Migration News - Immigration news and information on how to emigrate to Canada.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. We are giving away a cool, designer t-shirt to every 100th subscriber!

Canadian Government To Grant 265,000 Residents Visas in 2008

In 2006, Citizenship and Immigration Canada admitted 251,649 permanent residents and more than 1.2 million temporary residents.

Of the 251,649 new permanent residents admitted, 138,257 were admitted under the economic class which is 54.9% of the total. This includes skilled workers, business immigrants, provincial nominees and live-in caregivers. 70,506 were admitted under the family class which is 28.1% of the total.

As announced on 31st October 2007 by The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Citizen, Canada is to accept up to 265,000 new residents in 2008.

"Our government believes that immigration plays an important role in building our communities and growing our economy," said Minister Finley. 'The immigration targets will help ensure that Canada continues to grow and benefit from all that newcomers and their families bring to our country."

For the full Press Release please click here.

Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here.

Immigrants streaming to smaller centres

July 24, 2008

Canada's mid-sized cities are enjoying an immigration boom while the stream of newcomers flatlines or even declines in the large urban centres that typically act as magnets, according to new figures from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

The change reflects shifting economic and employment prospects across the country and the successful efforts of smaller centres to woo newcomers, experts say.

"Immigration (in Canada) has been extremely concentrated, and I think it's possible to argue perhaps too much so," says Larry Bourne, a professor of geography and planning with the University of Toronto's Cities Centre. "One trend the recent figures seem to suggest is that immigrants are indeed spreading out or dispersing a bit more to medium-sized cities."

Toronto, whose share of Canada's immigrants slipped to 37 per cent last year from 50 per cent in 2001, welcomed 87,136 immigrants last year - down almost 26,000 from two years earlier. In Vancouver, immigrant newcomers those same two years dropped to 32,920 in 2007 from 39,498 in 2005.

The flow of new arrivals to Montreal has virtually stagnated at about 38,000 per year.

At the same time, the country's smaller centres are enjoying major boosts.

Saskatoon more than doubled its immigrant intake between 2003 and 2007, to 1,618 people from 631, while the number of newcomers to Halifax jumped to 1,926 from 1,101 in the same period. Charlottetown's immigrant intake shot up to 801 from 110 over the last five years.

"In very short periods of time, some of these areas which have really been making efforts to try to recruit more immigrants are actually enjoying some success," says Jack Jedwab, executive director of the Association for Canadian Studies. "Toronto's loss has been the gain of other cities."

He also notes that in 2007, Quebec took in its largest share of Canada's immigrants in the last decade - 19 per cent - suggesting that the province's reasonable accommodation debate has not cooled its desire or ability to attract newcomers.

One reason for slowing immigration to Toronto and Montreal is the decline of the manufacturing sector due to the strong Canadian dollar and faltering U.S. economy, says Charles Beach, an economics professor at Queen's University.

"Traditionally, the big absorber of immigrants was manufacturing jobs because if your English or French was not as fluent as it might be, you could still learn to run a machine pretty well," he says. "That means the loss of manufacturing jobs is hurting places that were manufacturing centres of Canada in their absorption of immigrants."

That also helps explain an immigration boom across the west as Alberta's economy heats up the Prairies and newcomers follow the jobs, Bourne says.

With immigration levels rising to 8,472 last year from 5,144 in 2003, Winnipeg appears to be benefiting from a provincial nominee program that enables Manitoba to nominate immigrants whose skills match the province's labour and economic needs, he says, and other provinces will likely take note.

Source: www.canada.com

Reducing Canada’s immigration backlog

July 18th, 2008

Migration agents will monitor government feedback and decision making to protect new applicants

On March 14, the Government of Canada introduced changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The changes aim to modernize Canada’s immigration system and shorten the time it takes to immigrate to Canada. They were approved by Parliament on June 18, 2008.

Those who submitted an application before February 27, 2008—the day after the federal budget, of which these changes are a part—will continue to be processed under the old system. But the backlog will stop growing and finally start coming down.

Going forward, anyone will still be able to apply, but CIC will no longer be required to process all new applications submitted on or after February 27, 2008. Applications not processed in a given year can be held for future consideration or returned with a full refund to the applicant, who will be welcome to reapply at another time. Two major Canadian immigration agencies have pledged to monitor Government feedback and decision-making to provide new applicants with up-to-date information on the type or applicants that are being accepted. Those that do not fit that profile will be advised against applying.

The Minister will have the authority to issue instructions to immigration officers on the processing of applications, including with regards to jobs available in Canada, so that people with those skills and experience can be brought to Canada more quickly. The Minister’s instructions will apply to categories of applicants, not individuals.

It is important to note that our objectives for family reunification and refugee protection will not be affected.

Two of Canada's largest officially-recognised immigration agencies, Migration Bureau and Visa Centre in the United kingdom are both strongly recommending that applicants use a OSIC agent or lawyer to check their eligibility and oversee their residence visa application for correctness and also to improve their chances of being selected under this new format. For further details please visit www.migrationbureau.com or for UK residents only visit www.visacentre.co.uk

Government of Canada announces consultations on immigration priorities

Ottawa, July 3, 2008 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, on July 3^rd released details of consultations on Canada’s immigration priorities, following the passage of changes to Canada’s immigration legislation under Budget Bill C-50.

The new immigration law gives the Minister the authority to issue instructions on which categories of applications are prioritized, returned with a refund or held for future consideration.

The new law is intended to stop the growth of the backlog of applicants so that, ultimately, people who want to come to Canada receive a decision within 6 to 12 months instead of the 6 years it can take now. The new law also more closely aligns Canada’s immigration system with labour shortages so that immigrants who come to Canada will have more opportunities to find employment in their chosen fields.

The consultations will focus on identifying critical occupational shortages, the role of immigration in responding to them, and any barriers to foreign credential accreditation.

They will help develop instructions to immigration officers on which applications are identified for priority processing, particularly in the federal skilled worker category.

“The changes to Canada’s immigration law allow us to bring to Canada more quickly those immigrants with the skills that match Canada’s labour market needs,” said Minister Finley. “We are now consulting to make sure we accurately define those needs. This will help our economy and help newcomers better support their families.”

Source: www.cic.gc.ca.

Soft landing seen for Canada's housing market

June 23, 2008

The real estate market appears poised for a soft landing rather than a crash, in a cooling trend the Bank of Canada says is both “expected and welcome.”

Sheryl Kennedy, the central bank's deputy governor, said Canada's financial prudence has helped it sidestep the sharp home price declines being experienced in countries including the U.S., Britain and Spain.

“The Canadian housing market does not appear to be characterized by excess supply at this time,” she said in the text of a speech delivered yesterday in Banff, Alta. “The proportion of unoccupied, newly built dwellings in most cities remains below historical averages, suggesting that a major widespread reversal in house prices is unlikely in the near term.”

In the past decade, prices of existing homes in Canada have risen by about 55 per cent, while new-home prices have risen by about 27 per cent. As one of the country's largest housing booms loses steam, most economists are forecasting a small increase in prices this year that will keep pace with the central bank's 2-per-cent target for inflation.

Source: Globe and Mail

More Migrants now Using Agents

According to the latest Emigrate Canada reader survey, 52.1% of migrants to Canada are using an immigration consultant for their applications.

The Emigrate Canada reader survey looked at various issues of the immigration process including demographics, family factors, motivations and the immigration process. Other significant trends for Canada include Alberta taking out a clear victory as the favourite destination, lifestyle remaining the main decision making motivator and waiting times increasing for application processing with over half of readers attempting to speed the process up.

Most respondents indicated that the WAITING was the most difficult part of the process. Therefore, there is a strong case for using an immigration consultant, who can help the applicant AVOID DELAYS and assist with QUICKER PROCESSING by presenting a 100% correct and complete application.

Secondly, the application process and preparing paperwork was also perceived to be a difficult part of the process. Again, there is a strong case for IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS who can make the application process smoother and clearer and provide personalised assistance and representation in this bureaucratic process.

The vast majority of readers indicated the more appealing lifestyle and safer place to bring up children, with climate being a major factor for emigration to Canada.

Source: Emigrate Canada January 07, Outbound Publishing

Government of Canada supports organizations that deliver language instruction for newcomers to Canada

Toronto, June 10, 2008 — Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, underlined the Government’s support for organizations that deliver language training to newcomers.

“The successful integration of newcomers is a priority for the Government of Canada,” said Mr. Komarnicki. “Learning language skills are key to newcomers’ success and language training gives newcomers the tools they need to fully participate in their communities.”

Today at a conference for language training administrators, Mr. Komarnicki praised the important work of professionals who provide language instruction to newcomers. The conference brings together language training professionals that provide language training under the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program.

“Language training professionals play such a critical role in helping newcomers adapt to life not just in Ontario but all across Canada,” Mr. Komarnicki said. “We’re very pleased to support their work to help newcomers succeed. When newcomers succeed, we all succeed.”

Language training is one of several settlement services funded by the federal government to help immigrants integrate into their new communities. These services are an essential part of the federal government’s immigration program. Over the coming year, $150 million will be invested in two key language training programs: the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program and the Enhanced Language Training program. This is an increase from the $143 million committed over the past year.

Overall, through the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA), the Government of Canada has increased settlement funding for Ontario by a total of $920 million over five years. Under the COIA, CIC works with the province and immigrant-serving agencies to make a real difference in the lives of immigrants.

Newcomers to Canada can also turn to the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO), which helps internationally trained individuals find the information they need to get their credentials assessed and recognized more quickly. Established in 2007, the FCRO provides information, path-finding and referral services to help internationally trained individuals use their skills in Canada. There are now 320 Service Canada centres across Canada offering in-person services to newcomers.

In addition to language training, CIC funds a number of programs that help newcomers settle, adapt, and integrate into Canadian society. These programs are delivered in partnership with provinces, territories and service-providing organizations and include the Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program, which provides orientation, referrals to community resources, advice and guidance; and the Host Program, which helps newcomers connect with volunteers who help them access services, establish contacts in their field of work and participate in the community.

Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador's standard of living on rise

May 27, 2008

The standard of living in Newfoundland and Labrador is improving faster than anywhere else in the country, and will rise to the national average within five years, a new study predicts.

Dale Orr, chief economist at Global Insight Canada, looked at each province's real gross domestic product per person – considered the best measure of standard of living.

He found that rapid economic growth fuelled by the energy industry in Newfoundland, coupled with a shrinking population, has meant that the province climbed from “perpetual last place” at 71 per cent of the Canadian average in 1998, to 91 per cent of the Canadian average by 2003.

By 2007, Newfoundland's standard of living stood at 96 per cent of the Canadian average, and it should climb gradually in the next few years to reach 100 per cent of the average by 2013, Mr. Orr says.

“Over the past decade, real GDP per capita has grown much more rapidly in Newfoundland and Labrador (66 per cent cumulative) than in any other province,” Mr. Orr writes, pointing to strong investment and production in offshore oil, as well as mining activity as the sources of growth.

The Newfoundland economy has expanded by 54 per cent in the past 10 years, compared to 34 per cent for the Canadian average. However, the population has been dwindling, except for a recent increase that Mr. Orr deems temporary. That shrinkage will likely continue in the next five years, so even if economic growth comes back down to earth in that province, the standard of living will improve.

Source: Globe and Mail, May 27, 2008

Foreign investment in Canada highest in 8 years

May 6, 2008

OTTAWA — Foreign direct investment in Canada surged in 2007, while Canada's direct investment in the rest of the world dwindled, Statistics Canada says.

Foreign direct investment climbed 14.4 per cent from 2006, the largest gain in eight years, as foreign investors snapped up Canada's factories, and oil and gas interests, Statscan said.

(Direct investment is defined as a lasting interest of more than 10 per cent in a given company, by a resident of another country.)

Much of the increase of foreign involvement in Canada last year came in the form of takeovers of Canadian firms, the statistical agency said. Indeed, foreign takeover activity was more active last year than during the high-tech bubble of 2000.

But the takeovers weren't led by Americans. The United Kingdom and European countries accounted for most of the new takeover activity in 2007, Statscan said, although U.S. corporations still account for 58 per cent of the foreign holdings in Canada.

Still, Canada managed to buy more outside its borders than foreigners bought here. Canada's net direct investment position was $13.7-billion, down from $92.2-billion the previous year.

For years, Canada was a net recipient of foreign investment, but that switched in 1997, when Canada's direct investment abroad surpassed foreign direct investment in Canada. But with last year's surge in foreign activity in Canada, that surplus shrank to its lowest level since 1997.

While the figures will no doubt give plenty of fodder to those who fear a “hollowing-out” by foreign interests, Statscan also points out that the decline in Canada direct investment abroad was mainly related to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar. The stronger dollar prompted a $67-billion downward revaluation of foreign holdings, Statscan said.

Overall, Canadian direct investment holdings totalled $514.5-billion in 2007, down $15.4-billlion from 2006. It was only the second decline since 1986, and the last decline occurred in 2003.

“On both occasions, the appreciation of the Canadian dollar played a significant role,” Statscan said.

Canadian direct investment abroad slid in all major geographical areas, Statscan said.

Canadian ownership in the United States was little changed last year, but down significantly from a decade ago.

Canadians were mainly active in acquiring foreign interests in the financial, insurance and management industries, Statscan said.

A big surge was noted in Canadian inter-company investment in Caribbean countries that are often considered tax havens. Investment in Barbados, Bahamas, Bermuda and the Cayman islands totalled 16.5 per cent of total Canadian FDI abroad, up from just 5.4 per cent of holdings in 1997.

Source: Globe and Mail

B.C promotes new Permanent Residency opportunities for foreign tourism/hospitality and trucking workers

VICTORIA – Economic Development Minister, Colin Hansen, has announced the launch of a two-year pilot project aimed at filling serious labour shortages throughout British Columbia. The project is aimed at the tourism/hospitality and trucking industries by attracting and retaining foreign workers to British Columbia.

The B.C. Provincial Nominee Program will look to aid industries to retain workers recruited internationally through expedited access for permanent residency and allows spouses and dependents of nominee’s eligibility for residency.

“The trucking and tourism/hospitality industries play a critical role in our export-oriented economy, and are experiencing persistent labour shortages,” Hansen said. “B.C.’s labour shortages are no longer limited to skilled occupations.”

“The industry associations asked us to use the Provincial Nominee Program to help them retain valued foreign workers and reduce the loss of productivity and the ongoing costs of continuously having to replace temporary foreign workers,” Hansen said.

Occupations eligible for the pilot include long-haul truck drivers, and high-demand service occupations such as food and beverage servers, tour guides, hotel front desk clerks, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and housekeepers.

Source: BC Government, Ministry of Social Development

Canada Pass Mark Watch – current points tested visa pass mark update

To apply for a visa under skilled and business categories, potential migrants are required to meet certain conditions. In addition, applicants require a certain number of points to meet the Pass Mark.

If you would like to find out the current points system pass mark please click here.

If you would like to know if you meet these pass marks, we will work it out for you for FREE. Please Click here to complete a free initial immigration eligibility assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants).

Which Occupations are in Demand?

The Skilled worker class, or points system as it is commonly referred to, is the most popular class for migration to Canada.

All applicants must have at least 12 months of post-graduation work experience in an occupation listed as Skill Type O or Skill Level A or B on the National Occupations Classification (NOC) list.

If you are interested in migrating as a skilled migrant and you would like to find out if your occupation is listed on the NOC list please click here.

Are you eligible to emigrate? Find out now. Click here for a FREE initial immigration assessment provided by the Migration Bureau (officially recognised immigration and visa consultants). For information on the Migration Bureau Click here.