When asked of your opinion regarding Canada’s recognition of international credentials for foreign workers, you probably picture a doctor driving a cab and assume that Canada or Canadians are narrow minded when it comes to accepting training, degrees and certifications issued outside of Canada.

While there has been a struggle setting an appropriate standard for recognizing international credentials, it is an area that has been getting even more attention lately. On November 30, 2009, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) launched a new framework that will speed up the assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications within Canada. They have set targets so that foreign trained workers will know within 1 year if their qualification or certification will be recognized.

This seems like an impossible task considering the number of societies, professional associations and regulating bodies that monitor a countless number of jobs across Canada. For example, Accountants in Canada may have a CGA (Certified General Accountant) designation that is issued by the association, an Electrician can receive certification from 13 different provincial training authorities, and a Nurse in BC receives certification through the provincial authority, the CRNBC. There are so many occupation specific certifications that this concept of stream lining is a significant task. To coordinate recognition of international certifications through a centralized process appears a bit lofty at first glance. But you have to admire their goals.

There are four objectives for this new initiative:
• Develop the principles of timeliness, transparency, fairness and predictability that the federal, provincial and territorial governments set out to guide the process;
• Develop standards for the timely handling of requests;
• Identify the priority occupations for developing recognition standards; and
• Help people who want to come to Canada start the assessment process before they arrive.

I think that the most exciting of these initiatives is the last bullet. When new skilled workers arrive in Canada they need to be able to practice in the area that they are trained in as soon as possible. If they can receive Canadian certification prior to their arrival in Canada it benefits everyone involved. Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism states:

“A priority of this government has been to make our immigration system more competitive globally and more responsive to Canada’s needs. This framework complements initiatives such as the Action Plan for Faster Immigration, as they make our immigration system better meet the needs of our labour market. We want newcomers to be able to use their skills and work to their full potential. It’s good for them and good for the Canadian economy.”

The framework will initially be implemented in the following eight occupations by December 31, 2010:
• Architects
• Engineers
• Financial Auditors and Accountants
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Registered Nurses.

We’re looking forward to seeing some improvements!  For information on the occupations listed above, please visit the Red Seal Immigration Ltd. web site.

By Ruth Mitchell
Immigration Consultant, B.Comm, CCIC
Red Seal Immigration Ltd.

Ottawa’s Citizenship & Immigration Minister Jason Kennedy announced a new, more comprehensive citizenship guidebook for prospective immigrants yesterday. This updated version is a 62-page guidebook titled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship, emphasizing the idea that with citizenship rights also come duties. The guidebook includes the values which define Canadians as well as a more detailed history of Canada and other information which newcomers use to prepare for their citizenship test.

Discover Canada will be given to the estimated 250,000 newcomers (Statistics Canada) who arrive in Canada each year to be used to prepare for the citizenship test. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 54 are required to write a test to demonstrate their knowledge of Canada before they are granted citizenship. Included in this revised version of the guidebook is Canadian history, multiculturalism, gender equality and even sports: “It’s NHL hockey, CFL football then curling. In that order. Knowing this will place would-be Canadians one step closer to passing…” (The Globe and Mail online, 11/12/2009).

For the full version of the guidebook please go to Canada’s Citizenship & Immigration website at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp .

By Kirsten Youngs, BA
Red Seal Immigration

West Coast scenery near Tofino on Vancouver Island BC, Canada.

On July 6, 2009 Citizenship and Immigration Canada issued and Operation Bulletin to more clearly define the issue of Dual Intent. This is an issue that I address in many of the applications I work with.

A concise and generalized definition of Dual Intent is this: when a person applies for temporary status and permanent status at the same time.   This seems quite basic but the requirements for temporary residents and Permanent Residents are opposite. 

For example, a person who is applying for a Visitor Visa, Temporary Resident Visa, Live in Care Giver Visa or Temporary Skilled Worker Visa and is also applying as a Permanent Resident will need to take this into consideration.

A person applying for temporary status must prove that they will leave the country at the end of the period authorized by the immigration officer.  Where as, a person who is applying for permanent resident status must prove that they will integrate into society and that they are able to permanently establish themselves in a specific community. 

So the issue arises when, for example, an international worker in Canada applies for an extension of their Work Permit while, at the same time, they have a Permanent Resident Application pending at a different Citizenship and Immigration office.  How would a person prove that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized period of stay if they actually have no intention of leaving Canada, and they are hoping that their Permanent Resident Application is approved? 

You just need to be honest.  

Tell the visa officer or explain in a letter that you submit with your application that you have more than one application pending at the Citizenship and Immigration Office. Your intent is to eventually remain in Canada on a permanent basis, but you will follow any conditions outlined by the visa officer for your temporary work permit or entry visa. 

The following is additional evidence to back up your application:  The Citizenship and Immigration Act A22(2) states:

“An intention by a foreign national to become a permanent resident does not preclude them from becoming a temporary resident…”

You still need to prove that you will follow the instructions outlined by a Visa Officer and that you will leave at the end of the conditions outline.  But you don’t need to hide that fact that you are hoping to stay in Canada as a permanent resident.

One of the examples outlined in the Operational Bulletin is:

“A provincial nominee applicant applies for a temporary work permit. The officer is satisfied that the applicant will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for the work permit should the applicant be refused a permanent resident visa. The officer issues a TRV visa. While the applicant is working legally in Canada, their provincial nominee file is finalized by the visa post and the individual becomes a permanent resident.”  

So don’t hesitate to apply for temporary status while your application for permanent residence is pending, just make sure that you clearly outline your Dual Intent!

By Ruth Mitchell
Immigration Consultant, B.Comm, CCIC
Red Seal Immigration

Canada Day! One of 14 paid holidays in Canada.

Every Canada Day celebration is extra special for those permanent residents and immigrants we have helped come to Canada.

Living and working in Canada is something I’ve been fortunate enough to experience all of my life, but for many immigrants this may be their first Canada Day.

For our many friends in Victoria from the UK, Germany, Philippines, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, this is great place to celebrate with their families and their new network of friends and associates.

One-hundred-and-forty-one years have passed since confederation. Over 33 million people now call Canada home. We are fortunate to live in a country that has the resources to feed and employ our population and provide many of the services like education and healthcare that will help future generations succeed.
Our population grows through immigration, especially the families that come as Skilled Workers:

• One birth every 1 minute and 27 seconds
• One death every 2 minutes and 13 seconds
• A net migration gain of one person every 2 minutes and 1 second
• The estimated population of Canada will be 33,698,817 on July 1st, 2009.

*Statistics Canada

We at Red Seal Immigration Ltd. have been fortunate to have worked with dozens of immigrants this year. These immigrants count towards the net migration into Canada, helping strengthen our country and our communities. The people we have helped have been able to get certified as skilled tradesmen and skilled workers and have successfully found work in their professional fields. These new Canadians now have great salaries and benefits which include paid statutory holidays. Many Canadians take for granted the fact they receive 14paid statutory holidays, which can be enjoyed with family and friends. Or, if they work during these holidays, earn 1.5 to 2 times their regular wage. For many new Canadians, this is remarkable!

With most employers providing three to four weeks paid holidays, Canadians are able to enjoy the summer in Canada. Canadians travel and explore cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax or beautiful small towns like Tofino or Peggy’s Cove. Canada’s beauty continues to provide a great backdrop for July 1st celebrations from coast to coast while creating a stronger, happier nation.

Happy Canada Day!

By Ruth Mitchell
Immigration Consultant, B.Comm, CCIC
Red Seal Immigration

A few weeks ago, Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) estimated processing times for work permit applications by temporary residents increased dramatically.

Summer months are always busier for the CIC offices, but we have seen dramatic increases in processing times this year. As an example, at the beginning of June, the processing time for a work permit extension increased from 60 days to 90 days. Since then, the processing times have continued to increase. On June 18 it was 97 days to process a work permit extension and a day later it was 102 days to process a work permit extension.

So, how does this impact you? People who are living and working in Canada under temporary work permits have a number of important documents linked to their status, including health care benefits, a social insurance number, and insurance. It is important to plan ahead.

A common question I get is: “Can I continue working while my application is pending?”, or “do I have to leave Canada while the application is being processed?”

The answer to both questions is “no.”

If you have an application for temporary residence submitted to a CIC office you have what is called Implied Status. According to Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations 186(u), a temporary worker who has applied for an extension prior to the expiry of their original work permit and is in compliance with all of the terms established in their work permit maintains their original status until a decision has been made by CIC regarding their application.

In BC, the provincial health care provider is MSP and all residents must be enrolled with them. However, your MSP coverage is based on the dates outlined on your work permit. Your health care card will have an expiry date that matches the date on your Work Permit. The same is true for your Social Insurance Number (SIN). So, while you are waiting for your application to be processed by CIC, you will need to purchase private health insurance which, depending on the level of coverage, can start at approximately $100 per month.  This is double the regular cost of MSP.

Work permit holders in Nova Scotia are not covered under that province’s health care plan if they are out of the country for more than 30 days. If the applicant has less than one year remaining on their work permit they will not re-instate medical coverage and the employee will need to get third-party insurance.

The current increased processing times have a negative financial impact on people who are applying for work permit extensions. Instead of paying for additional health coverage for two months, they are now paying for almost four months of coverage.

The key is to plan ahead. If you have a temporary work permit, you need to apply for an extension at least four months before your work permit expiry date to ensure that your SIN and MSP can be extended without any gaps. This isn’t always possible, but in some cases it is.

If you are applying under a provincial nominee category, make sure that you request a Letter of Support from the applicable provincial nominee process even if you think you have enough time remaining before the expiry of your work permit. This will ensure that you can apply for an extension without worrying about CIC processing times.

And of course, an application as a permanent resident avoids the need to apply for extensions or re-new permits.

By Ruth Mitchell
Immigration Consultant, B.Comm, CCIC
Red Seal Immigration

One of the biggest challenges about immigrating to Canada is finding a person or a Canadian immigration consultant you can trust to assist you with the Canada immigration process. Certified Immigration Consultants and lawyers are the only representatives legally permitted to assist you with your Canada immigration application.
Despite certified immigration consultant rules, regulations, legislation and the complicated Canada immigration application process, unscrupulous individuals still work to find a way around the laws and rules. They try to evade certified immigration consultant rules, when representing foreign skilled workers and others immigrating to Canada.
These individuals end up hurting innocent parties making a Canada visa application. They also harm Canada citizenship applicants and others applying for permanent residence in Canada.
Certified Immigration Consultants look out for clients; we know client’s rights and responsibilities while living and working in Canada.
Immigrants who are in Canada working under a Canadian work permit can only work for the employer listed on the work permit. The employer has greater control over their employee on a Canadian work permit because the worker has few employment alternatives. Sometimes this can lead to potentially dangerous situations.
In April 2007, two temporary foreign workers were killed on the job at the Canadian Natural Resources Horizon oil sands site in Alberta. A roof collapsed, crushing them. This unfortunate event triggered an investigation into the working conditions of the employees on the site. The investigation revealed that more than 130 temporary foreign workers were receiving $3 per hour when they were promised wages of over $30 per hour.
After an investigation, Alberta officials laid 53 Occupational Health and Safety charges against site owner Canadian Natural Resources and the Chinese contractor and parent companies, SSEC Canada and Sinopec Shanghai Engineering Company.
So, where is the positive about this situation? Why would you want to migrate to Canada, make a Canada immigration application or seek permanent residence in Canada after such a tragic event? Several “positives” have resulted from this tragedy.

• Alberta has taken legal action on behalf of current and future workers.
• There is talk of monitoring foreign workers more closely, taking steps to protect foreign workers from exploitation and on-the-job dangers.
• Work place health and safety is getting involved and Citizenship and Immigration is taking steps to protect foreign workers.
• Several months ago, the province of Manitoba introduced a new Worker Recruitment and Protection Act to address the issues that foreign workers in Canada face.

This is the first province or territory to enact regulations of this kind and there appears to be a lot of interest in this type of legislation in British Columbia, Alberta and other provinces.
I attended an immigration conference in Toronto recently. Dave Dyson, the Executive Director of Employment Standards in Manitoba, gave a presentation on his province’s Worker Recruitment and Protection Act. He discussed the importance of protecting those individuals really interested in immigrating to Canada and considering a Canada immigration application, and those who really want to live and work in Canada. Providing these individuals with the same opportunities and protections that Canadian citizens and permanent residents have would solve a lot of problems.
However, until protections are in place across Canada, how can individuals immigrating to Canada or considering filing a Canada immigration application protect themselves?
A great first-step is to contact a certified immigration consultant. Be sure the certified immigration consultant is with a qualified and established company like Victoria, B.C. Canada-based Red Seal Immigration. Check to ensure that they and the firm are registered and licensed.
Individuals need to perform due diligence and ask tough questions when looking to secure the services of a certified immigration consultant. Individuals need to understand the immigration rules and know the professionals they are working with.

• Ask the certified immigration consultant how long they have been in business?
• What credentials do they have?
• Do they have references and what insurance do they carry?

You would not hire a doctor to perform surgery over the phone, so why would you trust someone who cannot provide answers to these basic questions.
If individuals are promising permanent residence in Canada, a Canadian work permit, Canada citizenship or immigration into Canada with little-to-no-work, be suspicious. Unrealistic Canada citizenship immigration application processing promises usually mean disappointing results.
Why would you take a chance on your family’s Canada immigration application and future happiness and security in Canada?

Hi, my name is Ruth Mitchell and I am a Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant (CCIC) and a member in good standing of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC).

I am an immigration consultant with Victoria, B.C. Canada-based Red Seal Immigration. This is the first post in our brand new skilled worker immigration blog. After a lot of discussion and planning, we decided to launch the Canada Skilled Worker Immigration blog to share the many anecdotal stories, real life situations and insightful scenarios we deal with each day. We work with individuals from around the world who want to immigrate to Canada and with people who are currently in Canada and are looking to become permanent residents in this fantastic country. These individuals are not simply clients. They are friends who have shared their immigration goals and aspirations, future hopes and dreams with me. As both a Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant and friend, there are many things I do to help these individuals achieve their dreams of living in Canada, build a new life and contribute to, and share in, the prosperity we as Canadians enjoy.

We at Red Seal Immigration will use this blog to share our impressions, inspiration and remarkable stories.  We also want to hear your stories: what issues have you encountered during your immigration application; share your experiences with the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Please comment on our posts, send us pictures and videos of the places you have been and the people you have met throughout your immigration process with Red Seal Immigration.

I will also be posting up-to-date information on the often changing sphere of Canadian immigration.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is constantly updating and changing the immigration process. Whether it is a change in legislation, the application process, or changing trends in immigration, Red Seal Immigration keeps on top of the details and the impact the changes will have on temporary or permanent applications. We are also a resource for Canadian immigration information.

Red Seal Immigration specializes in assisting skilled workers and individuals who are interested in immigrating to Canada. We assist employers in bringing in international workers and also maintaining the status of the worker and their family members once they are in Canada. Categories such as the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), Federal Skilled Workers and the Canadian Experience Class are just a few of the options available.

Help us make this blog a success and a destination for anyone looking for current and insightful Canada immigration and skilled worker immigration news.