language test results will be accepted by CIC for two years from the date that they were issued by the designated organization.

Why Legal Help for the Skilled Worker Program is Vital

Canada accepts thousands of Skilled Worker Applications each year. However, the process is not easy and is very time consuming. Applying for Canadian Permanent residence requires knowledge of the requirements, procedures, Canadian embassies, as well as how to respond to inquires from Canada immigration during the application process.

Like all immigration applications, getting it right the first time is essential. Our firm makes sure that:

1. Your Skilled Worker application is prepared properly which means all the documentation and necessary information is assembled and organized for review by the visa officer
2. We prepare a detailed legal submission letter explaining why you are a qualified candidate for Canadian immigration
3. Your application is submitted to the correct Visa office. Once your application is submitted we also monitor it as its being processed. We are there for you every step of the way!

Why Hire Us to Help with Your Skilled Worker Application?

Our Counsellors have over 5 years of experience in handling Skilled Worker cases from virtually every country. Applying for Canadian immigration will be one of the most important decisions you make in your life. Make sure your case is in good hands!

The documentation and processes involved in successfully obtaining a Skilled Worker Immigration visa are complex and usually require legal expertise.  We have helped thousands of individuals to successfully get Canadian permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker program, and we can help you too!

The first step towards your Federal Skilled Worker Program application is getting an assessment of your case. Send us your resume at info@leashconsultants.com and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.

Do You Want To Work and Live in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia may be the second smallest Province in Canada but its natural resources are enormous and there is a growing demand for more highly skilled workers. The Province is a participant in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) under which the provincial government of Nova Scotia can nominate foreign workers that qualify for the program.

Successful applicants will receive a Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Certificate, which will speed-up the Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa application process. Under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you may qualify under one of six streams.

Six Nova Scotia PNP Streams for Fast Track Canada Immigration

If you are interested in settling in Nova Scotia AND you meet the criteria of one of the SIX streams below you may be able to enter Canada in less time.

1.       Skilled Worker

2.       Family Business Worker

3.       Community-identified

4.       International Graduate

5.       Non-dependent Children of Nominees

6.       Agri-food sector stream

1) Skilled Worker

Requirements for the Skilled Worker Stream

·         A full-time permanent job offer from a NS employer;

·         The employer must have been unable to fill the position with a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident; and

·         The employer is offering the prevailing wages and working conditions for the industry.

·         Basic literacy in English; and

·         Minimum NS Grade 12 education.

2) Family Business Worker

Requirements for the Family Business Worker Stream

·         Must have a permanent NS job offer from an employer who is a close relative and who owns a business in NS; and

·         Must have skills, work experience, and licensing for the job.

3) Community-identified

Requirements for the Community-identified Stream

·         Have a strong established connection to a NS community;

·         Have a letter of identification from an organization that is mandated by the NS Office of Immigration; and

·         Be employable and be able to contribute to the economy and the labour market of NS.

4) International Graduate

Requirements for the International Graduate Stream

·         Have received a diploma, certificate or degree from a recognized Canadian post-secondary education w/in the past two years;

·         Have a full-time and permanent job offer in the field of study from a NS employer;

·         Have legal status in Canada; and

·         Meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position and the minimum age, education and language ability.

5) Non-dependent Children of Nominees

Requirements for the Non-dependent Children of Nominees

·         Be the non-dependent child of Canadian citizens or PRs in NS who immigrated through the NS PNP; and

·         Have a minimum of one year of full time work experience in their field of studies or demonstrate that they have employment prospects in NS.

6) Agri-food Sector Stream

Requirements for the Agri-food Sector Stream

·         Have experience in farm ownership, practical farming, or farm management for a period of at least three years;

·         Make a minimum equity investment in a new/existing farming operation;

·         Have sufficient financial supports;

·         Submit a detailed agri-business plan showing sufficient experience and knowledge of his/her chosen field of business; and

·         Meet the minimum qualifications requirements for the position and the minimum age, education and language ability.

Why Hire Us to Help with Your Nova Scotia PNP Application?

While the procedures for applying for an Nova Scotia PNP may seem uncomplicated, some applicants apply without seeking any help from an immigration lawyer, thinking that they can “do it themselves”.

For Nova Scotia PNPs, there is a higher risk of refusal in cases where the application is not properly prepared. The standards are very high.

The documentation and processes involved in successfully obtaining a PNP are complex and usually require legal expertise.

We have helped hundreds of individuals and their families successfully immigrate to Canada through the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program. Our experienced immigration lawyers will be able to assess your case and recommend a course of action to best serve your needs.

The first step towards your Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program application is getting an assessment of your case. Send us your resume at info@leashconsultants.com and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.