How to immigrate to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) program?

How to immigrate to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) program?

The Canadian Experience Class is part of the three federal programs managed through the Express Entry system. It is a program for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.

Candidates must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the program so they can create their profile on the Express Entry System.

The minimum requirements are:

• Skilled work experience: which means you have worked in Canada in a skilled position, (NOC skill level 0, A or B), for at least one year full-time (1560 hours) or equivalent part-time, in the last three years before you apply. You can NOT count any hours you worked above 30 hours/week. It is important to say that Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (such as a co-op work term) doesn’t count under this program.

• Language ability: you must take approved language tests in English or French in all four abilities (writing, reading, listening and speaking) and get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs or Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for NOC B jobs;

There are no education requirements for the Canadian Experience Class program, but if you want to improve your score in the Express Entry pool of candidates, you can get extra points for education. That being said, you will need a completed credential and an Educational Credential Assessment report from an approved agency showing that your education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary school.

Also, you must plan to live outside the province of Quebec because they select their own skilled workers through different criteria.

Above all, you must be admissible to Canada. If you are inadmissible to Canada, you will not be allowed to come to Canada, even if you qualify for the program.

The current processing time for the Canadian Experience Class applications under the Express Entry system is six months after you submitted all the required documents. Good luck!

How to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) program?

How to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) program?

How to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) program?

This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. This is one of the three federal programs managed through Express Entry, which is the Government online application system for skilled workers.

How does this program work?

First, it is important to say that you will need to do a lot of math, and gather dozens of documents, so having the help of qualified professionals is always a good option.

This program has minimum requirements for:

• Skilled work experience: which means you worked in the same type of job (skill level 0, A or B), for at least one year full-time (1560 hours) or equivalent part-time, within the last ten years. You don’t count any hours you work above 30 hours per week.

• Language ability: you must take approved language tests in English or French and get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities (writing, reading, listening and speaking)

• Education: a completed credential, and an Educational Credential Assessment report from an approved agency showing that your education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian: secondary (high school) or post-secondary school.

If you meet the minimum requirements, you then need to achieve the pass mark of 67 points in the federal skilled worker program six selection factors: age, education, work experience, whether you have a valid job offer, English and/or French language skills and adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle in Canada).

These factors are part of a 100-point grid used to assess eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. If you achieve at least 67 points, you can create your profile at the Express Entry system. They will rank your profile, also based on points, currently up to 1200 and will select the highest-ranking candidates from the pool to invite them to apply for permanent residence. There are around two draws of invitations per month.

Also, you must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.

Above all, you must be admissible to Canada. If you are inadmissible to Canada, you will not be allowed to come to Canada, even if you qualify for the program.

The regular current processing time for the Federal Skilled worker applications is 6 months after you submitted all the required documents. Good luck!

What is the BC PNP Tech Pilot program?

What is the BC PNP Tech Pilot program?

It is well known that the technology sector in BC is a huge part of its economy, including the provincial government efforts to establish BC as a prefered location for new and emerging technologies. It is also known that unfortunately, the demand for talent is higher than the local workforce supply. Reports identify that access to talent is the biggest issue for the industry to grow.

Considering this scenario, the BC government has a pilot program under the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to support the industry in drawing and maintaining the skilled workers it needs. It is not only developing the local talent pool but giving employers the tools to attract skilled workers from around the world.

It provides an expedited immigration pathway for:
- Internationally trained workers who have the critical skills, experience and qualifications needed by B.C. employers;
- International students who have completed their education in B.C. or Canada and have the critical skills required for B.C.’s technology sector;

Applicants need a full-time, indeterminate (permanent, or with no set end date) job offer from an eligible B.C. employer.

One of the BC PNP Tech Pilot features is weekly invitations for tech registrants to apply so employers have timely access to qualified individuals in the 32 key technology occupations. It also prioritizes the processing to meet the sector’s fast-paced demands. If you are working in the technology sector and you submit a complete application to the BC PNP, your file will be assigned to a dedicated technology sector-focused team.

List of 32 Eligible Occupations for the BC PNP Tech Pilot:

NOC Job Title
0113 Purchasing managers
0131 Telecommunication carriers managers
0213 Computer and information systems managers
0512 Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
1123 Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
2131 Civil engineers
2132 Mechanical engineers
2133 Electrical and electronics engineers
2134 Chemical engineers
2147 Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
2171 Information systems analysts and consultants
2172 Database analysts and data administrators
2173 Software engineers and designers
2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers
2175 Web designers and developers
2221 Biological technologists and technicians
2241 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
2242 Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
2243 Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
2281 Computer network technicians
2282 User support technicians
2283 Information systems testing technicians
4163 Business development officers and marketing researchers and consultants
5121 Authors and writers
5122 Editors
5125 Translators, terminologists and interpreters
5224 Broadcast technicians
5225 Audio and video recording technicians
5227 Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
5226 Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
5241 Graphic designers and illustrators
6221 Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade

What is the process for the BC PNP Tech Pilot?

The BC PNP program issues weekly invitations to qualified individuals who have a valid job offer in the 32 key technology in-demand occupations, identified by their NOC code. The job duties must accurately reflect the NOC they have identified in their application.

The applicant will have to provide information about his/her supporting employer at the time of the registration. They will only be issued an invitation to apply if both the applicant and his/her employer meet all program requirements.

The next step is to select which category would be the best fit for your application and register online with the BC PNP to receive a registration score.

The government will conduct a tech draw every week to invite the highest-scoring technology sector registrants to apply. If an applicant is invited to apply, he/she will have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete online application (which will be processed on a priority basis).

If approved, the applicant will receive a nomination that will be used to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada under the expedited Provincial Nominee Class.

Individuals who have been nominated and who meet the conditions of their nomination will receive a work permit support letter that allows them to obtain or renew their current work permit allowing them to work throughout the permanent residency process.

For more information, contact us at info@verca-immi.com

How can I work in Canada?

How can I work in Canada?

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to work in Canada, there are different types of work permits that the Canadian government offers to foreigners so they can work legally in Canada.

Before we analyze the types of work permit, there are situations where foreigners are allowed by law to work without a work permit.

When am I not required to have a Work Permit?

Some foreign workers are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit based on provisions of the Immigration Refugee Protection Act, the Immigration Refugee Protection Regulation, and International Agreements.

The IRCC (Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) website has a list of these exceptions. It is important to mention that every single one of them has its definitions and requirements in order to be considered an activity and/or situation that allows the foreign to work without a work permit. You must always make sure your particular situation applies to the exception before start working.

• Athlete or coach
• Aviation accident or incident investigator
• Business visitor
• Civil aviation inspector
• Clergy
• Convention organizer
• Crew member
• Emergency service provider
• Examiner and evaluator
• Expert witness or investigator
• Family member of foreign representative
• Foreign government officer or representative
• Health care student
• Judge, referee or similar official
• Military personnel
• News reporter or film and media crew
• Producer or staff member working on advertisements
• Performing artist
• Public speaker
• Short-term highly-skilled worker
• Short-term researcher
• Student working off-campus
• Student working on-campus

If a foreign worker is not listed within the exceptions above, it is necessary to obtain a work permit before working in Canada.

In general, you need to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Canadian visa office before you come to Canada.

There are two types of work permits:

a) OPEN WORK PERMITS
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer who is listed as ineligible or who regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.

You can only apply for an open work permit in specific situations:

• Permanent residence applicants who have applied to an office in Canada,
• Dependent family members of some permanent residence applicants,
• Spouses and common-law partners of some workers,
• Spouses and common-law partners of some international students,
• Some young workers participating in special programs,
• Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons and their family members, or
• Some temporary resident permit holders.

In each of these situations, you must meet additional criterias to be eligible.

b) EMPLOYER SPECIFIC WORK PERMITS

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which include:

• the name of the employer you can work for,
• how long you can work, and
• the location where you can work

In order to apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must get a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you submit your application.

An LMIA is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada that allows an employer to hire a foreign worker through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The employer must demonstrate that there is this need because after proven efforts to hire Canadians and/or permanent residents, could not fill that position.

You can only apply for an employer specific work permit after your employer gives you a copy of the positive LMIA and your job offer letter or contract.

Independent of if it is an open work permit or an employer specific work permit, everyone applying must meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit.

What are the general eligibility requirements for a work permit?

• prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires,
• show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home,
• obey the law and have no record of criminal activity
• not be a danger to Canada’s security,
• be in good health and pass a medical exam, if needed.

Not sure what applies to you? Have questions? Contact us at                               info@verca-immi.com for more information or to discuss your situation.

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Can I work while studying in Canada?

If you are an international student who wants to work while studying in Canada, you MUST:

• have a valid study permit,
• be enrolled in a Canadian educational institution,
• have a SIN number.

If you checked all the checkboxes above, here are some of your options:

1. Work On-Campus
Full-time international post-secondary students seeking to work on campus do not require to have a work permit, but they must stop working on the day they are no longer studying full time or when their study permit expires.
The employers in this case are the school, a faculty member, a student organization, a private business or private contractor that provides on-campus services to the school, or you can also be self-employed on-campus.

2. Work Off-Campus
International students may be authorized to work off-campus if their school participates in an off-campus work permit program and usually, the study permit will indicate if you are able to work off campus.
If so, you are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during regular school sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.

3. Co-op Programs & Internship Work Permits 
Foreign students who are studying in a program must have the appropriate work permit in order to take part in a co-op or internship program.
You also have to prove that working is a key part of your study program in Canada, that you have a letter from your school that confirms all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree and your co-op or internship is 50 per cent or less of the total program of study.

Work Permits for the Spouse or Common-law Partner of a Foreign Student
A spouse accompanying a foreign full-time student enrolled in a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec, private college-level school in Quebec or Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree) AND on a valid Canada study permit, is also entitled to an open work permit, which does not require a job offer or LMIA.
The work permit for your spouse or common-law partner is valid for the same period of time as your study permit and he/she can work for any employer in Canada.

Work in Canada after completing your studies: Post-Graduate Work Permits
Foreign students who have graduated from an academic program in Canada which lasted a minimum of eight months, may qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
To work in Canada after you graduate, you must apply for a work permit. To get a post-graduation work permit, you must:

• be 18 or older when you apply,
• have continuously studied full-time in Canada in a study program at least eight months long,
• have a document from your school (transcript, official letter, certificate, etc.) that confirms you completed and passed all your program requirements,
• apply for a work permit within 90 days of when it was confirmed that you completed your program,
• have a valid study permit when you apply for the work permit AND
• have graduated from a:

→ public post-secondary school, such as a college, trade/technical school or university, or CEGEP in Quebec or
→ private post-secondary school that operates under the same rules as public schools (currently applies only to certain private post-secondary institutions in Quebec) or
→ private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer, leading to a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) or
→ Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree) but only if you are enrolled in a study programs leading to a degree as authorized by the province

Spouses or common-law partners of post-graduation work permit holders can only apply for a work permit if the principal applicant is employed in an occupation in skill level 0, A or B.

Have questions? Contact us at info@verca-immi.com for more information and to discuss your situation.

Why Brazilians want to study in Canada

Why Brazilians want to study in Canada

The number of Brazilian students visiting Canada has been increasing every year. Brazil represents around 2.5% of the international student’s population according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education – CBIE but it is one of the fastest to grow its numbers every year.

Brazilians see Canada as top study destination, but the decision to come and study in Canada is related to factors like the Canadian society, which is tolerant and not discriminatory, the strong reputation of Canada’s education system, country’s safety, the positive attitude towards international students and the position of Canadian educational institutions in international rankings.

However, there are a couple other reasons that come into play.
One of them is the increase in efforts from the Canadian government to maintain students here and get them to apply for permanent residence.

As the country has an ambitious plan to welcome nearly one million immigrants over the next three years, students are in an excellent position to develop their career in Canada and stay permanently. The general goal of the federal government is to bring Canada’s immigration to nearly one percent of the population by 2020.

International graduates may get a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) after completing their studies, giving them the opportunity to work in Canada for any employer. The work experience acquired while on a post-graduation work permit will significantly contribute towards an international graduate’s eligibility for federal and provincial permanent immigration programs. The success of this program is demonstrated in numbers. More than 30,000 former study permit holders became permanent residents in 2016, the majority of economic immigrants programs, like federal skilled workers, Canadian experience class or provincial nominees.

Another attractive point for Brazilians is the possibility to work part-time while a full-time student, enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate for at least 6 months long. It allows Brazilians students to improve their English skills and help them to support their studies.

In addition, spouses or common-law partners of full-time students are eligible for open work permits, depending on certain conditions. Couples or young families can live in Canada as temporary residents and make sure they would adapt to the country, its culture, climate and labour market among everything else before considering a definitive move to permanent residency.

With all these attractions, the number of Brazilian students in Canada will certainly continue to increase.

Originally posted at http://www.resideglobally.com on January 25th, 2018

What is Global Talent Stream?

What is Global Talent Stream?

The Global Talent Stream (GST) is a program that aims to help employers bring highly skilled workers to Canada.

The stream is available for two types of companies:

a) Canadian companies that need to fill positions which require unique and specialized talent in order to help them scale and grow;

b) Canadian companies seeking highly skilled foreign workers when there is insufficient supply in the Canadian workforce.

The whole idea is to make it easier for employers to bring qualified workers to Canada and create lasting, positive benefits for the Canadian labour market.

Even though the Global Talent Stream is under the umbrella of the Temporary Foreign Worker program, these are the main distinctive aspects of the GTS:

  • Two week standard for processing work permit applications;
  • Companies applying for workers under the GTS will have access to a dedicated platform for Canadian companies who are creating jobs in Canada, AND a standard for processing in 10 business days;

Employers under category A can only apply if they have been referred to the GTS by an ESDC designated referral partner, which as of October 5th, 2017 includes the following organizations:
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- BC Tech Association
- Business Development Bank of Canada
- Canadian Economic Development for Quebec Regions
- Communitech Corporation
- Council of Canadian Innovators
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
- Global Affairs Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service
- Government of Alberta, Alberta Labour
- Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Education and Training
- Government of Prince Edward Island, Island Investment Development Inc.
- ICT Association of Manitoba (ICTAM)
- Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of the Economy
- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada - Accelerated Growth Service
- Invest Ottawa
- MaRS Discovery District
- National Research Council - Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)
- Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
- Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Growth
- Privy Council Office, Special Projects Team
- Vancouver Economic Commission
- Venn Innovation

Quebec Designated Partners
- Investissement Quebec
- Montréal International
- Quebec International

On the other hand, the GTS will only accept applications for category B when the company needs to hire skilled foreign workers in a previously determined list of occupations determined to be in short supply in the Canadian workforce.

National Occupations Classification (NOC) code

Occupation

Minimum wage requirement (annual salary)

0213

Computer and information systems managers

Prevailing wage

2147

Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)

Prevailing wage

2171

Information systems analysts and consultants

Prevailing wage

2172

Database analysts and data administrators

Prevailing wage

2173

Software engineers and designers

Prevailing wage

2174

Computer programmers and interactive media developers

Prevailing wage

2175

Web designers and developers

Prevailing wage

2241

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

$81,000 or higher prevailing wage

2283

Information systems testing technicians

$78,000 or higher prevailing wage

Sub-set of 5131*

Producer, technical, creative and artistic director and project manager – Visual effects and video games

*in addition to the position having an annual salary of at least $75,000 ($36.06 per hour) or the prevailing wage (if the prevailing wage is higher), the position must require a minimum of five years of experience in the visual effects, video game or animation industries in one or a combination of the following roles: producer, technical director, creative director, artistic director or project manager, with experience in at least one or more of the following skills relevant to the visual effects, video game or animation industries: surfacing and look development; character or simulation rigging; matte painting; or technical pipeline development and application for visual effects, video games, or animation production.

$75,000 or higher prevailing wage

Sub-set of 5241**

Digital media designers

**in addition to the position having an annual salary of at least $80,000 ($38.46 per hour) or the prevailing wage (if the prevailing wage is higher), the position must require a minimum of five years of experience in at least one of the following digital media design skills: 3D modeling, virtual reality, augmented reality, digital media animation, levels editing for digital media design, software editing for digital media design, pipeline software development or applications relevant for digital media design

$80,000 or higher prevailing wage

*If you are submitting an application from the province of Quebec, consult Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion website (French only) for wage floors.

Qualified companies and suitable workers will have a much easier time getting work permits and getting to work in Canada.

Contact us to know how you can benefit from the Global Talent Stream!

Do I need a study permit?

Do I need a study permit?

First, what is a study permit?

The study permit is issued by the Canadian government allowing foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada, which is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students.

Does everybody need a study permit? 

Some people don’t need a permit to study in Canada, for example, if your course or program is for six months or less AND your studies aren’t part of a longer program. In this case, you will complete all your studies within the time the government approved you to stay in Canada, usually six months after your arrival.

You also won’t need a study permit if you are family or staff of foreign representatives, like embassy’s workers; members of foreign armed forces on official duties in Canada; or citizens of countries who have Registered Indian status in Canada.

Minor children will not need a study permit if:
- he/she is in kindergarten
- he/she is a refugee or refugee claimants
- the child has parents who are refugees or refugee claimants or want to go to pre-school, primary school or
- the child, who is living in Canada and will attend secondary school is accompanying at least one parent who is allowed to work or study in Canada.

However, when a minor child is studying in Canada without a permit, as soon as they reach the age of majority, depending on where they live, they must apply for a permit if they want to keep studying.

So, who needs a study permit?

As a foreign national, if you are not one of the exceptions mentioned above, you are required to obtain a study permit.

The rule applies when you want to engage in academic, professional, vocational or other education or training that is more than 6 months in duration at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.

During the time you are studying in Canada, you have to obey some procedures:
- You must always be enrolled at a designated learning institution and work towards completing your program
- You must respect any conditions listed on your study permit
- You must stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements and
- You must leave Canada when your permit expires, which is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. The government gives you an extra time to prepare to leave Canada or in case you want to stay longer and extend your stay.

A very important information that many students don’t know is that if you finish your studies early, your permit will stop being valid 90 days after you complete your studies (no matter what day is printed on the study permit).

Generally, you must apply for a study permit before you come to Canada. Even if you don’t have to apply for a study permit, there are situations where we recommend applying for.

We say this because if you have a study permit, you are allowed to continue studying while you renew your permit. Also, if you get a study permit before you come to Canada, you can renew your permit and keep studying in Canada while waiting for your new permit as you will have implied status.

Still not sure if you need a study permit? Contact us for more information!

Changes to Express Entry System

Changes to Express Entry System

As of June 6th, 2017 the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making changes in the express entry system. French speakers and candidates with a sibling in Canada receive additional points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and is making the registration in the Canada Job Bank voluntary.

These changes reflect the government of Canada’s efforts to improve the Express Entry system in order to invite more candidates with skills and experience that will help the Canadian economy grow.

Siblings in Canada
Also as of June 6th, candidates with a sibling in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of at least 18 years of age may be awarded 15 additional points. Points will also be awarded if the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has a sibling in Canada.

French Language Skills
To be accepted in the Express Entry pool, eligible candidates must first prove proficiency in English or French by taking a standardized language test recognized by IRCC:

For English
CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
For French
TEF: Test d’évaluation de français

From the total of points available under the Express Entry system, 136 points may be awarded for a candidate’s first language and 24 for the ability in a second language. The system is making adjustments to provide additional points to candidates with French language skills, with more additional points to be awarded to French speakers who also prove their English skills.

Registration in the Canada Job Bank
Since Express Entry was launched, it was mandatory for candidates without qualifying job offer or a provincial nomination to register with the Job Bank before they become eligible for selection.
However, as of June 6th 2017 the registration will become voluntary for all candidates. If you do not have a job in Canada lined up and would like to start your job search you will still be able to register for Job Bank, and this option is expected to continue to be available free of charge. On the other hand, employers can use the Job Bank, as well as their own recruitment procedures, to search for and hire skilled workers.

eTA now applicable for Brazilians!

eTA now applicable for Brazilians!

Finally!
Since May 1st, 2017 Brazilians are no longer required to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if:
- You have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years
OR
- Currently, hold a valid United States visitor visa

Instead, those travellers will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) on a visit shorter than 6 months and arriving by air.
However, travellers who do not meet these conditions, students and temporary workers are still required to obtain a TRV in order to enter Canada.
It is super easy to apply. The eTA process is completely online and you will need to fill out some personal information and answer a few basic questions.
It is also necessary to have: a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a credit card to pay the $7.00 CAD fee, a valid email address, and access to the internet and a few minutes of time.
It could take any time from minutes to a couple of days to be approved, so don’t leave it until the last minute! It is valid for up to 5 years.

Not sure how to get one? Contact us at info@verca-immi.com