Category: Immigration

Canada: Dependent Visa Update

The Government of Canada is committed to keeping families together. Through the Family Class, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of 18 years and older can sponsor their dependent children, parents, grandparents, spouse, common-law, and conjugal partners.

As of October 24, 2017, members of the family class can be sponsored for a dependent visa if they are:

• Dependent children under 22 years of age, who do not have a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
  • The dependent child must be the biological child of the parent or the adopted child of the parent.
  • The dependent child must prove to be financially dependent on the parent.
  • The dependent child is unable to financially support him/herself due to a physical or mental condition.
  • Children aged 22 and older who have depended substantially on the financial support of their parent(s) since before the age of 22 years, and who are unable to be financially self-supporting due to a physical or mental condition, may also be considered dependent.
  • You will need to provide proof of your relationship to your dependent children.
  • The children being sponsored will need to undergo a criminal and medical examination. Dependent children who have a criminal record or a contagious medical condition may be prevented from entering Canada.
  • The medical examination must go through a physician who is approved by the Canadian government.

This change in the eligible age from under 19 years to under 22 years is intended to create a positive social and cultural impact by keeping families together. “Raising the age of dependents lets more families stay together. This will bring economic and social gains to our country as it enhances our attractiveness as a destination of choice for immigrants and refugees,” Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of Immigration

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To find out your eligibility, get a free assessment.

The Canadian province of Ontario started accepting Canada Immigration/Permanent Residency applications from interested international post-graduates from the Masters and PhD Graduate Streams on October 12^th, 2017.

These two streams are extremely popular and whenever they start accepting applications, they reach their intake limits within a few days. While Ontario did not disclose how many applications will be accepted for the current application intake period, the Masters Graduate Stream reached its intake limit the day they announced the opening of both the streams. Therefore, Ontario is no longer accepting registrations for the Masters Graduate Stream. However, registration is still open for the OINP PhD Graduate Stream.

Through the Masters Graduate Stream and the PhD Graduate Stream, both streams linked with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Ontario enables skilled international students who want to live and work in Ontario obtain a Nomination Certificate which expedites their Canadian Immigration process.

International Students Category is designed for international students with a Master’s degree or a PhD obtained in Canada who want to live and work permanently in Ontario.

OINP Masters Graduate Stream applicants must:

• Intend to live and work in Ontario.
• Be a graduate of a Master’s program from a publicly funded University in Ontario.
• Have completed one academic year on a full-time basis.
• Submit the application no later than two years from the date of completion of the Master’s degree. Or submit the application during his/her last semester of study in the program.
• Be currently residing in Ontario with legal status.
• Be proficient in English and/or French.
• Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents.
• Have lived in Ontario for at least one complete year during the past two years.

OINP PhD Graduate Stream applicants must:

• Have graduated from an existing PhD program at an eligible publicly funded university in Ontario. Or successfully completed the degree requirements for such a program (and are awaiting their degree). Or, have at least two years of completed PhD studies at an eligible publicly funded university in Ontario.
• Application must be submitted no later than two years from the date the PhD was received.
• Be currently residing in Ontario with legal status.
• Be proficient in English and/or French.
• Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents.

Find out if you are eligible, get a free assessment.

Immigration and Australia

Australia accepted 226,200 permanent immigrants in 2015. Most immigrants came from India followed by China and the UK. Since the 1970s, Australia’s population has grown by 70%, almost entirely because of immigration. Over 28% of Australia’s current residents were born overseas compared to Canada, New Zealand, UK and USA. Provided you meet the criteria set out in law, Australia’s Migration Programme does not discriminate based on race or religion, which means anyone from any country, can apply to migrate.

According to the Economic Survey of Australia in 2017 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Australia’s economy has had a remarkable 25 consecutive years of output growth reflecting strong macroeconomic policies, structural reforms, a high gross domestic product per capita and the contribution of immigrants in Australia. Immigrants have provided labour for mining and manpower to build houses. Approximately 600,000 foreigners spent A$20 billion to attend Australian schools and universities in 2016, making education the country’s third-biggest export. And many graduates from Australian universities eventually take on local jobs and pay taxes.

Immigrant-Friendly Australians

In 2015, according to a poll by Gallup, an American-based research consultancy, Australia was the only Western country where 30% people thought immigration should rise compared to the 25% who believed immigration should fall. The immigrant-friendly nature of Australia is demonstrated annually on Harmony Day, March 21. Harmony Day celebrates cultural diversity and is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Why Australia?

Immigrating to Australia gives individuals and families the chance to be a part of a multicultural land with breathtakingly beautiful scenery, numerous career opportunities, excellent education, healthcare, and security. Out of 188 countries, Australia measures at #2 in the United Nation’s Human Development Index (UN HDI, 2016) which signifies the excellent healthcare, education and standard of living in Australia.

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Explore your Australian immigration and education options, get your FREE assessment today!

You just received your visa and are preparing for your exciting new journey abroad. Questions start popping up in your mind: Who? What? Why? Where? How? Studying abroad or moving abroad is an opportunity that should not be missed. However, preparing for the big adventure can be overwhelming. Before you head off, we thought it important to provide you with a pre-departure guide and advice on how to prepare for your journey.

Everyone’s situation is different, so the information below provides an indication of what you may need to do at various stages – not every item may be relevant to you, but it is best to be as prepared as possible.

1. DOCUMENTS

Collect and bring original forms of official documents that belong to you and/or the family members who are immigrating with you. Ensure all your documents are in order and make photocopies to pack in your baggage, to leave at home, and send scanned copies to your email address. Carry photocopies of documents of family members who plan on joining you later.

The documents you need to bring include:

• Passport (Make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date)
• Airline tickets
• Letter of acceptance from your Canadian educational institution
• Key addresses and phone numbers
• A bank statement showing proof of funds
• Letter of invitation from Canadian immigration
• Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
• Medical and immunization records
• Academic history and university transcripts
• Birth certificate
• Marriage or divorce certificates
• Death certificate for a deceased spouse
• Adoption records for adopted children
• Driver’s license and or International Driving Permit

If the documents are not in the English or French language, you will need to obtain a certified translation for those documents. It is advised to translate documents into the English language. The translation should be done through a reputable agency in your country of origin. If required, documents in English or in French can be translated to French and English, respectively, from within Canada.

Although some of these documents may not be required immediately, it is advised that you carry all your official documents to avoid delays in providing the required documents when needed.

2. ACCOMODATION

You should know where you will stay when you arrive in Canada and how you will get there from the airport. You should carry local currency for any transit destinations and have enough Canadian currency in cash or traveler’s checks.

3. BAGGAGE

You should check how much baggage you can take with you and be mindful of weight restrictions and never agree to carry another person’s bags or their items in your luggage. When packing, find out which items are restricted or prohibited for travel to Canada. Canada has restrictions on certain alcoholic beverages, tobacco, firearms, food, animal and plant products, drugs and prescription drugs. Some seemingly harmless goods can be dangerous on board an aircraft and should not be packed in either checked or carry-on baggage. Liquids in carry-on baggage must be in containers less than 100 ml and should be kept in a separate plastic bag, which will be verified during security screening. Remember to clearly tag all your baggage, noting your name and the complete address of your destination in Canada. Also, pack a card inside your luggage with your Canadian contact details. Lastly, remember to keep all important documents, medications and high-value items such as cameras, jewelry, laptops, phones, credit cards and cash in your carry-on luggage.

4. EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION

Try to improve your English or French. Communication skills may be the most valuable tool you can possess to settle successfully in Canada and find a good job. The language you focus on improving will depend on which one is most commonly spoken in the area where you have chosen to settle.

Find out the requirements of the study abroad program and University you are interested in applying to and take a note of the deadlines of registering and applying. Ensure that you have all your educational documents, obtain reference letters from your past employers and professors and make sure that your educational certificates and professional qualifications are verified and accepted in Canada.

Find out if your profession is regulated or unregulated in Canada. If you are thinking about living and working in Canada, you need to know about credential recognition. Understanding how your education and work credentials are recognized will help you adapt to life and work in Canada. Foreign credential recognition is the process of verifying that the education, training and job experience you obtained in another country are equivalent to the standards established for Canadian workers.

Qualifying to immigrate to Canada does not mean that your education, work experience and professional credentials are automatically recognized in Canada. Working in some jobs in Canada, including certain trades, may require a license. To get a license, you will need to have your credentials recognized. You can start the credential assessment and recognition process before you arrive in Canada. Getting your credentials recognized takes time and costs money. To facilitate the process of foreign credential recognition, the federal government has a Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO). The FCRO provides information on how you can get your credentials recognized in Canada.

5. HEALTH CARE

Apply for a government health insurance card. A government health insurance card allows you to receive taxpayer-funded medical care in Canada. You should apply as soon as possible after arriving in Canada.

CIC strongly recommends purchasing private health insurance to pay for your health-care needs until the date when you receive a government issued Health Insurance Card. So, purchase private health insurance to pay for medical costs in case of an emergency, until you obtain government health insurance in Canada.

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If you want more information and/or guidance, get in touch with CanApprove’s team of qualified consultants and trained advisors.

We wish you a successful and safe journey!

You just arrived in Canada, everything is new, questions start popping up in your head: Who? What? Why? Where? How? Studying abroad or moving abroad is an opportunity that should not be missed. However, adjusting to an unfamiliar environment and settling down to your heart’s content can be overwhelming. So, we thought it important to provide you with a post-arrival guide.

Everyone’s situation is different, so the information below provides an indication of what you may need to do at various stages. Every item may not be relevant to you, but it is best to be as prepared as possible.

1. Immigrant-Serving Organizations

Call or Visit an immigrant-serving organization in your city or town to learn about the free services they provide to help you settle in Canada. If you do not already have employment, immigrant-serving organizations can help you with your search. If you do not already have accommodation, immigrant-serving organizations can help you with your search to rent or buy a home.
You can also seek assistance from their services to explore the public transportation options around your area and the cost of those services so that you can choose the most cost-effective way to commute. They can also help you explore the best and most cost-effective cell phone and internet service providers in your area. Explore your options of purchasing a land-line number if you want.
If your first language is not English or French, plan to improve your English or French language skills. Language classes are free of cost.
Immigrant-serving organizations can guide you in all aspects of searching for employment in Canada and help you with any step in the process. You can find addresses and contact information for immigrant-serving organizations across Canada at here!

2. Safety

Memorize the national emergency telephone number: 911 and dial it in any emergency.

3. Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You should apply for a SIN as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada. A SIN is a nine-digit number provided by Service Canada on behalf of the federal government. You can apply for a SIN by submitting all the required documents (originals, not copies) to the nearest Service Canada Centre where an agent will review your documents and if you fulfill all the requirements, you can get the SIN within the same visit. You will need SIN to work in Canada or to apply for government programs and benefits. To obtain a SIN, Permanent Residents need to provide a Permanent Resident Card and Temporary Residents need to provide:

• Work permit from CIC.
• Study permit from CIC.
• Visitor record from CIC indicating that you are authorized to work in Canada.
• Diplomatic identity card and a note of permission of employment issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Your SIN is confidential and should be protected to avoid inappropriate use, identity theft and fraud. Make sure that you provide your SIN when it is officially required in the case of a job, opening a bank account or income tax purposes. You do not need to carry your SIN around with you, it is better to keep it at home and only use it when required. Avoid sharing your SIN number over the phone, text message or in an email.
You should contact Service Canada in case you change your name or if your citizenship status changes and if the information on your SIN record is incorrect or incomplete.
Note: You cannot work or open a bank account with a SIN number.

4. Health Insurance Card

You will need a health insurance card to get health care in Canada. You must present this card each time you need medical services. You should apply for a health insurance card from your provincial or territorial government as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada. You can get an application at a doctor’s office, a hospital, a pharmacy or an immigrant-serving organization. You can also get the forms online from the government ministry responsible for health in your province or territory.
When you apply for your health insurance card, you will need to show identification such as your birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card or confirmation of permanent residence. You must carry the card with you and present it at a hospital or clinic when you or someone in your family needs health services.
You must not share your health insurance card with anyone. The card is for your use only and you could lose your health benefits by letting other people use it. You could also face criminal charges and be removed from Canada if you allow other people to use your health card. If your health card is lost, stolen or damaged, you will need to inform your provincial or territorial ministry of health. You may have to pay a fee to get a new one.
CIC strongly recommends purchasing private health insurance to pay for your health-care needs until the date when you receive a government issued Health Insurance Card.

5. Permanent Resident Card

The permanent resident card is a wallet-sized plastic card and is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada. It is an Identification Document (ID) that needs to be presented for commercial travel, to open a bank account, and to access government services etc. If you are a new permanent resident, you will automatically receive your card as part of the immigration process. You will receive your card by mail at your address in Canada. If you do not have a Canadian mailing address before you arrive in Canada, you must provide your new address to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as soon as possible after you arrive. If you change your address in Canada before you receive your card in the mail, inform CIC of your new address. You can apply for a new permanent resident card if yours has expired, or if it has been stolen or lost.
Provide Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) with your Canadian address, so that you can receive your permanent resident card in the mail. You can provide your address online

If you want more information and/or guidance, get in touch with CanApprove’s team of qualified consultants and trained advisors.

We wish you all the success on your new journey!

Popular amongst parents and grandparents wanting to visit their children in Canada, Canada’s Super Visa enables parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada to visit their family and stay in Canada for up to two years without having to renew their status.

Since its launch in 2012, figures show that 89,000 parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have been awarded visas. A total of nearly 36,000 Super-Visas have gone to Indian citizens with China, Pakistan, Philippines and Bangladesh as the top five source countries.

In order to be eligible to apply for the Super Visa, the parent or grandparent must:

• Prove that they are simply visiting the country and will return to their home country at the end of their visit.
• Demonstrate ties to their home country.
• Show the purpose of their visit.
• Show their finances in their home country.
• Provide a letter of invitation from their Canadian child or grandchild living in Canada.
• Provide a letter promising financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada.
• Prove parental relationship to the child or grandchild.
• Provide one of the following documents to prove that their child or grandchild meets income requirements:
• Most recent copy of the notice of assessment or tax returns.
• Most recent copy of the T4 or T1.
• A letter from the child/grandchild’s employer.
• Employment insurance pay-stubs.
• Proof of private medical insurance with a Canadian insurance company valid for a minimum of one year.
• Complete and pass an immigration medical examination.

Important Information:

• You can apply for the parent and grandparent super visa online or on paper.
• Depending on individual circumstances, you may be eligible for a multiple-entry visa for up to 10 years.
• Even if you do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada, you can use the parent and grandparent super visa to stay in Canada for up to two years.
• Parents and grandparents living in countries that require a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) can obtain the super visa so that they can travel freely between Canada and their country of residence without having to regularly re-apply for a TRV.