Applying for the British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program

The British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program can accelerate the process of receiving permanent resident status and eventual Canadian citizenship. The program seeks highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to essential provincial services or provide capital to create jobs fop Canadians. Family members of British Columbia citizens can also apply under this provincial nominee program.

The application for Canadian immigration under this program is usually much faster than other federal programs administered in Canada. There are complicated requirements and verifications needed so it is important to consult an immigration lawyer to help you file. The best immigration lawyers are provided by this website.

Who can file under the British Columbia program?

· Those qualified for Strategic Occupations.
· Business Immigrants.
· Family members of British Columbia citizens.

What are the basic qualifications?

The following qualifications must be met prior to making application under the British Columbia Provincial Nomination Program. Qualified immigration attorneys can answer specific questions you may have about the program.

· The applicant must intend to settle in British Columbia.
· The nominee candidate has the financial resources necessary to settle in BC.
· If currently residing in Canada, applicant must maintain positive immigrant status.
· If outside of Canada, applicant must not have been prohibited Canadian entry.
· Applicant cannot also have a refugee claim on file.

Strategic Occupations

Applicants for the Strategic Occupations program must have a solid job offer from a BC employer or have a Masters degree in the natural, applied or health sciences. They must also fit one of these five categories.

1. Skilled workers in a trade or profession.
2. Recent graduates from post secondary-education institutions in Canada.
3. Masters degree or doctorate from BC institution. No job offer is required for these candidates.
4. Health professionals.
5. Entry-level or semi-skilled workers in certain job categories.

Immigration lawyers can help you determine what jobs are open and help you secure a possible job offer in an appropriate category for which you qualify.

Business Immigrants

There are three categories under which you may apply.
· Business skills
· Strategic projects
· Regional business

Each of these categories has detailed requirements for investments that must be made and net financial worth criteria must be met. A qualified immigration law firm can help you determine if you qualify and can help with the complicated process of drawing up all the verifications needed to prove your case.

When you want to immigrate to Canada, the provincial nominee programs can be your easiest routes. Provinces and territories need skilled workers and investors for development and you can achieve Canadian citizenship much more quickly through one of these programs. There are still many requirements to be met and an immigration attorney can help you negotiate the process.

Criminal History that Prohibits Canadian Immigration

Immigrating to Canada, whether temporarily or permanently, may be an ideal way to meet any number of personal, educational, or professional goals. Having a criminal history, however, may preclude your entry, as Canadian immigration laws have specific requirements regarding this issue. Depending upon the nature of the crime you may be denied any type of visa, but there are procedures and circumstances that may be considered as exceptions and a reputable immigration lawyer may be able to offer invaluable assistance.

Criminality According to Canadian Law

Criminal activity may affect international students and foreign workers alike when it comes to entering Canada. The official criminal code has a specific listing of offenses, and these offenses apply to any dependents that may be seeking entry as well. In addition to reviewing basic application information, the citizenship and immigration office checks for criminal involvement regarding:

• Misdemeanors

• Felonies

• Documented cases of child abuse

While serious offenses may seem obvious, there are a number of relatively minor crimes that may keep an applicant from being granted entry as well. Accordingly, an immigration attorney versed in this aspect of the law would likely be able to explain such criminal codes. Other offenses that may prohibit your entry into Canada include:

• Assault

• Theft

• Manslaughter

• Hazardous driving

• Drunk driving

Admission Options for Applicants with Criminal Records

Having a criminal record may not necessarily be the end of the application process, and seeking legal advice from a reputable immigration law firm representative may be extremely helpful. There are steps that you may take to remedy your current inadmissible status, but this may depend upon where the crime took place. Accordingly, experienced immigration lawyers may help you:

• Apply for a pardon

• Apply for rehabilitation

It will make a difference as to whether the crime was committed in Canada or in a different country. Additionally, petitioning for a pardon involves more than just submitting a written request. An applicant must have five years from the date of the indictment conviction and three years for more than one summary offense in order for the pardon application to be considered.

Admission Options for those deemed Inadmissible

While Canadian law regarding criminal activity is relatively strict, there are occasional exceptions, so seeking legal counsel would still be advised even if you have been denied entry once. Accordingly, entering Canada as a student, visitor, or worker may still be possible. Your legal representative may help you acquire a TRP, also referred to as a:

• Temporary Resident Permit

While Canadian law can be rigid, there are options regarding petitioning the court and offering proof of rehabilitation. Accordingly, a criminal history may make entry into Canada difficult, but this does not have to mean permanent denial. Experienced immigration attorneys from this website, can help applicants hoping to live or work in Canada even if there are questionable background issues to be resolved.

Are Canadian Business Program Immigrants Restricted to One Province?

Canadian immigration through the business program can be a complicated process that is fraught with red tape requiring multiple financial and experience verifications. Immigration lawyer are a necessity for making application under the business program to ensure all qualifications are met and all documentation is prepared to withstand scrutiny by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the CIC.

In the original application, business program applicants must designate a province where they intend to locate a business or live and work if they are investing in business. Once approval is granted, however, they are not restricted to one province and may relocate at will.

Business Programs for Immigration

There are three categories for business immigration to Canada. Applicants and their families earn permanent Canadian residency immediately upon acceptance and can apply for full citizenship after 3 years.

1. Canadian Immigrant Investor Program. Applicants must have a net worth of CAD$800,000. They must also have at least two years of business experience and be willing to invest CAD$400,000 in Canadian business, but part of the total may be financed.

2. Entrepreneur Program. This category is for those who intend to buy or start a business in Canada that will employ Canadian citizens. Applicants must have a net worth of CAD$300,000 and start their business within three years of immigration.

3. Self-Employed Program. These applicants have no minimum net worth requirement but must demonstrate the ability to support their families. They must also have experience in athletics, farming or cultural activities.

Click on this website to know how immigration attorneys can help assess your prospects for immigrating under these programs. If you do not fully qualify, you may be able to obtain a temporary Canadian work permit that will enable you to gain the necessary experience or financial position.

General Requirements

You must also meet other requirements for Canadian permanent residency status. Also, the province of Quebec may have different requirements for these programs. Necessary verifications may include the following.

· Proof of identity

· Education and experience documentation

· Background check to prove you are not a convicted felon or wanted criminal

· You must not be suspected of terrorist or criminal activity

An immigration lawyer can help you prepare your verifications and help you put together a financial prospectus to meet all the necessary requirements. Once you have been accepted into the business immigration program, you will be free to move to any province to live or conduct business. But your initial application must designate a particular province where you intend to start your business.

An immigration attorney from an immigration law firm that specializes in business immigration can help expedite a favourable decision on your application. Applicants will be assessed for Canadian citizenship qualification as well as meeting the specific criteria of the subclass under which they are making application.

How Easy Is It To Find A Good Job In Canada?

Canada has always aimed to maintain an open and accessible job market, and a wide range of job openings exists for people from outside the country. However, the process of finding the right job varies according to the sector in which you want to work. Before starting the process, your first step should be to find a good immigration lawyer here, who will help you understand the basic requirements.

Finding Job Offers

Most Canadian employers require a work permit before they can employ you, and in order to obtain a work permit, you must first have a job offer. Therefore you have start by looking for openings for employment in your field. The easiest ways to do this include:

· Use the Working In Canada tool provided by CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada). Here you can research your particular occupation and identify what specific skills you need.

· Job Bank is a Canadian government agency which has a large database of employment openings.

· Many job seekers find that contacting employers directly can be very effective.

Application Process

Once you have your job offer you have to make an application for a work permit to the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). To ensure you get your application right, you should consult a qualified immigration attorney, as approval is by no means guaranteed. The HRSDC will decide whether to accept or reject your application, after assessing the legitimacy of your job offer and also the needs of the employment market at the time.

This process normally takes about four months, though it can take up to 9 months for applicants from the Philippines. However for some sectors with a lot of vacancies, there is the alternative of the fast track option, under which employers can directly select specific immigrants who meet their particular requirements. Ask your immigration law firm if your occupation is likely to fit into this category.

Possible Job Openings

At any time there is usually a selection of opportunities in Canada for temporary and permanent workers.

· One sector that usually has plenty of openings for temporary workers is live in caregivers. To work as a live in caregiver you should make an application directly to the Live In Caregiver Program, and before you can do this you need to obtain a LMO via your employer from the HRSDC – this is a Labour Market Opinion certifying that there is a need for a foreign worker to do the job. If your application is successful you will receive a work permit.

· There are always plenty of openings in retail stores, construction companies and fast food outlets. Those who work in fast food outlets as servers can only stay for two years, but can reapply after four months.

· Those working in semiskilled jobs in hospitality, such as food processing, or hotel front desk clerks, may be able to use the Provincial Nominee Program to apply for permanent resident status. Your immigration lawyers will be able to advise you on this.

· Currently there is a large number of permanent openings for long haul truck drivers. There is a preference for employing workers from countries where English is the first language, and there are strict requirements for licensing qualifications.

The situation concerning employment in Canada of foreign workers is quite complex. There are numerous opportunities, but each sector has its own specific requirements. It is essential to consult a firm of immigration attorneys, who are expert in Canadian immigration and can ensure you get the application process right for your particular occupation.

What if My Relationship Status Changes While Applying for Canadian Immigration?

Canadian immigration has established rules and regulations for almost any situation. An immigration attorney from a qualified immigration law firm can help you understand the complexities of family immigration problems.

If your relationship status changes while awaiting a decision, you must inform the Canadian immigration visa office immediately. Most changes would necessarily have a negative impact on your application, but you need to discuss the matter with an immigration lawyer to be certain. For example, if you break up with a common law partner, there would probably be little reason for you to continue seeking immigration under that person’s sponsorship.

One the other hand, if death is the reason for the change in status, then positive outcomes can be possible. For example, if a common law spouse living in Canada dies, but children remain that are also the children of the foreign partner, then there is a possibility the foreign parent can still get a Canadian Visa. They could also apply for an emergency visa to collect minor children or attend funeral services.

Special Cases

If you have applied to join your family, but your parent dies, you may be granted a visa under the stepparent’s name. It is possible that you will have to make a new application.

· If the stepparent cannot qualify financially to support you, then you may be able to seek additional sponsors.

· Each sponsor must be able to provide you with support equalling or exceeding the 125% poverty level.

Marriage

If you are the child of Canadian permanent resident and you were unmarried, but get married while waiting for visa approval, you must inform CIC of the change in status. This will change the priority level at which your visa application is processed. You must also inform the CIC if you have a child and include the child in your application.

You will also need to make application for your spouse and any children of the spouse if you marry. This will probably cause a delay in processing your application. Immigration lawyers can advise you on the specific law relevant to your situation.

Long Distance Break-Ups

Immigration can be very hard on relationships. Whether married or not, distance can cause people to grow apart or develop new love interests. When such a change occurs, you must inform CIC and fill out the appropriate forms. Your honesty in these situations will protect the possibility that you may immigrate to Canada under another program should you ever desire to do so. Filing under another plan will require you to begin the whole process over.

Immigration law can be complex as are familial relationships. Immigration attorneys can find answers and solutions to your problems by providing the most up-to-date information on CIC’s policies and procedures.