CANADA IMMIGRATION NEWS AND TIPS

Dear Ms Powell, I read your last article about how to choose a representative for an application for permanent residence. I found that very informative. I'm following your instructions to make sure that the representative is authorised by the Canadian government. I found out that the lawyer is authorised, and he charges a fee for the consultation. Is that a standard practice? I'm not sure what to expect and how to really prepare for the meeting. I'm a little nervous and want it to go well. Can you provide a guideline to help me with my preparation? - B.E. Dear B.E,. Thank you for your feedback and your questions. I always welcome hearing from readers like you. Being prepared for a consultation with a lawyer is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family. You will save time and money by being organised and having a systematic approach to your meeting. Most lawyers charge a fee for the consultation, but some will offer you a free initial consul...

Dear Ms Powell, I am a professional in Jamaica and I would like to leave the country, as I haven't been able to find a good job here. I have a master's degree, and I'm thinking of doing a PhD, so I've been looking at both Canada and Australia. Can you give me an idea of which place would be better for me? I wish to not just work there, but live permanently and become a citizen. -K.N. Good day K.N., Canada and Australia both have generous immigration systems for highly educated and skilled individuals, as well as refugees. Both jurisdictions have a point-based immigration system that evaluates how well an individual is expected  to do in the country, and permanent residence is granted based on the scores that each individual is able to accumulate. Both countries have seen a great increase in the proportion of skilled migration within the last 10 years. Qualified individuals are usually granted permanent residence, which authorises you to live, work, and stud...

Dear Ms Powell, I just got my study permit and will be attending school in Canada for a year. My ultimate goal is to live there permanently. I heard that I can work when I have finished studying. Is that automatic? Will they send me a work permit once I finish school? I want to self-sponsor and bring my family to live with me. What do I do when I finish studying to be able to do that? Thanks for your guidance. - YR Dear YR, Congratulations, you have chosen one of the many pathways to becoming a permanent resident of Canada. Many individuals have chosen the study-permit route to becoming a permanent resident, especially if they do not meet the requirements to self-sponsor under the express-entry system. I am pleased that you are being proactive about setting up an immigration plan to achieve your goals. For now, I would recommend that you focus on doing well in school and finding a part-time job while studying. Students are authorised to work up to 20 hours per week when ...

Dear Ms Powell, I am a farm worker in Ontario, and I am really trying to upgrade my skills. I want to do a trade certificate and get qualified to work as a landscaper, technician, or something in construction. Can you tell me what I need to do to get a visa to study in Canada? Can I get a work permit so that I can work part time with the company that I work with while I go to school? Would that help me to get to live as a citizen in Canada? Thanks for your help. - D.H . Dear D.H., I am pleased to hear that you are interested in upgrading your education and skills to be more marketable in Canada. There is a genuine shortage of skilled tradesmen in Canada, and so the government of Canada and the provinces have various programmes available for tradesmen to become permanent residents, and later, citizens, provided that they qualify. There are several colleges in Canada to which you may apply to study to become a certified tradesman. Since you are in Ontario, I ...