Trying to get out of Jamaica - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Wednesday | October 9, 2013
Dear Miss Powell,
I am an engineer and I'm utterly fed up with Jamaica. I have been working hard and can't seem to get anywhere. I'm fed up with the crime, politics and stagnant economy. I feel like I am not getting anywhere in Jamaica and so I would like to know if there is any way of moving to Canada based on my qualifications.
- PD
Dear PD,
Canada is one of the many countries that encourages qualified professionals to become permanent residents based on their ability to relocate to and integrate, and become successful in Canada. The easiest way for a professional to move to Canada is as a federal skilled worker (FSW). Under this category, a person is chosen based on their education, work experience,, ability to integrate and make a valuable contribution to the Canadian economy.
The rules under this category are constantly changing and therefore I would encourage anyone who qualifies to apply immediately if you want to immigrate under this category.
The rules to apply as an FSW can change from time to time without notice. Make sure you keep checking this site if you want to immigrate to Canada as an FSW.
On May 4, 2013 Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) started accepting applications from qualified engineers. They have published a list of eligible occupations on their website and I have also posted them on my blog at www.deidrepowell.com. If you have a minimum of a university degree, skill and experience as listed below, you should apply immediately as there is a cap on the number of applications that will be accepted. The cap is 5000 applications worldwide. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2014. There will be a maximum of 300 applications per category.
You did not state the type of engineer you are. However, CIC is currently still accepting applications in the following categories:
- Engineering managers
- Civil engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Chemical engineers
- Mining engineers
- Geological engineers
- Petroleum engineers
- Aerospace engineers
A key factor to remember is that if you received your degree and training outside of Canada, you will need to submit with your application an educational credential assessment (ECA) with your application. An ECA is used by the Canadian government 'to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a completed credential in Canada'. - CIC
You may submit your application for assessment of your credentials to one of the following:
1. Comparative Education Service - University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Website: www.utoronto.ca.
2. International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)Website: www.icascanada.ca.
3. World Education Services Website: www.wes.org/ca.
If you have a PhD or are currently pursuing a PhD from a Canadian or other recognised institution, you do not need to try to fit into the categories listed, as your application will fall under the PhD stream. In this category, 1,000 applications will be accepted.
Also if you have a have pre-arranged employment then your application will be dealt with separately from the FSW category.
If you are qualified and serious about this move, I recommend that you act now before the rules change. If you are not sure whether you qualify, you should contact an immigration lawyer to do an assessment on your behalf and guide you with your application. Remember it will take time to complete the applications accurately and to gather the requisite documents, so do not procrastinate.
Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and Notary Public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada, bars, with office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, real estate, personal injury, family, commercial and administration of estates. Submit your questions and comments to: Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject line: Immigration. Tel: 613.695.8777
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