CANADA IMMIGRATION NEWS AND TIPS

Dear Ms Powell, I became a permanent resident in 2015, and I would like my mother to move to Canada and become a citizen. My mother is healthy and is a retired teacher. This would be so good so my family can be together. With work constraints and the expense of day care, my husband and I haven't been able to visit my mother in Jamaica. It would be so much better if I could get her to move here permanently. How can I sponsor my mother? What could be a reason for my application being rejected? Thanks in advance for your response. - A.G. Dear A.G., Recently, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a change in the Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP), thereby abandoning the lottery system. The new system will be based on a 'first come, first served' system. They will increase the quota to 20,000 applications worldwide. The changes will take effect in 2019. This is in keeping with the Government of Canada's commitment to helping its resid...

Immigration Corner | How do I apply? :  Dear Miss Powell, I recently got married to a Canadian citizen. I am in the process of putting together a sponsorship application and I'm wondering if I'm doing it right. I've heard of people's applications getting sent back and I want to avoid that. Can you tell me some of the reasons that applications are sent back? - HM Dear HM, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has simplified the process and the number of forms in sponsorship applications. Although the process has been simplified, the requirements are the same. It is usually recommended that you seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer to avoid many of the pitfalls and delays. Your first step would be to ensure that you read the guidelines and download the appropriate forms. IRCC is constantly updating the forms and procedures, therefore it is imperative that you check their website to ensure that you are completing the most recent forms. T...

Dear Miss Powell, I am a truck driver and I have a brother in Saskatchewan who wants to help me to move there. He said brothers can't sponsor under the new rules but that with my skills, I may be able to get a work permit, and I could stay with him. Is there a work programme under which I can apply to work there? How can I get to live there permanently with my brother's help? - JN Dear JN, The province of Saskatchewan has a long-haul truck driver programme that allows approved employers to bring individuals to Canada to work within their trucking company/firm. After you have worked for a minimum of six months with the same company and if the employer offers you a permanent position, you could be eligible to apply to become a permanent resident under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Programme (SINP). How To Qualify  The first step would be to get a job offer from a SINP-approved trucking firm. I do not recommend that you contact employment agencies who charg...

Dear Ms. Powell, I got married to a Jamaican man over the Christmas holidays. What is the fastest route to get him to become a permanent resident of Canada? My husband is a professional and I heard that professionals can get permanent residence in six months. My neighbour said that her sponsorship application was submitted in 2013 and that she has not yet got through. She said that even though she submitted details of her relationship from the beginning, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been asking for more proof, even though they are married. She is very stressed out by the process and I'm looking for the simplest route. She also said that there are new rules for sponsorship applications. I already completed the forms for sponsorship. I'm not sure if I should send them in or let my husband apply for express entry. What is the difference between the two processes and which is quicker? - W.J.   Dear W.J., Immigration Refugee and Citizenship ...