New Canadian immigration programmes - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | April 15, 2014

New Canadian immigration programmes - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | April 15, 2014

Dear Ms Powell,

I was told by a friend that the  Canadian Immigration office has released some new programmes this year. I can't seem to find the information on any websites. Can you tell me what these programmes are?

- RM

Dear RM,

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) changes its immigration programmes on an annual basis and, therefore, we need to monitor the updates regularly. I have written several articles about the federal skilled worker categories which will be closed April 30, 2014, and new rules and schedules could be issued soon.

However, as noted last week, the province of Quebec has announced a number of new measures under the skilled worker, investor and entrepreneur programmes. These new rules came into effect on April 1, 2014, and will run until March 31, 2015. Also, the province of Nova Scotia has some new programmes available this year.

Quebec

Quebec will have a cap on the number of worldwide applications that will be accepted under each category. Therefore, if you qualify under any of the categories and would like to live in Quebec, you should submit your application immediately. The table below shows the immigration class and the number of applications that they will accept.

Subclass Accepted 

Investors 1,750

Entrepreneurs/self-employed workers 500 

Permanent/skilled workers 6,500

Permanent Worker Category

Selection is a point-based system for persons who have the education, training, skills and work experience above a category D under the national occupational category. This means that if you have a university degree and experience in the related fields, then you would satisfy the requirement. Other factors which will be taken into account are your age and the qualification and age of your spouse and children.

Investor Programme

If you have net assets of at least CA$1.6M to invest in a business, then you should consider submitting an application under the investor programme. The Quebec immigration office will begin accepting applications under this category in September 2014. This programme will only be open between September 8 and 19, 2014, if you do not have advanced knowledge of French, and a maximum of 1,750 applications will be accepted. You will need to have considerable experience in management.

Entrepreneurs and self-employed workers category

If you have net assets of a minimum of CAD$300,000, at least two years experience running a business, then you should consider this category. The Quebec immigration office will accept a maximum of 500 applications for a selection certificate under the entrepreneur and self-employed worker programmes.

Nova Scotia

If you are interested in living in Nova Scotia, you should consider submitting an application under their newest programme called the Regional Labour Market Demand Stream. The programme was opened on March 6, 2014. This programme has gained the attention of many immigrants  as applicants do not need a Canadian job offer in order to be eligible. However, candidates must intend to pursue employment in an occupation that has been designated as 'in demand' by the province. You will need to have at least two years' continuous full-time work experience in the eligible occupation. This category is open to individuals between the ages of 21 and 55.

I am currently updating my website and additional information will be posted and made available for the public soon.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public  who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with main office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, personal injury, commercial, family, and administration of estates. She is on the roster of mediators for Ottawa, Toronto, and the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica. Submit your questions and comments to: Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject line: Immigration. Tel: 613-695-8777