by Noura Yousef | Dec 7, 2023 | Immigration News
Canada intends to target millions of immigrants during the upcoming years. This means more applications, more time to process applications and even more interviews.
The immigration process set by IRCC is already complex enough with many factors to take into consideration for each applicant, including age, marital status, language skills, experience, and much more.
To help Canada reach its targets and increase coverage time for different regions, applications should be reviewed and process as quickly as possible. Therefore, the country set up its first international immigration center in the Philippines this past March to speed up the process. This helped a bit; however, according to Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, to cover more time zones, a second center was needed.
Yesterday, on Dec the 6th, the IRCC opened its second command center in Bucharest employing more than 20 new employees, some work remotely from Canada and some work locally in Romania. This step is expected to help in reducing wait times and finding better ways to serve clients from different cultures.
by Noura Yousef | Dec 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
What is a Post Graduation Permit?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is the best chance for students to gain valuable work experience in Canada. It has many benefits for students who graduate from a university in Canada.
Freedom and Flexibility
You can work for any company in any field as long as you have the PGWP permit. This will help you increase your chances to become a permanent immigrant. Programs like the Canadian Experience class require Canadian work experience. With a PGQP you can add work experience to your profile and a consultant can easily help you apply for CEC.
Space and Time to Evaluate Your Options
A PGWP is granted to students who have just graduated. If you wish to start your journey but you are not sure what to do after graduation, a PGWP will grant you the space and time to try different options. As long as the permit is valid, you can try different jobs, go on a vacation, take a break and weigh your options.
Eligibility Criteria for a PGWP
To apply for a PGWP you have to meet the following criteria
- Graduate from DLI, a Canadian Designated Learning Institution. You can only apply for a PGWP after finishing an 8 month program in a Canadian university.
- Diploma or a proof completion should be provided to ensure you are eligible for the program
- Part-time students can’t apply for a PGWP; only full-time students are eligible.
How Long is a Post Graduation Permit?
The duration for your PGWP depends on how long you have been a student in the country. If your certificate was for an 8 months program only, you would get an 8-month permit. If longer, you will get a longer permit from a year to 2 years. You can also combine different programs to add more time to your permit.
When Should you Apply?
You should apply for a PGWP within 180 days from graduation. This window exists to provide you with all the time you need to finalize your documents for the permit.
by Noura Yousef | Dec 5, 2023 | Immigration News
It has been a couple of months since the last express entry draw. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start your application today. It takes a while to finalize all the paperwork for an express entry profile. Additionally, you could work on adding more skills to your profile while waiting for the next draw to start. There are tons of other reasons you should apply now despite the pause in draws. Here is a list from our side.
– Provincial Nominations
- Even without draws, your profile could be picked up by a province seeking ideal candidates. A nomination practically guarantees an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- Provincial nominations are like golden tickets, boosting your CRS score by a massive 600 points.
- Every province and territory runs its own program, with streams aligned with Express Entry. Ontario alone issued over 15,000 invites in 2023, prioritizing healthcare and tech fields.
– Canada’s Growing Number for Immigrants
- Canada broke its records for immigrants in 2022 and the targets for the upcoming years are even higher. Given the number of immigrants expected next year and the years ahead, a temporary pause will actually help in lowering the scores to match the targets so this is actually an opportunity.
– Job Bank Advantage:
- Being in the pool unlocks access to the “Plus Account” on the Job Bank. This lets you find relevant jobs, potentially leading to an offer.
– Consultants Have More Time
During pauses consultants have more time to finalize their current cases, update the data they need for new files and spend more time taking call to help you understand the next time. Therefore, this is the golden opportunity for candidates to start the process easily with a fully-focused consultant.
by Noura Yousef | Aug 21, 2023 | Immigration Tips
Upon arrival to Canada, keep in mind that you need to get a Social Insurance Number, or SIN number. You cannot legally work in the country without a SIN.
Children who are 12 years old or older have the opportunity to apply for their Social Insurance Number (SIN). However, for children under the age of majority in their province and for adults under someone’s care, it is the responsibility of parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives to apply on their behalf.
Permanent Residents can get their SIN after their immigration check at the airport; however, international students and foreign workers need to apply after entering the country.
To apply for a SIN, you don’t need to pay any fee. However, you can’t study or work without a number. A SIN number is a 9-digit number that helps the government identify you and, later on, upon working, can help you pay taxes.
Additionally, you require a SIN to apply for government programs and use the benefits the government provides you; for example, you can benefit from Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
To apply for a SIN number, you apply in person. However, usually, the office has long lines, and you would have to wait a while to apply. Therefore the government gave people multiple other options to apply for a SIN number.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number
- Applying by Mail
- Applying SIN Online
Applying by Mail
If you reside over 100 kilometres away from your nearest Service Canada office, you have the option to apply for a SIN by mail. To apply by mail, you need a completed SIN application form. You can get it from the office near you or order it by phone at 1-506-548-7961.
Once you have completed the form, it is necessary to send all original supporting documents along with the application form to the designated address of the Social Insurance Registration Office.
Documents you should provide should include
- A document verifying your identity like your passport, driver license, provincial ID
- Your proof of address.
- PR Card if you are a permanent resident
- Work Permit if you have one
- Study Permit for students
Applying Online
Once you have the abovementioned documents, you can apply online through the government’s SIN website. For online applications, you can apply using digital copies. However, they should be clear and legible.
If you submit a document that is neither in English nor French, you must also submit the following:
- An English or French translation of the document, and
- An attestation or affidavit written and signed by the translator.
If you submit a document in a language other than English or French, it is necessary to provide the following:
- A translation of the document into either English or French.
- An attestation or affidavit that confirms the translator’s qualifications and includes their written signature.
What do I do if my SIN is lost or stolen?
If you misplaced your SIN card or confirmation letter, Service Canada does not provide replacements for the Social Insurance Number. However, they can issue a new confirmation letter. In rare cases where your SIN has been stolen or used in identity theft, Service Canada may consider issuing a new number. To obtain a replacement for a lost SIN card or confirmation letter, you must visit the local Service Canada centre with the same documents. You’ll receive a SIN confirmation letter with the same number.
Don’t forget to report a missing card or letter right away. If someone comes across your card or letter, they could exploit the information to engage in fraudulent activities against you or others.
by Noura Yousef | Aug 12, 2023 | Immigration News
Effective from August 10, 2023, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has added four English language tests to the list of approved assessments for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants. The newly approved language tests are as follows: 1. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General 2. Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) 3. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 4. Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based test (TOEFL iBT) These additions provide SDS applicants with more options to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language when applying for immigration purposes through IRCC.
IELTS Updates
In addition to these tests, There have been some changes to the (IELTS) testing system as well. As of the 10th of August 2023, students applying with IELTS Academics tests only need an overall band score of 6.0 for all skills combined. On the other hand, those applying with IELTS takes before the 10th of August need to prove they have a score of 6 in each skill separately.
Apply for a student Permit
New Test Scores
To be eligible for the SDS program, it is important that all test results demonstrate a strong proficiency in either English or French, which are the official languages of Canada. This includes abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. To ensure the authenticity of the tests, you have to attend the test in a test centre, not online. Students who are being tested in English specifically are required to achieve a minimum total score of:
- 7 for CELPIP General tests
- 60 for CAEL tests
- 60 for Pearson Academic tests
- 83 on TOEFEL iBT tests.
During the past couple of years, Canada has experienced a remarkable rise in its international student population, with the number reaching over 800,000 by the end of 2022. This represents a fourfold increase since 2008, showcasing Canada’s successful efforts in attracting students from around the world. The country’s proactive approach to welcoming international students has yielded positive results, and this inclusion of additional language tests highlights Canada’s commitment to creating a diverse educational environment.
by Noura Yousef | Jan 27, 2023 | Immigration Tips
This year Canada has decided to increase its immigrant intake yet again! This means you have a good chance to apply for one of Canada’s immigration programs with Vglobal.
Canada is well-known for its welcoming nature, increasing economic growth and diverse culture, making it an ideal destination for immigrants worldwide. Many immigrants wish to finally get a Canadian PR card, not only because it has many benefits but also because it is the final step before applying for Citizenship in Canada. So, what are the benefits of Canada PR?
Top 6 Benefits of Canada PR
You can Live and Work in Canada.
Once you get a PR, you can go to any territory or province in Canada and live there or search for a job anywhere you like. Unlike a work visa, people with a PR can move jobs or provinces anytime.
You Need to Renew Your Visa Every 5 Years Only
Most PR cards are valid for five years, so there is no wasted time renewing visas and handling paperwork yearly with a PR card. Moreover, there is no limit to the times you can extend your visa as long as you complete the residency obligation ( 2 years within every 5 years) history and abilities are deemed necessary.
Free Education for children
The children of PR residents have the right to free Education from Grade 1 up to Grade 12. Additionally, university tuition fees are dramatically reduced for them, with numerous provincial subsidy programs that would reduce the tuition fees to Zero.
Universal Healthcare
Canada PR offers universal healthcare that covers X-rays, medical checks, analysis, etc. Prescription drugs are also covered up to the age of 25. You can also apply for public health insurance as a PR holder in Canada upon completing your first three months as a resident.
A Step Closer to Canadian Citizenship
When you get a PR card in Canada, you can live there for five years. If you prove that you have lived three full years out of 5 in Canada, you become eligible for Canadian Citizenship. Still, this applies to the last five years of your PR stay, so keep that in mind.
Freedom to Start a Business
PR residents in Canada can also legally start their own business, and you can invest in a franchise or start a new business with partners or alone as long as you have a PR card.
Now you know some of the top benefits of becoming a PR holder. Keep in mind that living in Canada gives you even more chances because of its stable economy. Additionally, the government supports sustainability, diversity and minority rights, so there is no need to worry about your safety.
