CANADA IMMIGRATION NEWS AND TIPS

Dear Ms Powell, I've been reading your column since 2012 and I must say thank you for shedding so much light on the Canadian immigration system. I notice, however, that most times you say that a programme is not open to persons who want to move to Quebec. Does that mean that there are no skilled-worker programmes for persons who are interested in Quebec? - G.M. Dear G.M., The province of Quebec has several options for citizens of other countries to become permanent residents. This is separate from opportunities available for permanent residence for other provinces under the express entry system. Not only is Quebec a very beautiful province, the government of Quebec is always seeking to implement programmes to attract immigrants who can contribute towards the growth and development of the province. There are many immigration programmes accessible to persons interested in Quebec. For example, there are opportunities for temporary and permanent workers, students, famil...

Dear Ms Powell, I am Jamaican born and I recently got permanent residence in Canada. My mother is now alone in Jamaica and I want her to come to live with me. I heard that I can apply for a 'super visa' for her to come and stay with me for up to five years at a time. Can she work when she comes? How do I apply for the super visa for my mom? OM Dear OM, Parents and grandparents of Canadian permanent residents or citizens can apply for a super visa to visit their children and grandchildren for a period in excess of six months at a time provided that both the applicant and the sponsor are able to satisfy the requirements of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Under this programme, the applicant will be expected to be a visitor only and not work without a valid work permit during the time that he is visiting. If your mother would like to work, she will need to apply for a work permit and satisfy the work permit requirements. A super visa does not grant you permissi...

Dear Ms Powell, I have been working as a customer service representative at a bank for the past four years and I would like to move to Canada. I tried applying under the express entry programme, and when I did the online assessment, it said I was ineligible. Someone said it's because even though I have seven subjects, I wouldn't qualify as I don't have a degree or diploma. She said if I study in Canada, I might be able to get citizenship that way. Is this true? How do I apply to study in Canada and become a citizen? - TP Dear TP, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has made several changes over the last 12 months to their policies and procedures dealing with applications for study permits and have introduced the highly competitive express entry system. This new system is based on individuals' scores using factors such as age, education, experience, language ability, and adaptability. Citizens of other countries may be granted the right to become permanen...

Dear Ms Powell, I am an administrative assistant with more than six years' experience. I want to migrate to Canada. I was reading about the express entry programme and it seems quite simple. I don't see why I need a lawyer. The only thing that concerns me is that I don't have a job offer. I want to submit my application immediately, so can you tell me some of the things I should look out for in dealing with this? - BL   Dear BL, The express entry system may appear simple to some individuals, but there are some myths about the system that cause individuals to risk their chances of receiving permanent residence in a timely manner. The system is often misunderstood or underestimated. I previously outlined the basic facts about the system and I strongly recommend that you review that article. In answering your questions, I will focus on seven myths about the express entry system and will highlight the realities.   Myth 1: Express Entry Is The Only Way To Immigrat...

What is Express Entry? ​ Express entry is a new electronic tool introduced by CIC to manage the   Federal skilled Worker Programme ,  The Federal Skilled Trades Programme , the  Canadian Experienced Class  Programme and a portion of the  Provincial Nominee Programmes . How does it work? ​ Once you meet the criteria for at least one of the existing economic programmes you will be placed in a pool of candidates for selection by the Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments and legitimate employers. Will there be a cap on the number of applications to accepted? ​ No. There will be no limit to the number of applications that CIC will accept under the Express Entry pool. What will happen to applications submitted for permanent residence prior to January 1, 2015? ​ Applications submitted to CIC before the launch of the Express Entry system will continue to be processed in accordance with the rules in place at the time of the submi...

Dear Ms Powell, I am supposed to go into final year at the University of the West Indies (UWI) next September and I'm contemplating not going back. My boyfriend is a Canadian citizen. He takes good care of me and gives me money for my boarding. He is planning to send money for my ticket to come to Canada soon. He, however, wants me to stay in Canada when I visit. He said it doesn't make sense I finish up studies here in Jamaica, as Canada does not recognise Jamaican degrees. He said I could come up and live with him and he will sponsor me. I'm a little confused as my mother died recently and I don't have anyone else to help me. I don't have any money to finish up and any money I get comes from my boyfriend. A friend said I should write you to see if my boyfriend can really sponsor me and if it's true that even if I go Canada I wouldn't be able to use my UWI degree. I look forward to your advice as I'm a little confused. - AT Dear AT, I'm sor...