Latest Express Entry Insights: What to expect in 2021

The Canadian government decided to ramp up its immigration efforts to help the country’s economy find its feet again after the coronavirus pandemic triggered a global economic slowdown in 2020. The pandemic has had an adverse impact on the country’s immigration plans but Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has decided to counter the economic challenges posed by the pandemic by revising the intake limits of its various immigration programs, welcoming in an increased number of immigrants in the next three years.

Highest Number of Invitations to Apply in 2020

In 2020 Canada witnessed a dip in its student admission levels and numbers as factors such as travel restrictions, lockdowns and an overall environment of uncertainty induced by the pandemic deterred applicants. Nevertheless, the IRCC performed with admirable efficiency in the testing circumstances and turned even a challenging year like 2020 into a record-breaking year. The IRCC held a total of 10 more invitation rounds in 2020, than it had in the preceding year and handed out more than 4,200 ITAs (Invitation to Apply) in every draw from September onwards, breaching the 5,000 mark towards the end of the year.

CRS Cut-Off Lowered Dramatically

The CRS cut-off scores were significantly lower at the backend of last year evidenced by the all-program CRS cut-off score of 468; the lowest all-program cut-off requirement since October 2019.The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the grading system through which the IRCC decides whether to invite an applicant to become a Permanent Resident of Canada or not. 

2020 also reflected a sharp decline in the CRS cut-off requirements of specific programs. The Canadian Experience Class program is one of the most popular immigration programs in the country through which skilled and experienced professionals, who have relevant work Canadian work experience of one year or more, can apply for permanent residency. In June, the cut-off score for a CEC (Canadian Experience Class) draw was just 431; the lowest CEC cut-off score since 2017.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program specific draw had a CRS cut-off score of 415; the lowest CRS cut-off score of the entire year. 

A positive aspect from an otherwise difficult year was the fact that even in the face of a global pandemic the Canadian government kept its major immigration programs such as the Express Entry immigration program as well as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) running and functional, reflecting the current administration’s consistent and continuous commitment to welcome in immi-grants in a bid to boost the country’s economy and diversity.

More Than 400,000 Immigrants Expected in 2021

Looking at the recently unveiled ‘Immigration Levels’ Plan for the period 2021-2023, one may notice that Canada has set a lofty immigration target for 2021. The country hopes to welcome in more than 401,000 immigrants; a significant hike from 2020’s target of 351,000. The invention and approval of COVID-19 vaccines is seen as a major reason for the IRCC’s optimism. 

The IRCC plans to strategically increase the immigration intake levels in the following years with 2022 and 2023 set to welcome in 411,000 and 421,000 immigrants respectively. The Express Entry allocations have also been revised in accordance, with Express Entry in 2021 set to welcome in roughly 108,500 immigrants. The immigration target via Express Entry for the year 2023 stands at 113,750.

Some experts and analysts however, seem to suggest that the target set for Canada immigration in 2021 might be too ambitious considering the fact that the coronavirus pandemic still continues to exert some influence on the country’s travel and immigration policies; such as its decision to keep the 14-day mandatory quarantine and mandatory COVID-19 negative test in place.

Get Set for Larger Express Entry Draws

But Express Entry applicants have other reasons to remain hopeful and optimistic as Express Entry predictions from reputable sources suggest that in order to try and meet the immigration targets for the year, the IRCC would be roughly inviting 4,500+ candidates in every draw. This is also looked upon as an effort to compensate for the number of immigrants who couldn’t arrive into the country due to the pandemic.

The early indicators are positive for Canada immigration in 2021 as the IRCC has already held three Express Entry draws so far in 2021; with the latest one occurring on 20th January. Canada has already issued more ITAs in 2021 than it had by the same time last year, with the current figure standing at 5,374; and this figure is set to increase significantly once the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw is carried out later in the month. 

The latest round was a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw wherein 374 PNP candidates were invited. The cut-off score was just 741, a significant drop-off from the last round’s cut-off of 813 points, which means that the candidates need to secure just 141 CRS points, as receiving a provin-cial nomination from a Canadian province guarantees an individual 600 CRS points. The Provincial Nominee Program is another major avenue through which Canada allows skilled individuals to im-migrate to Canada, and receiving a Provincial Nomination certificate effectively guarantees an ITA.

Why Canada is Inviting So Many Immigrants

The rationale behind the IRCC’s decision to continue inviting candidates to immigrate to Canada is that even if this period of COVID-induced uncertainty and unclarity continues for the foreseeable future; prior approval of candidates would allow them to arrive into the country in a swift, systematic and streamlined manner once the travel restrictions are lifted and normal service is resumed.

It is advisable to keep in mind that Canada’s travel restrictions still forbid people from traveling to Canada for discretionary purposes. The IRCC has prioritised applications of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are aiming to return to Canada as well as essential service providers. In terms of Express Entry profiles, the IRCC is working at full tilt to process applications and has promised to give definitive timelines when the pandemic-induced atmosphere of uncertainty sub-sides.

Get in touch with us to receive immigration guidance from qualified immigration professionals.

The post Latest Express Entry Insights: What to expect in 2021 appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Complete guide to sponsoring a conjugal partner to Canada

Canada’s diverse range of immigration programmes make it an alluring destination for immigrants from around the world and its Conjugal Partner Sponsorship programme is one such programme which is gaining prominence because of its liberal approach and wide scope of application. This sponsorship programme is beneficial especially for those couples who do not qualify for the country’s spousal sponsorship programme and the common-law partner programme.

 Who is a conjugal partner for the purposes of immigration?

In essence, a conjugal partner is any individual who’s living outside Canada and with whom you have been involved in a relationship for over a year; and you cannot live together due to circumstances which are beyond your control. This aspect is imperative, since if it comes to the fore that the two individuals are living apart on their will, their conjugal sponsorship application might not get approved. Some of the circumstances which qualify as being out of an individual’s control are contentious aspects such as different religious beliefs, sexual orientations, immigration hurdles and other socio-cultural barriers.

Difference between a conjugal partner and a spouse

A conjugal partner is different from a spousal partner in the sense that for a person to qualify as a conjugal partner, marriage isn’t a defining factor. The definition of a conjugal relationship isn’t restricted to a just a relationship’s ‘physical’ or ‘sexual’ aspect, as for a person to qualify as your conjugal partner a whole host of other factors come into play as well. For a relationship to qualify as a conjugal one, the two individuals must be interdependent on each other on financial, social, emotional or physical grounds. Provided that its other conditions are met, the Canadian government recognises any individual as a conjugal partner, and doesn’t discriminate on the grounds of their gender, caste, creed or ethnicity.

If you are planning on applying for a conjugal sponsorship, we’d advise you to also go through the guidelines and stipulations mentioned for the ‘common-law partner’ sponsorship applications as you might not be considered in the conjugal partner sponsorship category if your application qualifies as a common-law partnership.

Requirements for sponsoring a conjugal partner to come to Canada

The sponsor wishing to fill in the conjugal partner sponsorship application must be a Canadian national or permanent resident, above the age of 18 and they must sign an undertaking which declares them as being capable of taking care of their conjugal partner’s basic needs for a period of three years. This means that you must be in a position to cater to their essential needs such as accommodation, clothing, food and health services which fall outside the purview of the Canadian public health service. It is also important for you to prove that you aren’t financially dependent on any of the social assistance schemes; unless you are differently abled.

It is important to note that the three-year undertaking begins from the day your conjugal partner becomes a permanent resident and it shall remain in effect throughout that period even if your relationship with your conjugal partner breaks down.

Subjective assessment of relationship

Sinc, a conjugal relationship does not exist on paper in the form of a legal document, the final call on every conjugal sponsorship application rests with the Canadian Supreme Court. The Supreme Court assesses an application on a variety of subjective factors such as the mutual commitment of the two partners, the exclusivity of their relationship, their sexual preferences, their ability to financially and emotionally support one another, among other factors; before taking a call on the application’s status.

 

Schedule a consultation with an immigration professional and take the uncertainty out of sponsoring a loved one to Canada.

Schedule a consultation today

Speak to a licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto

IRCC’s eligibility criteria for conjugal partners

In addition to satisfying the aforementioned criteria, a sponsor must also satisfy the following eligibility criteria set by IRCC:

1. Intend to live in Canada during undertaking period: The sponsor must be a Canadian national or permanent resident who intends to live in Canada with their conjugal partner throughout the undertaking period. Permanent residents who are living overseas cannot sponsor a conjugal partner.
2. A satisfactory LICO score: Every year the Canadian government decides a low-income-cut-off score which every sponsor must satisfy in order to be eligible for the conjugal partnership procedure. In addition to your LICO score, you must also attach a Financial Evaluation form in your application, unless you are living or planning to live in Quebec.
3. Legally bound to repay social assistance: The sponsor must also accept that they are legally bound to repay the full amount of social assistance your conjugal partner avails during the undertaking period (if applicable).

The province of Quebec has its separate set of conditions which you must satisfy in order to get your conjugal sponsorship application approved.

Factors that can make you ineligible to sponsor a conjugal partner

Even though the conjugal sponsorship programme provides great flexibility and scope of application to unmarried couples, there are still various factors due to which you might be ineligible to sponsor a conjugal partner, such as:

Defaulted on social assistance repayment: If you had previously sponsored someone and defaulted on any of their social assistance repayments, while their undertaking period was active, then you might be declared ineligible to sponsor anyone else until you repay the full amount.

Declared bankruptcy: If you have filed for bankruptcy and the procedure hasn’t been finished by the time you are submitting your conjugal sponsorship application, then your application will get rejected since your conjugal partner will remain financially dependent on you for their essential needs during their undertaking period.

Nature of your relationship: Even though marriage isn’t a necessary for your relationship to qualify as a conjugal one, individuals who are engaged in relationships which transcend the boundaries of monogamous relationships; and engage in bigamous or polygamous relationships will not be able to sponsor a conjugal partner. You won’t be able to sponsor an individual as your conjugal partner if your relationship with them has broken down and you two have been separated for more than a year.

Criminal record: Individuals convicted of crimes such as domestic abuse, wherein they’ve caused physical harm to their previous partner or family member, are ineligible to sponsor a conjugal partner. Even attempts at committing crimes such as violence and sexual abuse aren’t taken lightly.

Thus, it is easy to see why Canada’s conjugal sponsorship programme has emerged as a popular immigration option for unmarried couples and is becoming a great way of reuniting individuals separated by socio-cultural barriers and distances.

Get in touch with us to gain further clarity into this topic and several other immigration-related queries.

The post Complete guide to sponsoring a conjugal partner to Canada appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Crossing into Canada for work? Don’t get delayed or turned back at the Canadian border

Earlier in the year the breakout of the novel coronavirus disease compelled governments all across the world to shut their borders to restrict the influx of tourists or visitors from other countries and contain the spread of the virus. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Canada too restricted the entry of visitors traveling to the country for non-essential purposes.

US-Canada border closure extended till 2021

Recently Canada decided to extend its border closure with the United States till 21st December and also extended its travel restrictions for foreign travellers from other countries till 21st January, 2021. In addition to that, Canada has also opted in favour of keeping its 14-day mandatory quarantine period in place for all foreign visitors till 21st January, 2021.

In its latest round of directives the Canadian government has strongly advised anyone who’s traveling to Canada to undergo a viral test 24-72 hours before attempting to enter the country and to keep their test results handy during their travel. People who are infected with COVID-19 will be denied entry into Canada.

Essential workers allowed to enter Canada from the US

The Canadian government is still allowing certain essential service providers, businessmen and traders carrying valid work permits and visas to enter into the country for professional pursuits. The Canada Border Services Agency has been functioning ceaselessly to ensure the availability of essential goods for the general public and to cause Canadian importers minimal distress. Certain occupations have been deemed critical by the IRCC, and individuals engaged in these professionals have been exempted from the 14-day quarantine period. Workers who are exempt from the 14-day quarantine period include critical healthcare providers, essential goods transporters, medical-maintenance workers, and emergency service providers.

Even under the difficult environment created by the coronavirus pandemic, professional opportunities in Canada haven’t hit a dead end, rather the labour market has just undergone a paradigm shift. Although the work from home model has been implemented in several fields; sectors such as healthcare and logistics are still actively recruiting to cater to the increasing on-site demands. If you are a temporary worker who seeks to gain entry into Canada then you must have a valid work permit or at the very least procure a work permit approval letter.

How to enter Canada from the US during COVID-19

If you wish to enter Canada through the US border by road, then you must satisfy the Canada Border Service Agency Officials that you do not exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19, are traveling for non-discretionary purposes, and have a comprehensive 14-day quarantine plan. Even critical workers such as healthcare providers must self-isolate and self-monitor outside their working hours.

 

Schedule a consultation with an immigration professional and take the uncertainty out of your crossing into Canada.

Schedule a consultation today

Speak to a licensed immigration lawyer in Toronto

Process for entering Canada from the US

US citizens and permanent residents must carry at least one proof of citizenship document; whether its your birth certificate, citizenship certificate or your Permanent Resident Card. Foreign nationals trying to enter Canada would also need to furnish a valid visa to the Border Service Official.

Upon your arrival at the ‘Primary Inspection’ checkpoint at the border, the border officials will ask you for the aforementioned forms of identification and they might also ask you a series of questions about the goods you are carrying in your vehicle. You could also be asked to tell them the full amount (in Canadian dollars) of the food, animal or plant-related products in your possession. If you are carrying more than $10,000 CAD in tangible currency or via cheque, you will have to inform the Border Services Official about the same.

Why may you be denied entry across the Canada border

We’d suggest you remain as honest as possible with the border services officials since if they deem your answers to be unsatisfactory, they might deny you entry into Canada and ask you to return from the border itself. For you convenience, you can access a ‘Border Wait Time’ list online beforehand, to identify the border checkpoints wherein you’ll have to wait the least.

It may so happen that during your ‘Primary Inspection’, the border services official might ask you to move on to another point for a ‘Secondary Inspection’. Generally, secondary inspections are conducted to check and verify the electronic and digital devices in your possession. To ensure the safety of your sensitive information and privacy the border officials are prohibited from accessing your banking apps or your social media apps.  The border service official might also ask you further questions regarding your trip to Canada or verify your documents. You shouldn’t worry about this as it is a part of their routine protocol.

Coming to Canada for business reasons

Traders or drivers of carrier vehicles who wish to bypass the Primary Inspection Line can opt for electronic notices; through which businesses can interchange data to save the hassle of filling up tons of paperwork. The CBSA also offers online stamping service, known as the ‘Electronic Longroom’, which allows commercial cargo carriers to skip the step of submitting paperwork at a designated CBSA office and instead submit it online in the convenient PDF file format.

The CBSA has also designed a comprehensive plan for the post-COVID era which would benefit importers in particular; who will be able to avail benefits such as a state-of-the-art importing interface, self-service access to information and even reduce the cost of importing into the country.

It is important to note that there are certain goods which are either restricted or prohibited in Canada, so you must declare these goods at the border service checkpoint, to avoid further questioning or potentially being denied entry. For instance, if you’re attempting to bring a non-restricted firearm into Canada from the US, you must furnish the valid licenses and documentation. We’d advise you to check out the firearms specifications beforehand as Canadian residents or visitors to Canada cannot import prohibited or illegal firearms into the country, under any condition.

Speak to an immigration professional

It is advisable to seek opinion of an experienced immigration professional who can help you avoid any potential roadblocks or awkward encounters with CBSA officials and ensure that you can seamlessly cross into Canada.

Whether you are planning to come to Canada to visit loved ones or want to enter the country for work, get in touch with us. We will tell you if you are eligible to travel to Canada for personal/professional purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The post Crossing into Canada for work? Don’t get delayed or turned back at the Canadian border appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Express Entry: What to expect of Canada immigration in 2021

Canada is looking to counteract the negative effects of having one of the oldest populations in the world by setting highly-ambitious immigration plans.

Between 2021 and 2023, Canada wants to welcome more than 1.23 million immigrants who should help the country reverse its currently dipping economy. With 18% of its population over the age of 65 and one of the world’s lowest birth rates at 1.47 births per woman, Canada is looking overseas for permanent residents.

Why is Canada so keen on immigration?

While the United States and several countries in Europe are restricting immigration, Canada is one of the few states in the world that looks to welcome as many immigrants as it can.

Canada has a population of over 37.5 million people at the moment. However, due to its large territory, it is also one of the least populated countries in the world with just 4 human inhabitants per square kilometre.

Since its inception in 1867, Canada has enhanced its number of inhabitants steadily but only accepted more than 400,000 immigrants once, in 1913. Unfortunately, the current economic state of the country and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has urged the authorities to increase their immigration capacity.

What to expect in 2021?

To boost the labor force and economic growth, Canada plans to welcome at least 400,000 immigrants in 2021. The upcoming residents should overturn the descending curve in immigration which saw at least 64% fewer people becoming permanent Canadian residents in August 2020 compared to August 2021. Before COVID-19 spread like wildfire across the world, Canada had planned to welcome 400,000 immigrants in 2020. However, after having to shut its borders, the country will close the year with little over 60,000 new permanent residents.

However, even breaking the record of new immigrants per year might not help Canada improve its fortunes. So, the Canadian government has set even higher goals for the next few years as the country is expecting to receive at least 400,000 new residents in 2022 and in 2023.

The applicants will include people from various backgrounds, such as:

• Federal economic, provincial/territorial nominees
• Quebec-selected skilled workers and business applicants
• Family reunification applicants
• Refugees
• Protected persons
• Humanitarian and compassionate cases

How U.S. citizens and residents can immigrate to Canada

United States citizens have the easiest way of entering Canada. The United States represents the fifth-most popular country of origin for immigration applicants in Canada. Currently, Americans can immigrate to Canada for work or study, as well as through spousal sponsorship. Additionally, they can use express entry or be part of a provincial program for immigration.

U.S. citizens also benefit from less strict restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic in Canada. As a result, they have an easier entry into the country and are exempt from travel restrictions if they have obtained their confirmation of permanent residence after March 18, 2020.

The post Express Entry: What to expect of Canada immigration in 2021 appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

ArriveCAN app and mandatory daily COVID-19 reporting for Canada arrivals beginning 2020

 The ongoing pandemic has forced the Canadian Government to impose stricter measures for travellers coming into the country.

With no end in sight for the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities in Canada are looking to smartphone applications to contain the spread of the coronavirus. People traveling to Canada from November 21 on must use the ArriveCAN app to report on their condition before and after arrival.

If you are planning to travel to Canada in the next few months, here is what you need to do!

Before You Leave for Canada

Canada imposes a 14-day quarantine period that applies to all incoming travellers, excluding those who are subject to specific exemptions.

If Canada is the last destination on your trip, you must install the ArriveCAN app before boarding your plane. You can use the app either on your phone or your computer and provide essential data, such as:

• Your contact information
• Your travel itinerary
• Your self-assessment of COVID-19 symptoms
• Your potential quarantine plan

After submitting this information, you will receive an ArriveCAN receipt, which you will have to present to the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officers before your entry into Canada.

If you fail to comply with these measures, you will be subject to a penalty that may range from a verbal warning to a $1,000 fine. The only exceptions include travelers who could not send their information because of a disability or not having adequate infrastructure.

Already starting from November 4, air travel companies remind their passengers that they must submit their information regarding COVID-19 through ArriveCAN before boarding their flights to Canada.

The authorities also encourage travelers who wish to enter Canada by land or marine to complete the COVID-related forms through ArriveCAN before starting their trip. This way, they will avoid delays at the border entry points.

After arriving in Canada

Once you arrive in Canada, and you enter quarantine, you can submit your information to the Canadian authorities by using the following toll-free number: 1-833-641-0343. You are only required to do so if you are not subject to the Mandatory Isolation Order.

After you arrive in Canada, you have 48 hours to confirm that you have entered the quarantine period at the address you have mentioned to the authorities. Also, you have to complete a daily self-check of COVID-19 symptoms and provide your results through the ArriveCAN app or at the number above, if you cannot use the online application.

The authorities in Canada consider incoming travellers as one of their leading priorities and will use enforcement action to ensure that they provide the necessary information. In their opinion, these measures should diminish the increasing rate of COVID-19 infections by reducing contact between travellers and border officials.

The Canadian Government also mentioned that these measures give more control to the travellers about the information they provide and the measures they take to reduce COVID-19 spread. It also saves the government from having to track the movement of travellers through GPS.

Passengers arriving at the primary international airports in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver may also be able to clear immigration procedures faster because of special ArriveCAN lanes.

The post ArriveCAN app and mandatory daily COVID-19 reporting for Canada arrivals beginning 2020 appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Do you need to quarantine when you come to Canada?

Effective, timely and well-executed lockdowns in certain countries have helped slow down COVID-19’s rapid spread, but the novel coronavirus still continues to disrupt millions of lives around the world. Certain European countries are even faced with the prospect of a ‘second wave’ of the virus’ spread. Therefore, Canadian authorities have decided to not relax the mandatory 14-day quarantine restriction they had placed back in March upon all international travellers, Canadian nationals and permanent residents of Canada hoping to enter the country.

The Government of Canada’s stance of denying entry to foreign nationals traveling to Canada for discretionary or optional reasons remains firm, as it continues to urge people to only travel to Canada for non-discretionary reasons or due to unavoidable circumstances. So if you’re planning on flying to Canada be sure to check whether the purpose of your visit qualifies as ‘non-discretionary’, otherwise you’ll be at the risk of being denied entry into the country.

Who can travel to Canada during COVID-19 restrictions in 2020?

Some foreign nationals who are ‘eligible’ to enter into Canada at present: immediate family members, travellers coming directly from the US for unavoidable purposes, temporary foreign workers, certain foreign students, permanent residency applicants whose permanent residency has been approved. It is important to note that according to the Government of Canada, attending a close one’s funeral or meeting a dying relative isn’t considered ‘non-discretionary’.

The government’s stance on foreign nationals trying to gain entry into the country is clear: if you exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19, you’ll be denied entry straightaway. If you are a Canadian national or permanent resident exhibiting mild symptoms of the virus, it’s imperative for you to strictly isolate. Even if you do not exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 at the port of entry, you will still have to quarantine yourself for two weeks.

It is mandatory for all travellers to furnish a comprehensive ‘quarantine plan’ at the port of entry (POE); which if deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ by the port authorities would almost certainly result in you being denied entry into Canada. An ideal Canada travel quarantine plan consists of:

• Information about your accommodation.
• How you will reach your destination from the port of entry.
• How you’ll transit to procure essential products and services such as groceries or medicines.

There may be huge repercussions to not following or flouting your quarantine plan such as a hefty fine of around $750,000 or even imprisonment of up to 6 months.

However, certain essential service providers who travel to Canada from the US on a daily basis are exempted from the quarantine restrictions. For a smoother and swifter process at the Canadian border, it is best to download the Canada Border Services Agency’s app ‘ArriveCap’; which allows you to submit certain information and details in advance.

As an additional layer of security, you should consider downloading the COVID-19 Alert app on your mobile phone, which employs Bluetooth technology to detect people who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms around you.

Finally, prepare a comprehensive two-week quarantine plan, and travel to Canada only if it is truly imperative.

The post Do you need to quarantine when you come to Canada? appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

How to call relatives to Canada during COVID-19

The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has compelled us all to adjust to a ‘new normal’; into a world where concepts such as ‘social distancing’ and ‘lockdowns’ have become integral. Effective and timely lockdowns have helped Canada slow down the spread of the virus but strict vigilance is still imperative. Currently, it is only possible to invite immediate family members or individuals who are traveling for essential purposes and are coming via the United States or are exempted from travel restrictions, to enter Canada.

What relatives can visit Canada during COVID-19?

The Canadian government has understandably decided to allow only those foreign nationals who are arriving into the country for non-discretionary purposes, apart from an individual’s immediate family members to minimise the exposure of Canadian nationals to the virus which has claimed more than 900,000 lives globally so far. It is important to note that even foreign nationals who have valid visitor visas or electronic travel authorisations are not guaranteed entry into the country if they don’t fulfil the aforementioned criteria.

According to canada.ca, the official website of the government of Canada, the following people are considered as ‘immediate family members’ of a person:

–              Spouse

–              Common law-partner

–              Parent/ Step-parent

–              Dependent child of a dependent child

–              Tutor or guardian

Requirements during visit

These individuals would be permitted entry into the country only if they intend to stay in the country for more than 15 days, exhibit no symptoms of COVID-19 and provide a comprehensive quarantine plan (for 14 days). The quarantine plan will consist of accurate information regarding a person’s accommodation and transport arrangements during the mandatory 2-week quarantine period.

Moreover, if you’re a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, it is not mandatory for you to accompany your immediate family members during their travel to Canada, as long as they can furnish authentic documents proving their relation to you along with a satisfactory quarantine plan. Only professionals traveling to provide essential services, for instance, truck drivers traveling in and out of the country to provide essential products, are exempted from the 14-day mandatory quarantine period.

COVID-19 screening for relatives visiting Canada

If you or your immediate family members are hoping for successful immigration to Canada, it is mandatory for you to undergo the screening procedures at the port of entry. Any individual who shows COVID-19 symptoms and is traveling for optional purposes, like tourism, wouldn’t be allowed entry.

If immediate family members exhibit mild symptoms, they must strictly self-isolate for 14 days or risk being denied entry. Even if you furnish a valid medical document to the port officials, which states that you have tested negative for COVID-19, you are still expected to quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days.

We believe that apart from being well-versed with the rules and regulations for immigration to Canada, it is important to know about the provincial restrictions in place as different provinces of Canada have put in place specific travel restrictions.

The Government of Canada is still processing permanent residency, student permit, temporary work permit applications, but the pandemic has affected their processing time. However, travel restrictions are applicable for international students and workers too unless they can convince the port officials that they are traveling for non-discretionary purposes.

It is advisable that you invite your relatives to Canada only if they are traveling for non-optional purposes. Refrain from inviting distant relatives for discretionary purposes such as leisure, entertainment, tourism as they may not be allowed to enter Canada (depending on changes in travel advisories).

The post How to call relatives to Canada during COVID-19 appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

These four Canadian immigration programs have relaxed language testing (2020)

March 2020 is when many countries around the world, including Canada, went into coordinated lockdowns to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Since then, it has been very difficult, if not impossible, for applicants to complete the English test for immigration/study. IELTS and CELPIP centres around the world have stopped holding examinations to comply with government regulations.

In light of that, IRCC has issued relaxations in language testing. Find out which four Canadian immigration programs do not require English test results immediately.

Relaxations in language testing

IRCC has announced that they will accept copies of the language test results for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, Agri-Food Pilot, Rural Northern Immigration Pilot and Start-up Visa Program. Original test language results are not required.

This is great news for anyone who has not received the original result from IELTS or CELPIP. You can now submit a scanned copy or printed copy of your language score. Expect this to continue till the IELTS and CELPIP centres in your country don’t start operating normally again.

It is possible that IRCC may ask for original results at a later date so you should keep following up to make sure you receive them.

Keep reading to find out which four immigration programs do not require original English language test results immediately.

Eligible programs eligible under IELTS/CELPIP language relaxation

The four immigration programs that do not require originals results of the language tests are also the ones that have some of the lowest English language requirements.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

This is a fast-track program for those with a valid job offer in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Canadian employers hiring through this program do not have to file a Labour Market Impact Assessment either.

In fact, once the applicant accepts the job offer, he or she is connected with a settlement service provider organization that helps them settle in the province.

Agri-Food Pilot

This program is designed to entice agricultural workers who work in meat, mushroom and other farming. Candidates receive a full-time 12-month job offer in meat processing, harvesting, greenhouse production, farm supervision and other agricultural occupations. The program requires only a CLB 4 from workers.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

This pilot program has been initiated to encourage foreign workers to settle in northern and rural communities across Canada. The program is currently accepting applications for nine cities. Applicants can be qualified in managerial/executive positions and even be invited for job-specific training. The CLB language requirements vary by NOC code but the requirement of original results has been relaxed for all levels.

Start-up Visa Program

This program is designed to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to come to Canada and start a business. The minimum CLB is only 5, which means the program prioritizes business acumen.

Candidates need to prove their business is supported by a designed organization through an investor group.

Covid-19 has had a big impact on applications but IRCC and CIC have continued to process applications through the pandemic. Find out how you can take advantage of the numerous other incentives the government has rolled out for visa applicants.

 

The post These four Canadian immigration programs have relaxed language testing (2020) appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Applying for Canada Permanent Residence from the USA

H1B visa holders have been trying to settle in Canada in droves since 2016. There has been a lot of uncertainty regarding H1 visa renewals and people who live, work and study in the US are rightly worried if they will even get an American Green Card.

Unsurprisingly, many find Canada the best alternative. With educational and career opportunities aplenty, Canada offers a lot more diversity and a lot more accepting community. That Canada immigration eligibility is easier to meet makes it perfect for H1B visa holders.

In this article we tell you ways to get permanent residency in Canada without fuss.

 

Workers and students residing in the USA are prime candidates for Canadian immigration Express Entry because most already have the documentation and proofs required.

 

In light of Covid-19, Canada has become a safe haven. A world-class publicly-funded system of healthcare, financial support from the government, and measures that have kept the population safe from coronavirus have made Canada an attractive immigration destination. This is in contrast to the USA, which at the time of writing this article, had nearly 500,000 Covid-19 and the most Covid-related deaths!

 

Canada immigration eligibility if you are in the USA

The federal Express Entry system is one of the fastest and fairest points systems that measures your eligibility to become a Canadian PR. It is designed to find and invite skilled workers from around the world.

An Express Entry applicant starts by filling out an application on the basis of which he/she/they are allotted points (Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS points system). This takes into account their education, qualifications, industry experience, language ability (English and French), prior criminal record and other factors. A certain financial threshold must be crossed also, but it is relatively low and someone working or studying in the USA should be able to meet that easily.

Learn more about applying through Express Entry.

 

Immigration assessment – responses within 1 hour

 

Canadian immigration eligibility under PNPs

Another popular route for immigration to Canada is through Provincial Nominee Programs. Basically, provinces run their own immigration programs to find skilled workers for their industries. We have discussed PNPs many times on this blog. You can read about a few here and here.

Some PNPs tie-in with Express Entry too: these may increase your CRS score or help you jump the CRS queue. Speak to an immigration lawyer about this; many people don’t realize their skills qualify them for these PNPs.

Examples are the many tech PR programs. Canada has been building its IT and technology industries rapidly in recent years and the high demand for professionals means there are many secret PR routes.

 

Read more

Convert Canada tourist visa into student visa |  How to break the PR queue

 

Tips for applying for Canada permanent resident from USA

First things first: speak to professional immigration expert. Preparation is key and you cannot afford an application delayed because of documentation.

• Prepare documents before you apply
• Ensure funds reflect in your bank account for at least 6 months before application
• Check if your spouse/dependents are increasing your CRS score
• Find the latest PNP programs
• Maximize your English/French language score
• Take CELPIP instead of IELTS
• Get sponsored to come to Canada

 

At the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld we have helped 3000+ people and 1100+ settle in Canada legally. We are a full service immigration practice registered with the Law Society of Ontario. We help people from around the world get their Canadian visa with creative immigration solutions. Get a free online immigration assessment immediately.

The post Applying for Canada Permanent Residence from the USA appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and effect on Canadian immigration (Latest news)

The novel coronavirus crisis has hit every country around the world. The COVID-19 disease has forced countries to adopt unprecedented measures. Most countries are in some state of lockdown. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Canada and other countries have imposed restrictions on international arrivals.

Here’s the latest immigration news from Canada (valid for April 2020). Find the latest news from IRCC /CIC here.

Are you stuck at the Canadian border?

Call the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld immediately. Our lawyers and expert immigration staff is helping people understand their status and whether they can come/return to Canada at this time.

Our offices are functioning normally. Of course, we are limiting in-person meetings in keeping with the directives of the Canadian government.

 

Who can enter Canada in April 2020?

At this time (30 March 2020) Canada has severely restricted the entry of foreign travellers into the country. At the time of writing, only the following people are being allowed to enter Canada.

• Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
• Permanent resident visa holders (can come to Canada to complete landing and landing interview)
• International students – those holding a valid Canadian study permit or have a letter of invitation dated on or before March 18, 2020
• Work permit holders
• Temporary workers who have a letter of introduction from IRCC
• Permit-exempt work
• Accredited officials under R190(2)(a) and their families
• Protected persons under subsection A95(2) (refugees)
• Transit passengers
• Crew members on vessels
• Persons of national interest

 

If you are travelling or planning on travelling to Canada during the COVID-19 crisis, make sure you speak to an immigration lawyer first! There are a number of restrictions on who can come, and you don’t want to be quarantined at an airport or be forced to return to your country and be quarantined.

 

What happens once you come to Canada?

As of 26 March 2020, anyone coming to Canada will have to mandatorily self-isolate for 14 days, under the Quarantine Act. Anyone who fails to adhere to this can face a fine of $750,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.

“Essential workers” are exempt from the 14-day self-isolation.

 

How to enter Canada during the COVID-19 outbreak and travel restrictions?

After the coronavirus outbreak, there are only two likely ways to enter Canada:

• By road from the United States of America. However, all ‘non-essential’ travel between the two countries has been barred.
• By air to Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport. These are the only flights that are receiving international flights.
• Sea routes are highly inadvisable given cruise ships and passenger transport ships are being quarantined off the cost for weeks at a time.

 

Is your immigration application taking longer than normal?

COVID-19 has placed an unexpected and large administrative burden on the Canadian government. Do not be surprised if your express entry, invitation to apply, student visa/permit, work permit or provincial nominee application has longer than normal processing times.

Once the COVID-19 crisis eases around the world, IRCC and provincial immigration departments will take a few weeks to get back up to speed and clear the backlog.

 

If you or your loved ones are facing an immigration emergency, speak to Ronen Kurzfeld today. We can help with deportation orders, last minute appeals and any other immigration problems.

Latest news from IRCC

Tweets by CitImmCanada

The post Coronavirus (COVID-19) and effect on Canadian immigration (Latest news) appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Who Can Sponsor an Immigrant to Canada? [Updated for 2020]

Under the Family Class immigration category, citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their relatives, including foreign spouses, partners, dependent children, parents, or grandparents for immigration to Canada. The Canadian government makes family reunification an important goal, and over the next three years, the country will welcome over 260,000 people who will be reunited with their family in Canada.

 

 

Who Can Sponsor an Immigrant to Canada?

A person can become a sponsor if:

• They are at least 18 years old;
• They are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act,
• They can prove they are financially able to assist the sponsored person(s); and
• They have enough income to provide for basic needs of dependent children of the principal applicant.

 

Who Cannot Sponsor an Immigrant to Canada?

 Certain people cannot sponsor immigrants to Canada:

• People who failed to pay an immigration loan, a performance bond, or family support payments;
• People who have not been able to provide for the basic needs of previously-sponsored relatives who received social assistance from the government;
• People who are under an immigration removal order;
• People who are incarcerated;
• Those who receive social assistance (unless they are disabled), or who are going through bankruptcy;
• People who were sponsored by a spouse or partner who became a permanent resident less than five years ago;
• People who have sponsored a previous spouse or partner and three years have not passed since the spouse or partner became a permanent resident; and
• People convicted of sexual offences, violent offences, or offences which caused bodily harm to a relative, and persons who attempted or threatened to commit this type of offence.

 

Sponsorship of Spouses, Common Law Partners and Dependent Children

 

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner or dependent child as long as the applicant and spouse or dependents are not inadmissible. For sponsorship purposes, a spouse can be opposite or same-sex and must be married to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

If a couple was married in Canada, they must provide a marriage certificate from the territory or province where they were married. If the couple was married outside of Canada, the marriage must be legally valid in the country where the marriage was performed, as well as legally valid in Canada.

A couple does not need to be married to take advantage of the spousal or common law partner sponsorship provision. If a couple has lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 months, with no interruptions, they are eligible for family sponsorship. However, the CIC may require couples to prove their relationship with photographs and other evidence.

The government wants to ensure that sponsored family members have adequate support once they arrive in Canada. Spouses and common law partners must sign a formal agreement which confirms that both people understand their responsibilities. The sponsoring person must also sign an agreement pledging to provide for the basic needs of the spouse, partner, dependent child or other relative.

There are unique requirements to sponsor a close relative to Québec. If you live in Québec, it is important to review the law and consult with a lawyer about the Québec process.

 

Spousal Sponsorship Processing Time

 Generally, it takes 18 months to complete the sponsorship process for people who live outside of Canada, and 24 months for applications by people living inside Canada. In December of 2016, the Canadian government announced its plans to process 80 percent of the spousal sponsorship applications within 12 months. New application forms and procedures are streamlining the process and reducing the waiting time. For example, medical examinations are no longer needed upfront and police certificates are only required for the countries where the spouse or partner most recently lived and where they spent most of their lives since age 18. Complicated or unusual applications may still take more than one year to process.

The post Who Can Sponsor an Immigrant to Canada? [Updated for 2020] appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

The Ultimate Canada Visitor Visa Checklist [Updated for 2020]

Are you planning to visit Canada in the near future? If so, you need to be aware of the requirements for obtaining a visitor visa. A visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa, is an official document stamped in your passport demonstrating that you meet the legal requirements to travel to Canada. This post explains exactly what travelers must do to enter Canada.

Step 1: Canada Visitor Visa Checklist

The first step is making sure you meet the basic requirements for travel to Canada. You must have:

• A passport or other valid travel document
• Be in good health (a medical certificate may be required)
• Have no criminal convictions
• Demonstrate an intent to return to your home country
• Have enough money for your stay (bank statements may be required)

Step 2: Determine if You Need a Medical Exam

People who intend to visit for six months or less generally do not need a medical exam unless they work in specified health fields or in agriculture. You need a medical exam if you will remain in Canada for more than six months, and:

• You have lived temporarily for six or more months in a row in specified countries in the year immediately prior to the date you will enter Canada.
• You are coming to Canada to work in a job where public health must be protected.
• You are applying for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa.

If you need a medical exam, contact the visa office for instructions on how to proceed.

Step 3: Documents Required for Canada Visitor Visa

The nearest visa application center (VAC) can help with the paperwork. Generally, you need the following forms and documents to complete your visitor visa application:

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa
• Family Information Form
• Photocopy of the Information Page of Passport
• Two Photographs (with name and date of birth written on back)
• Proof of Financial Support (bank statements)
• Photocopy of Marriage License or Certificate
• Purpose of Travel Statement
• Photocopy of Current Immigration Status (if your country of residence is different from your country of citizenship, you must provide proof of legal status)
• Custody Documents or Letter of Authorization from Both Parents (for minor children traveling with one parent)

You can apply online or on paper. Each person who seeks entry into Canada must submit a separate application.

Step 4: Pay Application Fees

As of December 2017, the fee schedule for visitor visas and super visas is as follows:

• Visitor visa / super visa = $100 per person
• Visitor visa for family of five or more = $500 total

To be eligible for the visitor visa for a family of five or more persons, dependent children must be under age 22 and the family members must apply at the same time and place.

Step 5: Biometrics

Some visitors to Canada need to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph). If you need to give biometrics and are applying on paper, the application must be submitted in person at the VAC office.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Families are required to send their applications together with one package. To identify the proper office, visit the webpage and select your country where you currently live.

Step 7: Application Processing

After you submit the application, it will be reviewed to make sure it has all the supporting documentation. Most applications are processed in just a few weeks. After the application is processed, your passport and original documents will be returned to you.

Step 8: Approved

Once your application is approved, the visa will be stamped inside the passport. When you arrive in Canada, a border agent will ask for your travel documents.

Documents required for a Canadian visitor visa are subject to change. Be sure to check the VAC for the most recent information for your country.

Are you interested in immigrating to Canada permanently? Contact the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld to see how we can make your Canadian dream come true.

The post The Ultimate Canada Visitor Visa Checklist [Updated for 2020] appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Secret tech experience programs for PR

Canada is fast becoming the next tech and IT hub of the world. From innovative financial services, blockchain, to Artificial Intelligence there is a huge demand for tech talent. In fact, tech and IT workers in foreign countries will find they have many options for becoming permanent residents on the basis of their IT and tech education and experience.

In this article we are looking at permanent immigration programs that will let you live and work freely in Canada. If you qualify under any of the PNPs we mention below, you don’t face any of the restrictions you have to with a temporary work permit.

Ontario Immigration Nominee Program – Tech Draws

The demand for skilled tech and IT workers in Ontario, Canada is sky high. Toronto, Ottawa and Kitchener-Waterloo, in particular, are home to vibrant tech industries. In light of that, the province allows the nomination of Express Entry candidates who have tech experience to apply for permanent residence. The following NOC codes are eligible for tech draws:

NOC 2173 – Software engineers and designers

NOC 2174 – Computer programmers and interactive media developers

NOC 2147 – Computer engineers

NOC 2175 – Web designers and developers

NOC 2172 – Database analysts and data administrators

NOC 0213 – Computer and information systems managers

Ontario invited nearly one thousand Express Entry candidates with tech experience in a January 2020 draw.

British Columbia Tech Pilot

BC will be running its ‘Tech Pilot’ Provincial Nominee Program till at least June 2020. BC, like Ontario, is seeing huge demand for tech skills international recruitment. This program works differently to Ontario’s program, though. Its benefits for applications are:

Invitations to Apply – ITAs are issued to qualified and skilled technology workers every week, reducing the time employers and employees must wait.

Prioritized applications – Applications of tech and IT candidates are fast-tracked to make sure the right talent is able to come to Canada immediately.

The list of eligible occupations for Tech Pilot is revised regularly. At the time of writing, there were 29 tech occupations that are in high demand. A few eligible categories are:

NOC 0131 – telecommunication carriers managers

NOC 0512 – Managers – publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts

NOC 2131 – Civil engineers

Read more

Minimum IELTS for Canada | Police verification requirements for PR | PR for Caregivers

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program

Manitoba has adopted a different approach to Ontario and BC for attracting foreign tech and IT talent. Instead of a dedicated tech-focused PNP, the province has been sending out missions to recruit skilled tech workers. Though the program does not offer the initial benefits that other PNPs do, the biggest draw is recruitment.

MPNP representatives actively assist Manitoba employers recruit foreign talent. Hundreds of IT positions across many different industries are up for grabs at their events. Keep up to date with the latest Manitoba PNP recruitment drive, expected to take place in spring 2020.

Quebec Skilled Worker

Quebec has been long regarded as having one of the toughest provincial nominee programs. Applicants must fulfill national criteria, then also demonstrate French language skills. What many don’t realize is that the Quebec Skilled Worker program gives tech and IT workers an advantage.

QSW requires a minimum of 43 points on employability factors alone. However, the “Listes Des Domaines De Formation’ (List of Training Areas) actually allocates the highest number of points for tech university education. Applicants who can show education in IT and technology can claim 12 points, the highest of any other category. What’s more, their spouses are also eligible to receive 4 points, which is the highest of any category too.

How to immigrate to Canada if you have tech and IT experience

If you have built a career in tech in your country, there is a very good chance your skills are in high demand in Canada. At Immigration Way we have helped thousands of people come to Canada legally and settle into prosperous lives. Speak to a qualified Toronto immigration lawyer and find the right program for you.

The post Secret tech experience programs for PR appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Police Certificate Canada (CIC) Needs for Immigration

Many Canadian immigration programs require a police clearance certificate (or police certificate). This is a simple statement by the police that you don’t have a criminal record or if you have a prior and pending criminal charges.

Police certificates are very important if you are trying to become a permanent resident. The police certificate Canada immigration authorities demand must:

• Contain all relevant information (name, date of birth and more)
• Be issued by the appropriate authority in your country
• Be written in English or French (or be accompanied by a valid translation)
• Not have a disclaimer stating that the authority does not take responsibility for the information in the certificate

On the basis of the police clearance certificate for Canada, CIC will decide if you should be allowed into the country.

Learn all about the police clearance certificate for Canada below.

What is a police clearance certificate?

A police clearance certificate is a document that outlines criminal activity. For purposes of immigration, the police verification certificate proves that you have not been involved in any criminal activity. If you do have a criminal record, CIC will assess your admissibility on the basis of this certificate.

Canadian immigration officials rely on this police certification to make sure you are not a security risk. If they feel that your past criminal activity poses a danger to Canadian society, your application may be denied.

A police clearance certificate must be in English or French. If the police certification you receive is in another language, you must also provide an official/certified translation of the document and an affidavit with your application.

An affidavit for a translation is a document that says the translation is a true and accurate version of the original text.

What Canada immigration programs need a police clearance certificate?

Generally, most immigration programs require a police clearance certificate for Canada. Immigration suggests someone who is planning to come to a country permanently or for a long period of time. That’s why Provincial Nominee Programs, Express Entry and spousal sponsorship require police certificates.

Short stay visas don’t, typically, require police certificates. For example, the Visitor visa (tourist visa), which may be valid for up to 10 years, does not require a police clearance certificate be submitted with applications.

When is a police clearance certificate for Canada PR required?

CIC can require you and any family members (aged 18 years old and over) for a police clearance certificate. If you are applying for permanent residence, then you will most likely have to submit it. Here is a short list of PR programs that require police certification:

• Express Entry
• International Experience Candidate
• Provincial Nomine Programs
• Other immigration and citizenship programs

Which countries do you need a police certificate for?

It does not matter which country you are a citizen of; if your Canada immigration program requires it, you must provide a police certificate Canada accepts. CIC states that police certificates must be provided for all countries in which you have lived for six months or more, after you turned 18.

• Not required up to 18 years – You don’t need police clearance certificates for countries you lived in till you turned 18.
• Six month residence, but not always in country – If you have lived in a country for six months but travelled for a month outside the country during that time, it is best to get a police clearance certificate.
• Lived in a country for 5-6 months – If you lived in a country for just under 6 months, it is best to get a police clearance certificate, to be on the safe side.
• Did not live in the country six months in a row – If you have lived in a country for a total of six months, but not six months consecutively (in a row), you do not require police certification from that country.
• Time in Canada – You don’t need to show a police certificate for the time you have spent in Canada.

Where do I get the police certificate in my country?

The process for getting a police certificate varies from country to country. Many countries have updated their processes for obtaining police certificates in the last few years. It is best to get in touch with your police or government to find out what the process is for getting the certificate.

Police clearance certificates may be known by different names in different countries. They may be called:

• Police clearance certificates
• Judicial record extracts
• Good conduct certificates
• Or any other name

Note: Some countries offer more than one way of getting a police certificate. It is possible that certificates obtained in one or more such ways may not be acceptable to Canadian immigration officials.

Make sure you find out if the police certificate you are getting is accepted by CIC. Police certificates today will typically require you to provide photographs, your fingerprints, addresses in the country and more.

When should you get the police clearance certificate?

Depending on your immigration program, you may choose to obtain your police verification certificate before you begin or submit your application. Police certificates are, generally, valid for one year from their date of issue.

However, for Canada immigration, the police certificate must have been issued at most 6 months before you submitted your application.

What this is means is if your certificate is 8 months old when you submit your Canadian immigration application, it will not be considered.

For countries in which you no longer live, the police verification certificate must have been issued after you left that country for the last time.

Is your police certificate getting delayed?

IRCC allows extensions to deadlines for submitting police clearance certificates if it’s taking more than 90 days to process your police verification.

Other articles you want to read

What is the Minimum IELTS Score Required for Canada Immigration? [Updated for 2019]

Express Entry Draw Canada 2019: Latest Figures & Invitations Process

Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada: Total Fee Structure for the Express Entry System

What happens if I don’t submit my police certificate for Express Entry?

If you don’t submit the police certificate Canada requires at the time of filing your Express Entry application, you may be granted additional time to file the certificate. However, there is a high chance your application will be rejected.

Here are a few things you should consider:

• If you are unclear about whether the certificate is required, then consider sending it anyway.
• If you are uncertain if the certificate is required, and you don’t send it, it is best to explain it very clearly in the Letter of Explanation.
• If you have explained yourself and you have valid reasons for thinking it was unclear, CIC may ask you to submit it at a later date.

Why might a police verification certificate be rejected by CIC?

A police clearance certificate may be rejected by the CIC for a number of reasons:

• Being out of the validity period (i.e. more than 6 months old, at the time of submitting the immigration application).
• Mismatch in information on the certificate and that provided in the application (eg. spelling of your name or passport number).
• The police certificate does not meet the criteria laid down by CIC.
• The certificate does not cover you for the full period of your stay in the country.

Don’t forget, if you have a prior criminal record, CIC may reject your application if it considers you pose a security threat to the country.

Is getting a police certificate difficult?

How difficult it is for you to get a police clearance certificate varies from country to country. Make sure you go through the most appropriate and official process for getting the certificate, else it may be rejected by the CIC – and your time, effort and money will go waste!

What should my police certificate say?

Police verification certificates around the world are different. However, there is certain information that must be included in your certificate:

1. Logo of the authority
2. Date of issue
3. Clear subject line that shows it is a police clearance certificate, judicial record extract, good conduct certificate, or similar
4. Statement attesting lack of criminal record or list of offences
5. Seal/sign of the official authority

If the police clearance certificate contains a disclaimer stating that the authority is not responsible for the accuracy of the information, CIC may reject the certificate.

Do I need a police certificate for PR?

Yes, most permanent residence (PR) programs, such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, require police certificates be submitted.

How long is the police verification valid for?

A police clearance certificate or equivalent is usually valid for one year. For the country in which you are presently resident, the certificate must not be more than 6 months old at the time of submission of the application.

How Express Entry Works

Candidates who are eligible for a program under Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Skilled Trades, or other) submit a profile into the pool. The profile is assigned a CRS score, which is based on their age, education, qualifications and other criteria. CIC regularly invites candidates with the highest scores to apply for permanent residence. Once that is complete, the application is typically processed within six months.

Police clearance certificate for Canada immigration from India

The police clearance certificate for Canada immigration from India is a must. Whether you are applying under Express Entry, for spousal or family sponsorship, or PNPs for permanent residence, it is essential that you submit the police certificate with your application.

Where to get the police certificate in India

The Indian Government streamlined the process for procuring the police clearance certificate for immigration to Canada only a few years ago. The certificate for Canada immigration from India can be procured in two different ways:

1. Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) – An appointment must be taken before you visit your nearest PSK; fingerprints will be taken; certificates are issued in a standardized format (in English) and are accepted by CIC.
2. Police superintendent – The police certificate for Canada immigration can be obtained directly by making an application to the local police in-charge; certificates will be in the local language and will need to be translated; since these are not standardized, CIC may not accept this type of police clearance.

Don’t know how to get a police certificate in your country?

The CIC does not provide specific guidance about how to get the police certificate in individual countries. If you are unsure of how and when to get the police clearance certificate, speak to an experienced Toronto Express Entry lawyer. Our specialists have expert knowledge about jurisdictions around the world and will help you with your police certificate and immigration application thoroughly.

It is essential that you apply for the certificate at the right time, with the right authority and that the certificate contains the correct information.

Need to give a language test for your immigration application? Learn more about CELIP and IELTS.

The post Police Certificate Canada (CIC) Needs for Immigration appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Latest CRS Score August 2019 and What CRS Cut Off to Expect in September

Great Opportunity to Explore Canada: Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Ready to Start

Canada sends invites to thousands of immigrants every year. However, the vast majority of people choose to settle in large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg. There is not a lot of movement to sparsely populated parts of Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has seen that though there are plentiful jobs in these areas, skilled workers are simply not migrating there. To change that it has launched the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.

About the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

IRCC will be working closely with the communities it identifies to find the right candidates. It wants these communities to become welcoming places to live and work for immigrants who choose to come.

The IRCC recognizes that the communities it will identify will have little experience in modern immigration. People who come to Canada today expect to be able to find jobs, find adequate housing and settle into a high standard of life. That’s why the government will be working directly with local agencies to ensure immigrants are happy and provided for. This means working with:

• Community-based partners
• Federal and provincial governments
• Trade and employment bodies

Speak to an immigration lawyer in Toronto Canada to find out what you need to start your application. Stay tuned as we post more Canada immigration latest news.

What communities have been identified for the pilot

At the time of writing, 11 communities in 5 provinces have been listed. These are:

Alberta – Claresholm

British Columbia – Vernon, West Kootenay (Trail, Castlegar, Rossland, Nelson)

Manitoba – Brandon, Altona/Rhineland

Ontario – North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Timmins

Saskatchewan – Moose Jaw

The communities identified have a high quality of life. Each is a prosperous economic centre, with a low population. For those looking to experience true Canadian life and surroundings, these are great cities to settle in. In fact, these communities are located near major cities and will be well connected to important amenities and transportation.

Benefits of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

• You and your family will come to Canada as permanent residents
• Candidates will have jobs/strong community support to find jobs
• Small communities that will welcome you and take care of you
• Possibly shorter application process compared to Express Entry
• Candidates with lower CRS score may benefit if they are well-suited to communities’ economic needs and job vacancies

Application process for permanent residence

The application process for PR here is different to Express Entry. The application process involves:

1. Candidate approaching one of the listed communities or an employer in the community
2. Submitting an endorsement application to be assessed by the community
3. Candidates that are ‘best fit’ will be endorsed and can apply for their PR
4. CIC will assess the PR application against Federal Selection Criteria and Admissibility requirements
5. Once approved, candidates and their families will be welcomed to settle in the community

The application process requires an understanding of what Canadian employers are looking for. Make sure you get an experienced immigration lawyer in Toronto Canada to file your application. We know how to make your application stand out from the crowd.

How soon can you come to Canada as a permanent resident

IRCC expects that immigration candidates under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot will begin to receive PR invitations before the end of 2019. It expects people will start settling in Canada under this program by the summer of 2020. Check our website regularly for Canada immigration latest news. Or speak to our immigration lawyer in Toronto Canada and let us take care of that for you.

Apply immediately

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is fresh and there will be few applicants right now. The sooner you can apply to communities, the sooner you can come to Canada. Once local communities are inundated with applications, processing times will slow down again.

 

Make sure you speak to our immigration lawyer in Toronto Canada before you start your application. At the Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld we are experienced immigration professionals who know how to file perfect applications. Especially since you need to show your suitability to the local community, we will ensure you are seen as a very promising candidate. Subscribe to our blog to keep abreast of Canada immigration latest news.

The post Great Opportunity to Explore Canada: Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Ready to Start appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.

Sponsoring your family to Canada in [2019]

Post updated on July 2019.

If you are a Canadian person or a permanent citizen of Canada, age 18 or over, you could sponsor certain member of the family to become Canadian long-term citizens. If you end up being a permanent citizen, you can live, research as well as work in Canada. If you sponsor your relative to become a permanent resident, you are responsible for sustaining your relative monetarily when she or he arrives. Always consult Immigration way lawyer Toronto before applying for sponsorship immigration in Canada. To be a sponsor:

You have to be 18 years old or older.

• You and also the funded family member must authorize a sponsorship agreement that devotes you to provide financial support for your family member, if required. This agreement also states the individual coming to be a permanent resident will strive to support her or himself.
• You must offer financial backing for a spouse, common-law or conjugal companion for 3 years from the date they become a long-term resident.
• You must provide financial backing for a dependent child for Ten Years, or until the child becomes 25, whichever precedes.

You can sponsor:

• Spouse – (constraints apply)
• Common Law companion – (constraints apply)
• Conjugal companion – (constraints apply)
• Reliant children
• parents – (Extra conditions apply)
• grandparents – (Additional conditions apply)
• brothers or sis, nephews or nieces, granddaughters or grandsons that are orphaned, under 18 years old as well as not married or in a common-law relationship
• One more relative of any age or connection yet just under specific conditions
• Accompanying relatives of the above (as an example, partner, companion and also reliant youngsters

Spouse – You are a spouse if you are married to your sponsor and your marriage is lawfully valid.

Common-law companion – You are a common-law partner, either of the opposite sex or exact same sex, if: you have actually been cohabiting in a conjugal partnership for at least one year in a constant 12-month duration that was not cut off. You will need evidence that you as well as your common-law companion have integrated your events and also set up a household.

Conjugal companion – This category is for partners, either of the other sex or same sex, in remarkable circumstances past their control that avoid them from cohabiting as a result cannot qualifying as common-law partners or spouses.

Dependent youngsters – A son or daughter is dependent when the child

• is under the age of 19 and also does not have a spouse or common-law companion
• more than the age of 19 and depended substantially on the financial support of a parent because before the age of 19 as a result of a physical or psychological condition

Check here for more info or book an appointment to consult with our lawyer.

The post Sponsoring your family to Canada in [2019] appeared first on Immigration Law Office of Ronen Kurzfeld.