A. Princewill Law Firm Immigration Law Blog Posts

Canadian Immigration news, information and related matters.

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Manitoba permanently reopens the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream and introduces process improvements

Manitoba reopened their Skilled Worker Overseas Stream on April 30, 2015 as part of their Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Manitoba has become a popular destination for many skilled overseas workers over the last 10 years. Approximately 130, 000 people have immigrated to Manitoba over the last 10 years!

Manitoba PNP

Manitoba PNP targets individuals with the skills they need for the province, those who have a desire to settle in the province and have ties to Manitoba. Manitoba PNP has introduced new changes and improvements to the program to ensure future intake stages are not necessary, resulting in faster processing times and a responsive stream. The two main changes are Expression of Interest and Procedural Fairness.

The MPNP Skilled Worker Overseas Stream operates with an Expression of Interest model to target those individuals with the skills Manitoba currently requires in their labour market and easier application management. Procedural Fairness is being strongly enforced to ensure that all applicants can respond to concerns that they have about the application.

It differs from the federal immigration programs because Manitoba PNP directly enables the candidate to settle in the province of Manitoba through the Expression of Interest program. The Federal Skilled Worker Program allows candidates to settle in any province in Canada. Manitoba PNP is administered through their own Expression of Interest system that was introduced earlier this year in January.

It is similar to the Federal Skilled Worker Program because it uses a points-based system to assess candidates on relevant factors such as; age, language proficiency, work experience, education and adaptability. Manitoba PNP requires a minimum of 60 points to meet the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Overseas program.

Connection to Manitoba

One of the main selection factors that Manitoba looks for in candidates are their ties to Manitoba. A successful candidate will demonstrate their connection to Manitoba through the support of family members or friends, through previous education or work experience in the province, or through an Invitation to Apply received directly from the Manitoba PNP as part of a Strategic Recruitment Initiative.

Manitoba Expression of Interest System

Manitoba’s Expression of Interest System is entirely separate from Canada’s Express Entry System. Both are similar in nature; however, candidates who are eligible for any of the streams under the Manitoba PNP, including, but not limited to, the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream, may submit profiles into the Manitoba Expression of Interest pool. Candidates are ranked according to the unique Manitoba PNP Ranking Points system and are awarded a score out of a maximum of 1,000 based on their eligibility criteria.

Candidates will be selected from the Manitoba pool and the candidates with the highest points may be issued a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) for Canadian immigration through the Manitoba PNP. After receiving an LAA, candidates will have only 60 days to submit a complete their application to the province of Manitoba.

Risk Assessment Factors

Manitoba PNP will subtract 100 points if a candidate demonstrates they have family in provinces other than Manitoba and not many relatives in Manitoba itself; have previously worked, studied, or a have made an immigration application to a Canadian province other than Manitoba.

Procedural Fairness

The second major change to the Manitoba Skilled Overseas Worker Program is the level of Procedural Fairness given to the applicant and application. Currently, a request for review of the application can be submitted after the applicant has received a negative decision. The new Procedural Fairness Process allow applicants to respond to and address the concerns and questions that Manitoba PNP representatives have before the final decision is made. This allows for a more transparent and informed process.

Conclusion

Manitoba is a popular destination for immigration because of its strong and stable economy. Its diversity and employment opportunities is what attracts many people in skilled work, professional careers, entrepreneurs and investors.

If the Manitoba Skilled Overseas Worker Program interests you, please feel free to contact us or fill out our free assessment form online and our team will be able to let you know if you are eligible. At A. Princewill Law Firm, we are the immigration experts that can successfully advise you on which immigration options are best for you. The Manitoba PNP steams require a lot of documents and information. Retaining a lawyer will provide you with the specific legal information you need. In addition, we know how MPNP access their applications and can advise you on what documents to provide to create a strong case. We will be there for you every step of the way, contact us to get started today!

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Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

What is a LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a verification that is done by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to ensure that when foreign workers come to work in Canada the Canadian Labour Market is not affected in a negative way.  ESDC requires the Employer to provide specific information regarding the employment position such as: number of Canadians who applied for the position, number of Canadians who were interviewed for the position and detailed explanations of why the Canadians who were qualified were not hired. ESDC wants to know employers are adequately taking steps to reduce reliance on temporary foreign workers. ESDC considers several factors including:

·         Is the salary offered to the foreign worker consistent with the average for the occupation in the area the position is located?

·         Are the working conditions consistent with labor laws and/or collective bargaining agreements?

·         Is there a labor shortage for that occupation in the area the position is located?

·         Is there an ongoing labor dispute in the company and/or industry?

·         Has the Canadian employer undertaken recruitment efforts in order to find Canadians to fill the position?

·         Will the foreign worker be able to transfer unique skills or expertise to Canadians?

·         Will hiring the foreign worker help to create or retain jobs for Canadians?

·         Will the foreign worker be the employee of the Canadian employer, whereby the foreign worker is expected to work on a full-time basis at a pre-determined wage?

Obtaining a LMIA may be easier in less populated cities and regions as opposed to a major city.

 Who needs a LMIA?

Majority of individuals require a LMIA unless listed as one of the exemptions. A LMIA is part of a two-step process and the application to the ESDC is the first step, the second step is an application to Citizen and Immigration Canada for a Work Permit.

Who does not need a LMIA?

·         Workers covered under International agreements

·         Dependants of Foreign Workers holding a Canadian work permit for a skilled position

·         Certain Provincial Nominees

·         Intra-Company Transferees

·         Co-op students

·         PhD students pursuing a post-doctoral fellowship at a Canadian university

·         Religious workers

·         Spouses and common-law partners of full-time foreign students

·         Participants in programs such as the Working Holiday Visa program or International experience Canada (IEC)

Although you may be exempted from a LMIA you are still required to obtain a Work Permit to work in Canada legally.

How to prepare a successful LMIA application

To prepare a successful LMIA application the employer needs to get started on gathering the following documents and taking the required steps to having a successful application:

·         The fee amount for each application (Processing fee $1000.00, Privilege fee $100.00);

·         Job advertisement must be activated for a minimum of 4 weeks before submitting the application;

·         Proof that an advertisement was posted on the Canadian Job Bank website;

·         Statistical tabulation such as:

1.       Numerical breakdown of the number of Canadian applicants for the position;

2.       The number of offers of employment made;

3.       The number of unqualified applicants;

·         Provide written description of why other candidates/applicants were not qualified for the position;

·         What procedure was taken to recruit or train Canadians;

·         Why Canadians were/are difficult to recruit for the position;

·         What proposal has been or will be arranged to train Canadians so the reliance on use of temporary foreign workers can be eliminated or limited;

Obtaining a positive LMIA requires following detailed guidelines, paying attention to details and providing a precise articulated position to Employment and Social Development Canada. Successful applications are greatly detailed, logical and well-articulated pieces of business communication.

Processing time

The processing time for an urgent LMIA is approximately 10 business days. ONLY available for applications pertaining to:

·         Jobs in high demand such as skilled trade workers

·         Jobs offering wages in the top 10% of wages earned by Canadians in that province or territory

·         Jobs with a short duration working period that doesn’t exceed 120 days (approx. 4 months)

The processing time for all other LMIA applications is between 12-16 weeks if a complete application package is submitted.

How we can help

At A. Princewill Law Firm we understand the importance of working in Canada legally and the stress of such an application. We would like to help you achieve a Positive LMIA in an expeditious and accurate manner. We have many years of experience enabling us to know how to strengthen your application and what ESDC is looking for. LMIA applications are extremely detailed, strict and will be returned if missing even the slightest requirement. We can effectively advise and assist you with your forms, documents and we monitor your application even after it is submitted. You will dramatically notice a difference when trying to apply on your own and applying with our services.

Let us help you determine your eligibility by filling out our free online assessment. One of our skilled team members will be able to assess and advise you on your situation.

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Resolving your Family Law dispute

During a separation, there are a number of legal matters a couple must deal with. These range anywhere from spousal support, child support, family property etc. There are two methods in resolving your family law dispute: courts or alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The Divorce Act, the Family Law Act, the Children’s Law Reform Act and the Child and Family Services Act, contain much of the law that applies to families in addition to case law judgements that can be useful to some.

When choosing whether to resolve your family law dispute in the court or by ADR, it is important to analyze your situation and choose the method that will be effective for you and your circumstances.

Courts

Resolving your family law dispute in the courts is used in dire circumstances where an urgent matter needs to be resolved, the partners cannot reach an agreement, abuse/violence is involved and bulling or threats are made.

The Family Law Rules govern the way an individual should proceed with their case in Ontario. Rule 8 sets out how to initiate a case and Rule 10 sets out how to respond to a case started against you. There is a rule for every step of a court proceeding that is enforced on everyone engaging in using the courts to resolve their family law dispute. Each individual is given a chance to receive and respond to the requests of the court and a judge will be able to decide the case based on evidence and the law. The judge acts in an impartial and neutral manner where he/she will only decide on the issues brought before them. Therefore, it is important to talk to a lawyer and have legal representation during a court proceeding to ensure you are aware of your rights and to use their expertise to obtain them. Otherwise, you risk having to pay the other party’s legal fees against you.

When commencing a family law case, the applicant must complete an application telling the court what they are requesting. This can be anything from custody of a child, child or spousal support, etc. The application outlines the history of your family/case and facts that will support your claim. Depending on the information provided in the application, the court may order the parties to attend a Mandatory Information Program that provides information about separation, the impact it has on children, ADR methods, legal issues and court proceedings. The applicant must also provide a copy of the application to the respondent. This is called service. There are specific timelines to follow when using a court proceedings because once the deadline is past it becomes extremely difficult to continue with your claim.

There are many pros and cons when proceeding with the courts to resolve your family law dispute. Some of the pros, as discussed above, include not reaching an agreement, requiring an enforceable agreement made by the judge, abuse/violence cases etc. The cons of continuing with a court proceeding include the cost, the time it takes to get a court date before a judge, an unpredictable outcome and the stress that tags along.

Before deciding that going to court for your family law matter is right for you, it is important to talk to a lawyer. A lawyer has the expertise to effectively guide and represent you. They can even help you settle a dispute before going to court and outline a method that is best for you. Going to trial can be a very expensive and stressful period for some, a lawyer can intervene in the middle of the court process and help reach a settlement before trial and/or represent you during trial.  

 Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

ADR is a method whereby informal arrangements can be made without the use of litigation. The couple can negotiate or work with a mediator or arbitrator. There are different methods under ADR to resolve a dispute. But note that this is a choice and neither party can be forced into using ADR. If you do choose to use ADR it is important to contact a lawyer because you risk losing rights that you are entitled to if you do not.

There are many benefits to using ADR rather than going to court. The individuals have more control over the matter and can express their concerns and decisions, it is much faster and cheaper than court, and is less stressful. ADR benefits those who can be open and honest with their partner and can work out the issues that need to be resolved. But as discussed above, it does not suit all family law disputes. If your partner chooses not to listen to you, or you two cannot cooperate, abuse/violence is involved, bulling/threats are involved or your partner has more power than you; can all be reasons why to resolve your dispute in the courts.

There are four types of ADR- negotiation, mediation, arbitration and collaborate family law. We will briefly explore these methods.

1.       Negotiation

Negotiation is a common form of ADR which provides for an informal setting where you and your partner talk to reach an agreement. You have the choice of retaining the assistance of lawyers to speak on your behalf and reach a spoken agreement. This is then transcribed into a written document, signed by the couple. It is important to transcribe the spoken agreement because it is common to move from negotiation to court and a spoken agreement will not be enforceable.

2.       Mediation

When engaging in mediation, the couple seeks the assistance of a mediator who is trained to deal with conflicts. Mediators are usually social workers, psychologists or lawyers. They help both partners talk to each other to reach an agreement in an impartial manner. They can suggest different methods of resolving the dispute and it is up to the individuals whether or not to use their advice. The assistance of a lawyer is very beneficial because usually, the lawyer does not accompany you to the mediation. Therefore, it is essential to know what your rights and obligations are before going into the mediation so that you effectively know how to reach a fair agreement.

If you are not pleased with how the mediation went, you have the autonomy to pursue other methods of resolving your dispute. However, should you and your partner reach an agreement during the mediation, it is imperative to show the written agreement to your lawyer before signing it. This is a common mistake made by individuals during this proceeding because once you have signed the agreement you have consented to all the terms present and the other party can effectively enforce them against you.

3.       Arbitration

During arbitration, the couple hires an arbitrator and proceeds in a method similar to court, however an arbitrator cannot grant divorce or an annulment. They can decide on custody, support, access and how to divide any family property. It is imperative to know your rights when dealing with an arbitrator, because like the courts, an arbitrator can only decide on issues that you ask them or bring to their attention. If you do not, you risk losing your rights.

Retaining the assistance of a lawyer is very important when engaging in arbitration. While arbitration may be designed to be non-binding, in most cases the arbitrator’s decisions must be obeyed and they can be enforced.

4.       Collaborative Family Law

This is a new form of ADR, where the individuals and their lawyers work together to resolve the dispute. This method is faster and cheaper than going to court and is a different way for lawyers to work because it is informal. The individuals can effectively use this method to make children a priority, use the expertise of their lawyers, and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This method only works effectively if the couple is willing to reach an agreement and respect each other. Usually, only those who can hire a lawyer should engage in this type of ADR.

If an agreement is not reached during Collaborative Family Law, then the individuals must proceed to court with new lawyers to represent them. Note that Legal Aid Ontario will not provide a lawyer for collaborative family law.

How we can help

As displayed by the different methods to resolve your family law dispute, a lawyer is not always required during a proceeding. However, in family law cases, it is very important and beneficial to get the assistance of a lawyer because as a party to the proceeding, this is very emotional and stressful. It is common for a party to have cloudy judgement because of the emotional suffering that occurs as a result of engaging in any of the above named resolution methods.

A lawyer can act as a good representative to effectively argue and negotiate the best possible agreement/settlement for you and your interest. At A. Princewill Law Firm, we have the expertise, experience and knowledge to outline your rights and obligations for you. We will always support your best interests and our understanding of these processes makes it easier for us to represent everything you want and interests that you may not even be aware of. Our expertise will successfully guide you to a practical and satisfying agreement. We will walk you through the best approach for you and your situation. Contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.

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Domestic Contracts/ Agreements

A divorce is a stressful event in the lives of family members. It may be the best choice but nevertheless it can have a negative impact on the financial, social, psychological, and physical well-being of the couple divorcing and their children. The divorce rate in Canada is approximately 42%. While this number has decreased, it is predicted to increase. Nobody plans to get divorced when they get married and that is why many couples are entering into common-law/cohabitating relationships to avoid all the worry about marriage and divorce. The fact of the matter is that it is common and it is important to know your rights and responsibilities when getting married, divorced or even deciding to cohabit with your partner.

It is important to be prepared for such events in your life, and one way to get started is to have a marriage contract, separation agreement or cohabitation agreement, depending on your circumstances.

Having an agreement in place before such an event arises will save you time, money and unnecessary stress that is often involved during the process.

Marriage Contract  | Prenuptial Agreement

Commonly referred to as a ‘prenup,’ a marriage contract, under section 52 Family Law Act, provides an agreement outlining the terms of a marriage. It will address how you and your spouse will divide your finances and assets. Everyone can benefit from a marriage contract, even if you only have a small amount of assets. This agreement will protect your separate property, support your estate plans, define what property is considered marital or not, save money in reducing conflicts, outline special agreements and establish any procedures/protocols you may want to instill for deciding on future matters between you and your partner.

The valuable characteristic about a marriage contract is that the couple have the autonomy to decide everything. If a marriage contract is non-existent, divorce becomes a nightmare and each spouse is essentially left unprotected and vulnerable. By outlining rights and responsibilities, it becomes easier to divide everything and adhere to any special arrangements such as support, property, education and training of children without having a court decide for you. It is the dreaded conversation that no one wants to have before marriage; however, the consequences of this may lead to difficult months and sometimes even years settling everything.

One of the most common mistakes a couple makes regarding marriage contracts is not knowing that they can still enter into an agreement after they are married. Should a couple choose not to address a marriage contract before marriage, they are able to enter into one after marriage as long as they are not doing so with the intention to get divorced in the near future.

Cohabitation Agreement

Many couples in Canada choose to live together without getting married. Approximately 14% of couples living together are cohabitating in Canada. However, this number does not accurately reflect the real rate of couple cohabitating together, which in fact is much higher, this is because many couples just choose to live together and when their relationship ends, that’s it.

The Canada Revenue Agency considers you to be in a common-law relationship when you have cohabited for 12 months, however, common-law relationships are defined differently all around Canada. It mainly depends on the circumstances of the relationship to consider yourselves in an unmarried relationship or as a common-law marriage. Regardless of the situation, it is important to protect yourself, especially when you choose to own property with your partner.

A cohabitation agreement typically lays out terms for division of assets and spousal support when a common-law relationship comes to an end. This is similar to a marriage contract as discussed above. It outlines each spouse’s rights and responsibilities. It is imperative to have an agreement in place when cohabitating to protect your rights. With a written agreement, it can be enforceable should your relationship end.

Should you get married to your partner, your cohabitation agreement automatically becomes a marriage contract without any further action required.

Separation Agreement

In Canada, a couple must be separated for at least one year before they can file for a divorce. However, a couple can remain separated and never file for a divorce. The main reason individuals file for divorce is to enable one spouse to remarry in the future. Separation can be misunderstood by many couples because they are under the impression that a separation is simply living in two separate addresses. However, a valid separation in Canada is to not only be living in separate addresses but also be living and leading separate lives.

A separation agreement is a legally binding agreement that a couple enters into at the time of their separation. This contract will outline each spouse’s rights on different matters such as property, child custody and access, any pending debts, child and/or spousal support and any specific agreements a couple would like to address. Legally, a separation agreement is not necessary between a couples; however, it is always better to have a written agreement because verbal agreements are frequently undermined and denied. In a court, a written agreement is enforceable should one spouse refuse to adhere to the terms of it.

How we can help

When drafting your own marriage, separation or cohabitation contract, it is strongly advised to seek legal representation. A lawyer has clear knowledge of the rights and the laws that apply to you and can offer their expertise which can benefit your particular situation. No relationship is the same, therefore, a general internet search will not provide you with the best results for drafting contract from home. Your contract can be held to be invalid or contain certain matters that cannot be enforced by the courts.

At A. Princewill Law Firm we are committed to drafting strong contracts and agreements. We take the time to sit down and get to know your situation. This enables us to serve and represent you the best we can. We have many years of experience involving divorce, marriage and separation that aid us to draft a contract that will not only be enforceable, but also one that is fair and satisfies you.  Please fill out our contact form to get started.

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SURROGACY AND IMMIGRATION CONSIDERATIONS

Surrogacy in Canada is a legal option and a highly fulfilling alternative for couples that have difficulty creating a family on their own. It is also a wonderful opportunity for women to change the lives of those who cannot carry a child to term.

 TYPES OF SURROGACY

 Different types of surrogacy.

§  Genetic Surrogacy: when the genetic mother’s ovum or ova and the genetic father’s sperm are fertilized and implanted into the womb of a third party, the surrogate. Thus, the baby in a genetic surrogacy is not related to the woman who carries him or her.

§  Donor Egg Surrogacy: where the intended father is genetically related to the child, but the carrier and the intended mother are not.

§  Donor Sperm Surrogacy: where the carrier is not genetically related to the child but carries the intended mother’s ova, which have been fertilized by a donor (not the intended father).

§  Traditional Surrogacy: where the carrier is genetically related to the child that she bears for the intended parents.

 IS SURROGACY LEGAL? 

In Canada, it is legal to enter into a surrogacy agreement. The Ontario Courts routinely grant Parentage Applications in the case of genetic, donor egg and donor sperm surrogacy. This means that the intended parents, not the surrogate or her spouse, will be named on the child’s birth certificate.

 CAN A SURROGATE BE PAID?

A surrogate cannot be paid for her services but her pregnancy related expenses can be paid. In addition, a surrogate must be at least 21 years old.

 SURROGACY CONTRACT

It is beneficial to draft a contract between you and the surrogate to outline her rights and responsibilities and yours. This contract shows the intention of the parents and displays the agreement between the surrogate and the parents.  A surrogacy contract can cover the following matters:

§  psychiatric or psychological pre-screening

§  behavior during pregnancy

§  issues governing expenses, insurance and reimbursements

§  issues surrounding genetic testing of the fetus

§  arrangements concerning custody of the child in the event that something happens to the intended parents (including injury, separation or divorce)

§  the need for wills

§  resolution of conflicts that may arise during or after the pregnancy

  INTERNATIONAL SURROGACY

Many intending parents would like to engage in the surrogacy process outside of Canada. This is very common and Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides different avenues on bringing the child back to Canada.

The first step is ensuring the intending parents are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The second step is determining if the child has a genetic link to the intending parents or not. As discussed above this can be performed via the gestational method.

For immigration purposes, The Uniform Child Status Act 2010 defines assisted reproduction as a method of conceiving other than by sexual intercourse. The Uniform Child Status Act further defines a surrogate as a person who gives birth to a child as a result of assisted reproduction if, at the time of the child’s conception, she intended to relinquish that child to

The     person whose human reproductive material was used in the assisted     reproduction or whose human reproductive material was used to create the     embryo used in the assisted reproduction, or

The     person referred to in a) and the person married to or in a common-law     partnership with that person.

IMMIGRATION OPTIONS

A common misconception about international surrogacy is that it is not possible to bring the child back to Canada. This is not true. There are three approaches that allow for a child, without a genetic link to immigrate to Canada.

1.       Adoption

When the child is born, the intending parents can adopt the child and sponsor the child to Canada. In countries where adoption is not available because the intending parents are known as the legal parents at the time of birth, the intending parents shall submit a written confirmation from that country or an expertise visa office explaining why.

2.       Discretionary Immigration Processing Option

After the child is born, the intending parents can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa for the child and once that is granted, they can apply for a Humanitarian and Compassionate Application on behalf of the child to obtain permanent residence in Canada. This will enable the child to than apply for Citizenship under subsection 5(4) Citizenship Act.

3.       Apply for Citizenship

(a) Under subsection 5(4) Citizenship Act, the intending parents can apply, on behalf of the child, for citizenship. This application is asking for the discretion of Citizenship and Immigration Canada to grant citizenship on a case-by-case basis.

(b) Genetic link to the parents                                Where there is genetic link, parents can apply for Canadian citizenship for their child by descent.

HOW WE CAN HELP

At A. Princewill Law Firm, we are the immigration experts that can successfully advise you in which options are available for you and your child. International surrogacy is complicated and retaining a lawyer will provide you with the specific legal information you need. In addition, we know how Citizenship and Immigration access their application and can advise you on what documents to provide to create a strong case. We will be there for you every step of the way, before the birth of the child and even after.

Contact us today to book a consultation to discuss how we can help you.  

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Family Class Sponsorship

Family Class Immigration allows for families to be reunited and live together in Canada as permanent residents which can lead to citizenship. Family reunification is one of the main objectives of Canada’s Immigration system. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) views each application with due diligence and high priority is given to family class applications.

There are many different avenues available under the Family Class Sponsorship category. They include: - Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship - Parent/ Grandparent Super Visa - Spouse/ Common Law Partner Sponsorship (for more information on spouse/common law partner    sponsorship, click here) - Dependent children - Other family members (For more information on sponsoring other family members, click here)

Sponsor Eligibility

Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

Must be at least 18 years old

Be able to provide basic needs for family member(s) (i.e. Provide food, shelter, clothing etc)

Meet or exceed the minimum necessary income required to sponsor

Must be prepared to financially provide for sponsored family member(s) for at least three years should they receive permanent residence (and show proof of financial means)

Must not have sponsored anyone else, in the past, who has requested financial assistance from the government

Sponsor cannot be bankrupt, in prison, charged with any serious offence or under a removal order.

Documents Required for Family Class Sponsorship

Documents are a crucial element of the application package. You must be prepared to provide up-to-date documents to meet the sponsor eligibility criteria and to attest to your relationship.

Documents for Parent/ Grandparent Sponsorship

In addition to the Citizenship and Immigration application form package, you must also include:

Proof of separation, divorce or annulment

Death certificate, if applicable

Declaration of severance, if applicable

Option C printout from your most recent Notice of Assessment

Proof of employment (original employment letter from employer stating duration, hours, pay/salary)

Proof of income for the last 12 months (i.e. pay stubs)

Any other financial income (i.e. Investments, pension, rental income, special benefits etc)

Medical Condition Statement if you have legally adopted the dependent child(s)

Sponsored Parent/ Grandparent Documents

Copy of birth certificate, national identity card, marriage certificate, divorce/separation from previous spouse (if applicable), declaration of severance (if applicable), annulment or death certificate or previous partner (if applicable), photocopy of status documents of any close Canadian relatives

Adoption papers (if applicable), proof of custody of children

Copy of passport(s) and travel documents, children must have their own passport, if you live in a country different from your nationality provide a copy of your visa

Sponsor birth certificate

Parent/ Grandparent birth certificate

CIC provides a list of medical panels in your country to have an upfront medical examination performed

Parent/ Grandparent Super Visa

The Super Visa Program allows a parent/ grandparent to be a long-term visitor of Canada. This visa can enable a successful applicant to receive a Super Visa for up to 10 years with multiple entry. This is valid for 2 years at a time with renewal.

To be eligible to apply a parent/ grandparent shall meet the following requirements.

-          Sponsor must meet the minimum income requirements

-          Applicant must purchase 1 full year of health insurance

-          Applicant must complete an immigration medical examination and provide results to CIC

-          The Sponsor must provide written commitment of financial support to CIC

-          If applicable, some applicants may require a Temporary Resident Visa in addition to their Super Visa.

Sponsored Dependent Child Documents

Copy of birth certificate, national identity card, marriage certificate, divorce/separation from previous spouse (if applicable), declaration of severance (if applicable), annulment or death certificate or previous partner (if applicable), photocopy of status documents of any close Canadian relatives

Birth certificate, Adoption papers (if applicable), proof of custody of children

Copy of passport(s) and travel documents, children must have their own passport, if you live in a country different from your nationality provide a copy of your visa

Sponsor birth certificate

Parent/ Grandparent birth certificate

CIC provides a list of medical panels in your country to have an upfront medical examination performed

Sponsor other family members

You may be able to sponsor other family members but you must meet the sponsorship requirements.

Under this category you can sponsor brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren who are orphaned, are under 18 and do not have a spouse or common-law partner and their relatives who will accompany them (e.g. Spouse, partner, children). You are able to sponsor one relative of any age or relation only if you do not have any other relatives that you could sponsor under the family class category and you do not have a relative that is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Any siblings or adult children over the age of 18 cannot be sponsored by you because they are considered financially independent. However, as a relative, you can provide them with extra points under a skilled worker category should they wish to immigrate to Canada.

Common Mistakes

Family Class Sponsorship require lots of information, documents and forms. It is easy to make a mistake and delay your application process by many months or even years.

One of the biggest mistakes that is commonly made is the type of application a sponsor chooses to pursue. When sponsoring a parent/ grandparent, you must choose whether you would like to apply for permanent residence or a super visa.

It is imperative to know whether or not the application is strong with everything in order or if the application will raise issues and concerns in some areas.

Another common mistake is providing Citizenship and Immigration Canada with out-of-date documents. This will automatically delay and sometimes even lead to your application being denied. Most documents only have a validity of 3-6 months. Furthermore, sponsorship forms are constantly being updated, should you submit an application with an old form it will be returned and your process will be delayed.

Another mistake commonly made is not providing proper evidence and proof to attest to stated information. This is a crucial step because Citizenship and Immigration Canada expect every fact that is disclosed to be backed up by tangible evidence. Collecting proof can take a while and sometimes it is hard to obtain but it is imperative to send as much proof as you can with your application to avoid it being delayed or refused. On the forms, the sponsor and applicant must disclose everything that is asked for and not try to withhold information because it can bar them from sponsoring or being sponsored. This includes any information about siblings, children, work places, countries lived it etc.

Another common mistake is sponsoring an adopted child who is not legally adopted in their country of residence. Should this occur, CIC will not regard the relationship as valid. It is important to know who can and cannot be sponsored.

These are only a few of the many mistakes that can be made while applying for Family Class Sponsorship. Be sure to double check everything.

How we can help

At A. Princewill Law Firm we understand the importance of being with your family members and would like to help you achieve it in an expeditious and accurate manner. With our many years of experience we know how to strengthen your application and what Citizenship and Immigration Canada are looking for. We can effectively advise and assist you with your forms and documents. We also monitor your application even after it is submitted. You will dramatically notice a difference when trying to apply on your own and applying with our services.

Let us help you determine your eligibility by filling out our free online assessment. One of our skilled staff members will be able to assess and advise you on your situation.

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Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications

What are Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications?

A Humanitarian and Compassionate Application (H&C) allows for an applicant to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. It is used in exceptional cases. It enables the applicant to apply for their permanent residence on the grounds of H&C and is used for those individuals who do not meet the requirements under any of the other permanent residence categories. H&C application is available also to convention refugees and persons in risk of persecution.  

Getting Started

Before an individual begins an H&C application, there are a number of factors to understand first:

-          Unless waiting for a decision on a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment Application, an H&C application does not prevent deportation.

-          H&C decisions are determined on a case-by-case basis.

-          There must be sufficient and relevant proof pertaining to the H&C grounds.

     There is a government processing fee of $550 per adult and $150 per child.

How to build a strong humanitarian and compassionate application A strong application begins with the right reasons for applying. An H&C application is usually made as a last resort and the applicant must show/prove the immediate need to stay in Canada. There is an endless list of reasons to apply under an H&C application. The two most common ones are used by refugee applicants and they are hardship and risk.

Hardship includes a situation where an applicant is or will face serious problem and suffering should he or she be forced to move back to their home country. This can include reasons such as no government in charge, not recognized as a citizen in your home country anymore, medical hardship, need an exemption from one or more requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) or Regulations in order to apply for permanent residence within Canada, belief you would endure unusual/undeserved hardship if you are not granted the exemption, etc.

Medical hardship is not always a reason to apply under H&C grounds. A reason to use medical hardship is if you or a family member risk death by returning to your home country due to poor or no medical treatment.

To prove hardship an applicant must display that they are well-established in Canada. As each case is different, it is important to provide the best evidence displaying your circumstances. Proving your hardship and establishment in Canada is dependent on factors that you present to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

For example:

-          How long the applicant has lived in Canada.

-          Collecting welfare, if applicable.

-          Ability to understand and speak English/ French and taking action to improve in them.

-          Improve/ further education while in Canada

-          Any relatives in Canada and if you are in contact with them

-          Any Canadian-born children.

-          How much family you have in your home country and if you are in contact with them.

-          Any jobs in Canada/ keeping up with tax payments.

-          Current employment.

-          Any assets abroad.

-          References from people in Canada. (ie. Teachers, friends, work, volunteer etc.)

-          Community involvement.

-          Specific hardship faced if returned to home country. (ie. Being a woman and having limited rights)

This list is non-exhaustive and can continue on for whatever reasons an applicant has that would make him/her face hardship should they return to their home country.

Applying under H&C ground because of risk means that you cannot return to your home country because of at least one of the following:

-          Persecution

-          Torture

-          Risk to life

-          Risk of cruel or unusual punishment

Should the applicant have a PRRA application, they do not risk deportation until a decision is made on that case. PRRA officers only consider new evidence should you already have had a refugee hearing. However, they can sometimes consider important evidence pivotal to your case that was not available during a refugee hearing (eg. Medical evidence, proof of torture etc). If you are in Canada and have not yet made a refugee claim, do so immediately. You must display that you are in immediate danger of persecution and not delay on this matter.

Children

A Canadian immigration officer is bound to consider the best interests of a child. Should you have children involved in your case ensure to display:

-          Any ties the child has to Canada

-          If the child was born in Canada

-          Is the child attending school in Canada?

-          Have they ever been to your home country?

Common Mistakes

Many applications are refused for minuscule mistakes or inadequate information. Ensure that you submit a strong application and avoid making the following common mistakes.

-          The applicant’s only or main ties to Canada is their job and paid taxes.

-          The applicant has been on welfare for a long period of time.

-          Criminal activity.

-          Not personally affected by persecution or human rights in home country.

-          Not disclosing ALL relevant information (even if it is weak).

-          Misrepresenting yourself/situation.

-          Basing claim on poor educational facilities and poor employment opportunities.

-          Not filing application in time.

-          Have a pending refugee claim.

How we can help

If any of the following mistakes seem like something that would apply to you it may be best to not consider applying or hiring a lawyer to represent you. There are many advantages in hiring a lawyer and at A. Princewill Law Firm, we know how to assist you in turning a weak H&C application into a strong one.

Let our immigration lawyers and dedicated team of staff help you overcome a weak application and put together a strong application that addresses all your hardships/risks. We know what CIC is looking for and we will effectively analyze your situation to point out any weaknesses.

Book a consultation today to get started!

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Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act

The Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act was introduced in June 2013 as a result of a review conducted on the Immigration Refugee and Protection Act, herein The Act. The new laws strives to terminate the loopholes and lengthy appeals which can delay removal.

 Major changes amending IRPA

Measures that have been implemented in The Act aim to remove the right of appeal to foreign nationals who commit crimes thus speeding up the deportation process of those who were sentenced to jail time of six months or more. The Act also denies any access to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) by foreign nationals who have committed a serious crime outside of Canada.

The Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act has made significant amendments to achieve the following:

-          It limits access to the IAD by foreign nationals to help expedite the removal process reducing the time by up to 14 months.

-          Those foreign nationals that take part in crime on the most serious grounds causing their inadmissibility, such as organized crime or war crime, are denied access to any grounds of humanitarian and compassionate consideration.

-          In exceptional circumstances, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada now has the authority to refuse temporary resident status should that individual raise any public safety/ policy concerns.

-          Some family members are inadmissible on grounds of security, human rights, international rights and/or organized crime. Regardless of having a connection to the relevant family member or not, and even if they are travelling alone.

-          Consequences are being increased to protect against immigration fraud from a two-year bar on admissibility to a five-year bar from entering Canada.

-          Officials that are involved in making the immigration applications are to attend Canadian Security Intelligence Service interviews.

 How we can help

Do any of the measures implemented by The Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act apply to you? It is highly recommended to seek legal representation. At A. Princewill Law Firm, we are dedicated to representing the best interests of our clients. We have experience handling immigration cases involving inadmissibility and removal orders. We can help find the best solutions for you and get started immediately.

If you have any questions or require more information call us on 289-622-7662 or email us at [email protected].

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Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship

There are six (6) criteria that an applicant must meet to be eligible for Canadian Citizenship.

1.       Age

An applicant must be at least 18 years old to apply for Canadian citizenship. If the applicant is under 18, a parent/ legal guardian can apply on their behalf, provided the child is a permanent resident and at least one of the parents is a Canadian citizen or is applying for citizenship at the same time.

2.       Permanent Resident Status

The applicant must be a permanent resident in Canada and must not be under review for immigration issues or under a removal order.

3.       Time you have lived in Canada

An applicant for Canadian citizenship must have resided in Canada for a total of three (3) years in the last four (4) years. This that a person applying to become a citizen of Canada must have lived in Canada for a minimum of 1095 days in the last four years.

4.       Language Skills

As Canada has two (2) official languages, an applicant must show they know at least one (1) of the languages in adequate ability and provide documentation to prove this. In addition, an immigration officer will be testing the applicant’s ability to speak either English or French during the interview.

5.       Criminal History

Should an applicant have any indictable criminal history in the last three (3) years, be under review for immigration fraud, under a removal order, being investigated, or has had citizenship revoked, then they are not eligible to apply for Canadian citizen.

6.       Canadian Citizenship Test

An applicant between the ages of 18-54 must show their knowledge of Canada and the privileges and responsibilities of acquiring Citizenship. This is displayed through a written test on citizenship. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will provide you with a study guide which can also be assessed on line by clicking on Discover Canada.  

Processing Time for Canadian Citizenship Applications

The current processing time for complete citizenship applications is 24 months. This time can increase if your application raises any questions or concerns that Citizenship and Immigration requires clarification on.

Documentation

In addition to the Canadian Citizenship Application form and payment of for processing fees. See below for supporting documentation required for your application package.

-          Copy of your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)

-          Copy of Permanent Resident Card (PRC), if you have one

-          Original results of an official language test taken (keep in mind that CIC will only accept results of certain third-party institutions that offer these tests. For example, Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General Test)

-          Proof of completion of either French or English secondary and post-secondary education (in Canada or abroad). This can be either a diploma, degree, transcript.

-          Copy of passport

-          Official Education records if you attended school within the last four years of applying

-          Two (2) pieces of personal identification (For example, drivers licence, Canadian health card, copy of passport etc.)

-          Two (2) identical citizenship photographs, see specifications on CIC website

-          Any and all documents or proof that display you have settled in Canada and have established ties to the country. (For example, copy of gym membership, copy of employment contract, any membership cards, property ownership etc.)

The information provided above can seem overwhelming. You may not think you are even eligible because you have been working outside of the country or you travel a lot. It is easy to make a mistake and delay or bar yourself from applying for citizenship but many people who believe they are not eligible, in fact, are!

Let us help you! At A. Princewill Law Firm, we know how important it is to get your Canadian citizenship and that it sometimes can be a frustrating process. We know the ins and outs of the application process and can help you monitor your application once you submit it as well. We will assist you in obtaining documentation that will strengthen your application for you and your family. 

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Express Entry into Canada – All You Need to Know

Express Entry is Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) new and efficient way of electronically managing applications for permanent residence under certain economic immigration programs. This program was introduced in January 2015 and has already gained much popularity due to its expeditious nature.

Note that Express Entry is not an immigration program but in substance a method which enables CIC to select candidates for the following economic immigration programs:

-          Federal Skilled Worker Trades Program (FSTP)

-          Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

-          Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

-          Certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Express Entry is your first step to starting your process of eligibility under any of the mentioned programs above. Essentially, the Express Entry system is made up of two steps.

Express Entry Process

Step One: Determine Eligibility through creating an online Express Entry Profile.

To determine your eligibility under one of the economic immigration programs, the online Express Entry Profile will enable CIC to award you points for skills and experience from the information you provide to them. Each candidate will be awarded up to 1200 points regarding your skills, work experience, language competency, education and various other data.

Should your information be suited under one of the economic immigration programs, you will be entered into CIC’s Express Entry pool of candidates where you will be ranked amongst other candidates based on your information and if you have secured a job offer in Canada. CIC will assess you against a 1200-point ranking criteria.

At A. Princewill Law Firm, through our free online assessment our team of highly skilled professionals will be able to guide you through this process to determine your eligibility to enter into the pool of candidates and assist you should you not already have a job offer.

  Step Two: Candidates with the highest-ranking scores will be provided an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Candidates are all assessed according to their ranking through the Comprehensive Ranking System which will award you points for your provided information. Having a job offer and/or Provincial Nomination, relevant skills and experience will award you with the most points and enable you to receive an invitation to apply; however, this is not guaranteed.

Should you receive an invitation from CIC to apply for permanent residence, you will have 60 (sixty) days to submit an online application for the corresponding economic immigration program you were invited under. During this step, it is imperative that the applicant have all the relevant supporting documentation required to prove his/her skills and experience mentioned in their online Express Entry profile.

At A. Princewill Law firm, our highly skilled representatives will be able to assist you in collecting the relevant paper-work and supporting documents to enable you to submit a strong application. Our many years of experience and resources make the daunting process of applying for an economic immigration program simple and expeditious (Be sure to fill out our free assessment to obtain a jump start to your immigration process).

Through Express Entry, CIC is striving to ensure quick processing times of six (6) months or less and minimal to no backlog, which is why each candidate will be allowed to stay in the pool for 12 (twelve) months. The candidate is allowed to submit a new profile should they not receive an invitation to apply within the 12 (twelve) months.

Express Entry for Employers

Employers seeking a skilled foreign employee in the event they cannot hire a Canadian or current permanent residence to satisfy their labour needs can use Express Entry to select employees. This advantageous process allows employers to use their existing recruiting and hiring processes alongside the flexibility to select specific candidates based on their skills and experience.

Employers can find candidates through private sector job boards, sometimes through Provincial Nominee Programs and to be introduced later on this year through the Job Bank Match Service. By using Job Bank, Express Entry will match registered Employers, Provincial, and Federal government to candidates in the Express Entry pool to enable them to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence. You as the employer have the ability to browse and examine each candidate and to make a pick from the pool.

The major advantage to an employer using this system is that the workers they need can be in Canada in 6 six months or less.

  Are you a professional, skilled worker or trades person?

Would you like to become a permanent resident of Canada?

Are you an employer who wants to quickly fill a position in your organization and there are no suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residence? 

Contact us today to discuss your situation in detail or complete a free online immigration assessment.

  Y Canada Services (Immigration Law Section of A. Princewill Law Firm) http://www.y-canada.ca/ | [email protected] | 1-289-622-7662 | 1480 Bayly Street, Pickering, ON Canada L1W 3T8

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INADMISSIBLE OR DENIED ENTRY INTO CANADA?

There are several reasons why a person may be denied entry into Canada and some of the reasons include:

Criminality

Security reasons

Human rights violations

Medical reasons

Financial reasons

Misrepresentation

Non-compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Inadmissible family member

You may be criminally inadmissible if convicted of an offence in Canada. You may also be criminally responsible for committing on entering Canada, an offence under an Act of Parliament.  Offences committed outside Canada may also make you inadmissible to Canada. Provided the act is an offence in the place where it was committed and if committed in Canada, world constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament.

Security reasons for inadmissibility include espionage, instigating the subversion of a government by force; engaging in terrorism or being a member of an organization that there are reasonable grounds to believe engages, has engaged, or will engage in acts of terrorism, espionage, violence or other such related act.

You may be medically inadmissible to Canada to if you have a health condition that is likely to be a danger to public health, a danger to public safety, or that might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demand on health and social services.

Financial reasons for inadmissibility include being unable or unwilling to support yourself or your dependents.  

Misrepresentation arises where you directly or indirectly misrepresent or withhold material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Non-compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act occurs when you fail to comply through an act or omission which contravenes directly or indirectly a provision of the Act.

A family member to whom any of the above applies is inadmissible. An inadmissible family member makes you inadmissible to Canada too except there is an exemption that applies to you.

How to overcome inadmissibility

The specific remedy depends on the underlying reason for your inadmissibility.  You can give us a call or book a consultation to speak to a lawyer at A. Princewill Law Firm about your situation.

The most common remedies include obtaining a temporary resident permit (TRP) to visit or live in Canada temporarily while still considered inadmissible.

For the criminally inadmissible, you may be able to permanently overcome your inadmissibility by applying for rehabilitation.  

For the medically inadmissible, we carefully review your situation and present your case so that it is an exemption from the provisions of the Act. In the alternative, we may be able to get you temporary residence in Canada and after a few years of residing here, you will qualify for permanent residence.

For cases involving misrepresentation, we review whether it is indeed a relevant fact and whether indeed it could have induced an error in the administration of the Act. These elements are critical to establishing a case against you for misrepresentation.

Everyone’s situation is different and the approach taken depend on the facts of the case and your Canada immigration goals. Contact A. Princewill Law Firm today and we can help you successfully gain entry into Canada. 

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Express Entry to Canada

Express Entry

With the Express Entry program set to launch in January 2015, many people ask us how it differs from the current Canada Immigration programs currently in place. Below is a list of the main differences.

Express Entry will cover the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class.

Differences:

1)      Profile Required

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will need to create a profile to become part of the pool from which Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Canadian Provinces, and Employers will select candidates for immigration to Canada.

2)      Applications will be electronic

Profiles and the application for permanent residence will be completed electronically.

3)      Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence required

Candidates from the pool of applicants will need to be invited to submit applications for permanent residence. Candidates will have only 60 days to submit an electronic application for permanent residence once invited.

4)      There will be no list of eligible occupations

This removes the restrictions that some may have faced in qualifying to immigrate to Canada. All candidates are welcome to submit their profile and they will be selected based on their profile without being disqualified merely because do not belong to an occupation on the list of eligible occupation.

5)      Selection is based on how much points you score using the human capital model that assesses a candidate’s chances for success in Canada.

Selection will depend on how much a person scores overall on the following factors: age, English or French language proficiency, education, work experience, prior work or education in Canada, family in Canada, etc.

6)      Employers will be able to select candidates from the pool of prospects to fill their labour shortage needs.

The new system will proactively try to match candidates’ skills with advertised job openings in Canada, thereby assisting employers in finding the perfect candidates they seek.

7)      Increased chance that applicants will be arriving in Canada with a job waiting

The new job matching tool means that many candidates will have a job waiting for them on arrival.

8)      Faster processing time of 6 months or less.

Citizenship and immigration Canada is promising that applications selected from the pool will be completed within 6 months. This is great for the prospective employer as the labor shortage is filled quickly and it is great for candidates as well as they no longer need to wait for years before they can immigrate.

Would you like to apply to immigrate to Canada under the Express Entry program?

Want to find out how good your changes are for successfully immigrating to Canada under the Express Entry program?

Y Canada Services, the immigration Law Section of A. Princewill Law Firm can help you. Complete afree online assessment and we will advise you of your chances of success and the next steps towards obtaining permanent residence in Canada. 

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Permanent Residence Card Renewal | Residency Obligation

Issue: 

"I want to renew my PR Card but I do not have the required number of days. I need your help."

Solution:  The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires you to have a minimum of 730 days of residence in Canada for any given 5 year period. This is referred to as your residency obligation.  You meet your residency obligations if you were physically present in Canada for a least 730 days. If you were absent from in Canada and have less than 730 days of physical presence, you could still meet your residency obligation if you were outside Canada because you were accompanying a family member who is a Canadian citizen, or accompanying a family member who is a permanent resident and who is employed by a Canadian business or a Canadian provincial or federal government civil service.  You can also meet your residency obligation if you were outside of Canada because you were employed outside Canada by a Canadian business or a Canadian provincial or federal government public service. In the cases described above, the time you spent outside Canada will be counted as though you were in Canada and will enable you meet your residency obligation.  If none of the above scenarios apply to you, you may still be able to retain your permanent residence status if there are humanitarian and compassionate grounds that justify you retaining your permanent residence status. 

Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds

Humanitarian and compassionate grounds involves the decision maker reviewing several factors to determine whether relief should be granted and you should be allowed to retain your status as a permanent resident of Canada. No one factor is determinative but several factors are considered and a decision is made on the totality of factors.  Factors considered include: 

the best interests of a child directly affected by the decision

the degree of non-compliance. In other words, how may days are you short of the required 730 days 

how established are you in Canada compared to your country of origin

what were your reasons for leaving Canada and spending so much time outside Canada? Factors such as a sick parent, spouse, etc will be considered

your family ties in Canada

the hardship that will be caused to you and your family members should you have to leave Canada and loose your status as a permanent resident 

 If you need to renew your permanent residence card, it is best to seek legal counsel.  If your application to renew your permanent residence card has been refused, contact us. We can represent you before the immigration and Refugee Board and the Federal Court of Canada. 

Testimonials from former clients with PR Residency Obligation issues

Jagadish Vashi

I personally recommend this firm for any kind of Immigration issue.We have very good experiences with this firm and they have very knowledgeable lawyers team, especially Angela Princewill, Immigration Lawyer She did a very very good job to get my mother's Permanent status back in Canada. Angela Princewill, Immigration Lawyer is an extra ordinary person and a very sharp during her session in her court Angela's submission was fantastic and her counter action was superb She knows all the laws by heart I guess so she win any immigration case easily what we believe.Her dedication to the work and sincerity with her work is awesome,We Vashi family can't describe.If any one has an issue with immigration without hesitation contact dedicated lawyer like Angela Princewill, Immigration Lawyer and her firm.

  Madhura Dabke

I am a Torontonian based house-wife, who hired Candice and Angela and their team of Attorneys to help me acquire permanent residency in Canada. I was dreading the arduous and bureaucratic process, but both Candice and Angela and their staff were very professional and efficient as they helped the procedure go smoothly. Both have an extensive experience which gives them a thorough understanding of the entire immigration process. They are also well-versed in U.S. immigration policy. From your first conversation with them, you immediately become aware of their integrity and commitment, and moreover, the passion they exude for their work. Any concern I raised was immediately addressed. Phone calls were answered in a timely manner. Information I requested about the process was promptly forwarded. They were always courteous and attentive, making me feel that my case was the only one being handled by their firm, when in reality I was likely one of hundreds of clients. 

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Spotlight on Canadian Provinces & Territories | British Columbia

British Columbia is on the west coast of Canada. Sitting atop Washington State in the United States, British Columbia directly faces the Pacific Ocean as Canada. With a population hovering around 4.6 million, British Columbia slightly edges out Alberta as the 3rd largest

province in Canada. For those of us seeking to escape the harshest winters, British Colombia’s climate provides some of the most temperate and mild weather in all of Canada. Snowfall is general infrequent and in substantial, while spring’s and falls are quite warm and pleasant. It is common to see people in dresses and t-shirts well into the fall, an alien concept for many on the eastern coasts of Canada.

5 Reasons to Immigrate to British Columbia

Lifestyle and Culture: British Colombia is dense with opportunities for active , recreational lifestyles and bastions of cultural spaces. From the towering redwood trees to the Rocky Mountains, British Columbia is a prime location for those seeking to absorb points of interest for natural beauty. Cycling, canoeing, hiking, camping, among several other activities provide a wide selection of options for those who enjoy the outdoors, or are in love with the outdoors. Your mileage may vary. Those seeking to absorb the rich culture of British Colombia also have something to look forward to with the equally vast amount of options to experience. The deeply aboriginal roots of British Colombia run through the cultural blood of the province’s historic sites, art galleries, museums and festivals. All of this in addition to featuring world-class dining options in world cities such as Vancouver and Victoria, British Colombia is flowing with a staggering array of things to see, do and experience.

  Education: British Columbia, almost expectedly, features a robust education system grounded on the importance of education as a facilitation tool. British Colombia’s approach to education from K-12 seeks to establish knowledge in students as a structural foundation from which they can build their own understandings and futures in larger society. On that note, British Colombia also offers First Nations Studies to that effect. As the bedrock of British Columbia’s rich cultural history, recognition of the complex and essential nature of the Aboriginal peoples in the British Colombian educational system is an extension of the philosophy behind connected education to larger society. The Post-Secondary arm of the British Columbian education system is also substantial. Featuring 1,900 programs at 25 public post-secondary institutions, British Colombia offers a wealth of options to people continuing their educational path after secondary school.

  Work Opportunities: With a positive looking job outlook  expecting to add roughly 1 million new jobs by 2020, prospects for work in British Columbia is very good.  British Columbia’s standard of living in relation to employment wages, social facilities, and worker rights are a sparkling example of a modern system that values the worker. With openings expected in Business, Trades, Health and Science related occupations, British Colombia is expanding at a strong rate, especially significant considering it’s turn out of 2008s international economic meltdown.

Health Services:

British Colombia features an incredibly robust amount of options within the provincial health system. Accessibility to these options is intuitive due to the nature of information origination and integration with technology.  The ability to check symptoms online through the province’s HealthLinkBC program, the ability to locate exact places of health services and their immunization schedules, elaborate mental health facilities and programs for abuse victims (including children) all exist in addition to the staples you would expect from a substantial, modern health system.

  Fun facts about British Columbia

British Columbia has the longest frost-free periods in all of Canada due to its mild climate. Flowers bloom as early as February!

Nearly two-thirds of British Columbia’s 60 million acres has received almost no human influence or contact.

British Colombia is 4 times the entirety of Great Britain. It is larger than 50 of the US states (the exception being Alaska).

Vancouver is a relatively young city. The city shares an anniversary with Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz.

British Colombia has 10 mountain ranges:  Rocky Mountains (partly shared with Alberta boundary), Purcell Mountains, Selkirk Mountains, Monashee Mountains, Cariboo Mountains, Coast Mountains (home to the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains), Cassiar Mountains, Vancouver Island Ranges, Queen Charlotte Mountains, and St Elias Mountains (shared with the Alaska, USA border).

British Colombia alone is home to half of Canada’s entire wildlife population. It is far and away the most-biologically diverse area in Canada.

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Spotlight on Canadian Provinces & Territories | ALBERTA

Spotlight on Canadian Provinces & Territories | ALBERTA

Alberta is in the Midwestern part of Canada, British Columbia lies immediately to the west, Saskatchewan immediately to the east, and borders the state of Montana in the United States.  With an approximate population of 4 million people, it is the 4th most populated province in Canada. It’s capital city is Calgary, one of Canada’s most renowned cities with a population of roughly 1.2 million. Alberta’s climate provides warm summers and cold winters. Alberta is notorious for its cold winters as it is open to cold artic weather systems.

    5 Reasons to Immigrate to Alberta

Lifestyle and Culture:

Alberta’s culture first and foremost celebrates diversity. Albertan culture makes a concerted effort to facilitate inclusivity

 for people of various races, creeds and communities. For example, Alberta understands the importance of the First Nations community as its people preserve cultural traditions while simultaneously weaving the trappings of modern Albertan society. Alberta is also known for the world renowned Calgary Stampede. Attracting over a million visitors a year in Calgary, the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day outdoor festival that combines rodeos, exhibitions, stage shows, agricultural competitions and concerts. Many people frequently bill the stampede as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. Alberta also supports a burgeoning film scene. The Government of Alberta invests directly into this Albertan filming with film festivals such as the Edmonton International Film Festival, facilitating international filming within the province or directly funding projects in Alberta.

  Education: Alberta features a publicly funded primary and secondary school system. In regards to public Post-Secondary options, Alberta has 6 universities, 12 public colleges, 2 technical institutes, 5 independent university colleges and the Banff Centre. The Banff Centre is a massive learning center dedicated to the commissioning of art and creative endeavors specifically in space music, dance, photography, audio engineering, new media and many, many more. Featuring several hundred programs and leadership initiatives to help build skills, the Banff Centre is a state-of-the-art learning center leading the nation in the education of the arts.

Economic Advantages:

The cost of living in Alberta is quite advantageous in relation to the rest of Canada. The citizens of Alberta pay no provincial premiums for health care insurance, no provincial sales tax, and feature the lowest tax on gasoline and some of the lowest property taxes in Canada. Business in Alberta also benefits financially with no capital tax, no payroll tax and low corporate income tax rates.

Work Opportunities: Alberta features a very vital and healthy workforce with a lot of opportunities to suit nearly all jobseekers. With strong work climates in trades, professional fields and more, your demonstrable skills will likely be rewarded with the right job for you in the province. In addition to a high standard of living, Alberta enjoys some of the most competitive wages in the country. Health Services: Alberta features a robust health system replete with a network of physicians, specialists, nurses, hospitals and pharmacies. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan provides residents with comprehensive coverage that covers most things barring the likes of medication and areas with this granularity. There are also mental health and addiction services available in Alberta’s wide spectrum of health services.

Fun Facts: Edmonton, Alberta has the largest mall in North America. West Edmonton Mall covers a staggering area of 490,000 square meters or 5,300,000 square feet. This is the equivalent of 48 city blocks! At its staggering size, it employs roughly 20,000 people features a full water park, a nightclub, skate park, concert venue, a dinner theatre and much more in addition to your typical mall fair.

There are no rats in Alberta. Despite some questionable examination and some isolated spotting, Alberta is free of rats due to a slow campaign to remove the rodent.

The average age of citizens in Calgary is roughly 38 making it an extremely youthful city.

Calgary is the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympic Games. 

For more information on Canada Immigration options, please visit our website www.y-canada.com.

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Spotlight on Canadian Provinces & Territories | YUKON

Yukon is in the northwestern corner of Canada, which neighbors the American-Alaskan border to the west and the Northwest Territories to the east. With a population of approximately 36,700, with 27,889 people in the capital city of Whitehorse, the Yukon’s climate ranges from the moderate subarctic in the south nearer to British Colombia and Arctic climate in the north. It is a scenic territory full of natural beauty, and inviting settlement for immigration.     

5 Reasons to Immigrate to the Yukon

Lifestyle and Culture:

With various recreational and outdoor activities to social and cultural events. Yukon has wide breadth of activities for the choosing. With over 70 sports organizations, from team sports (such as soccer) to individuals sports (cycling, skiing), there is a large collection of choice among recreational activities. Whitehorse in particular boasts a state of the art modern sports facility with Canada Games Centre, featuring multiple indoor rinks, an indoor turf field, multipurpose gymnasium an indoor running track and a swimming pool.

There are several bastions for the arts in Yukon, which is home to several theatre companies, community choirs, classical concerts and film festivals. The Yukon is also home to a wealth of dining experiences; with Whitehorse alone boasting 60 restaurants that also feature local cuisine including bison.

Education:

The department of education invests in a doctrine of education as a continuous, lifelong learning experience and significant, fulfilling partnerships. Yukon’s Department of Education offers neighborhood schools, invigorating primary and secondary school programs/curriculums, full French immersion programs for kindergarten to grade 12 and much more.

The Yukon College is an accredited institution that provides certificates, diplomas, degrees and continuing education/training. TYC also provides the first two years of university transfer courses for students wishing to go down this route.

Financial Advantages to Residence:

Permanent residence in the Yukon grants special financial. Eligibility for Northern Residents Deduction on Canadian Income Tax returns is available to Yukon residents and can amount up to $5000 in deductions annually. Goods and Services in the Yukon are only subject to the goods and services tax (GST) and none others such as PST, HST. Medical coverage is free to all Yukon residents who have lived in the territory for 3 months. In addition, the Yukon offers its high school graduates favourable support with an annual Yukon Grant of up to $5,376 annually.

  Work Opportunities:

The Yukon has a diverse economy with bustlingly active mining, tourism and construction sectors. Career opportunities also present themselves at the municipal, provincial and federal government levels. As is the heritage of the territory, the aforementioned career opportunities also extend to the First Nations level as a respected, vital part of Canada.

Health Services:

The health culture of the Yukon  is one that prides itself on self-preservation and well-being.  Whitehorse General Hospital is a modern hospital equipped with a 55-bed capacity spread as well as emergency, ICU, obstetrics, medical imaging, and surgical services. Emergency Medical Services act as an intermediary between Yukon Hospitals and tertiary care centers in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. In addition, a circuit of specialists regularly visits the Yukon to offer their services.

  FUN FACTS ABOUT THE YUKON

Yukon actually means “Great River” in the Athapaskan language and refers to the Yukon River, which actually begins in British Colombia, runs through the Yukon and then runs through Alaska. At a length of 3600 kilometers, The Yukon River is one of the largest rivers in North American. During the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th/early 20th century, The Yukon River became the essential mode of transportation gold seekers.

With a population a population smaller than 1/20th the size of the nation capital, The Yukon is larger than the State of California, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands combined.

The Blue Fish caves in the Yukon are home to some of the earliest evidence suggesting human habitation in North America. Supporting the theory that humans crossed the Bering Strait from Asia through modern day Russia. Evidence in the blue caves suggest that humans inhabited this area for several thousands of years.

The Yukon is home to the only highway that leads to the Arctic. The Dempster Highway is the only public highway that leads to the Arctic Circle.

At 5,959 m, The Yukon is home to Canada’s largest mountain, Mt. Logan. In contrast, and seemingly a thematic narrative for many things in the Yukon, this territory is also home to the smallest dessert in the world, The Carcross Dessert.

Photo courtesy of www.comeexplorecanada.com