Immigration Corner: Ready And Able To Work In Canada

Dear Ms Powell,

Are there any opportunities for someone in construction? I went to trade school and I'm very talented. I just didn't have the money for college or university. I'm good at plumbing, drywall finishing, carpentry. Anything in building construction, I'm good at. I don't want to live in Ontario but I know Canada is very big. I have a six-year-old daughter and want to help her and her mother, too. How can we get to Canada?

- PP

Dear PP,

There are many opportunities for tradesmen in Canada. In fact, the province of Saskatchewan just announced that they will be accepting 1,000 new applications under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Programme (SINP). This programme is one of the most generous programmes to date, so if you are interested you should apply immediately.

OCCUPATION LIST

There are 57 eligible occupations. Included in this are skilled workers and tradesmen such as: carpenters, drywall installers, plasterers, brick layers, contractors, painters, insulators, supervisors, construction managers, construction finishers, concrete finishers, plumbers, welders, mechanics, repairers and other construction trades.

I don't know what your child's mother does but other occupations on the list are supervisors in food and beverage, decorators, business-development officers, university professors and lecturers, software engineers, telecommunications workers and computer programmers. A complete list of the opportunities are on the province's website.

HOW TO QUALIFY

Not all occupations will need formal certification. However, you must have a minimum of one year's work experience. The key is to get a minimum of 60 points based on experience, age, language ability, adaptability education and training.

Individuals between the age of 22 and 34 will get the highest-possible points. You will need to show proof of language ability. You will need to sit the International English Language Testing System examination. I know that the examination centre is fully booked for months down the road, so you may want to consider sitting the examination in another country.

Couples tend to score higher points. If you both sit the English examination and have the requisite education and work experience, you should stand a good chance. Also, if you have close relatives in Canada, such as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, you could have a high score for adaptability.

While it's good to have previous work experience in Saskatchewan, or a valid job offer, under the SINP this is not a precondition for you to submit an application.

The programme is very competitive so if you are interested in applying, you should submit your application immediately. To find out more about this programme or other opportunities to work and live in Canada, contact an immigration lawyer.

- Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public. Submit your questions toinfo@deidrepowell.com.

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150929/immigration-corner-ready-and-able-work-canada

Can my boyfriend sponsor me

Dear Miss Powell, I am a Jamaican citizen and I live with a man who is a Canadian citizen, even though he was born in Jamaica. We have been living together for the past two and half years in Jamaica and we own a small business. We buy and sell household goods and small appliances. He usually goes to the USA and Canada to buy the stuff for the store, and I manage the store. I asked him if he could sponsor me, as I would like to go back to college to certify as a nurse. I see where that kind of job pays well. I have the subjects, and it has always been my dream. He said that he won’t be able to sponsor me since he hasn’t lived in Canada for over four years, and he doesn’t even pay taxes there anymore. Is this true that he can’t sponsor me? What information could we provide them to qualify? Looking forward to your response in The Gleaner. Thank you. JO Dear JO, Canadian citizens may be able to sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, even if they are living outside of C...

Immigration Corner | Married to a Canadian, will they harass me?

Immigration Corner | Married to a Canadian, will they harass me? : Dear Miss Powell, I am married to a Canadian citizen. Before we were married, I had my visitor’s visa, so I was going back and forth, and he did the same. That works out good for both of us as we are very busy with our work, plus my husband says he... The immigration officer will not “harass” you because you are now married. However, you should expect to provide explanations about the reason for your visit and whether you are considering living or working in Canada. You should be honest with them as you could be barred from Canada for approximately five years for misrepresentation and have difficulties with future applications.

Immigration Corner | Why does it cost so much to go to Canada?

Dear Miss Powell, Why does it cost so much to go to Canada? I spoke to a consultant and he said I need to have at least CDN$15,000 to pay to go Canada. Honestly, Miss Powell, if I had that amount of money to give the Canadian government, I wouldn’t need to leave Jamaica. I am a professional with a little savings with my mother, and an old house that my grandmother left me, but I can’t give that money away. Why do they charge so much? Is there a programme that doesn’t need so much money? AF Dear AF, If you wish to apply via the Express Entry System under the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, or Federal Skilled Trade Worker, you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself and your family when applying for permanent residence, with a few exceptions. The required amount is called ‘settlement funds’. The government of Canada does not take the funds from you. The only fees taken from you after you receive an invitation for permanent residence are the applicat...

CANADA IMMIGRATION NEWS AND TIPS

Search This Blog