On 10th March 2010, the government of Canada announced certain amends to be brought about in the criteria for excepted language skills. These changes would be applicable for all those applying under the Federal Skilled Worker and the Canadian Experience class. This was announced by Jason Kenney, the Minister for Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Clarifying the above, Kenney said that the language skills criterion has not changed as such. The only change is that from now on, the applicants have to submit the proof of their language skills while submitting their application itself. So, the applicant has to now submit his proficiency either in English or French since these are the two official languages for Canada. This amend has been brought about to ensure faster processing of the applications.

Earlier, the applicants were permitted to either submit a written statement or a test conducted by a third party that is independent from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The written statement was meant for those who had English or French as their first language. But this was not being limited to the above. Those not having the above as their first language were also due advantage of the same. These written statements did not prove the candidate’s proficiency in the practical use of the language. So, they had to provide with other forms of evidence which obviously lead to a processing delay.

With this, all the applicants would be given a single chance to prove their proficiency in the same. However, they are still free to submit a written statement.

On the other hand, submitting test results for the language skills would ensure quick and genuine processing of the application. With this, these tests would also let the applicants know of their standing in the same. After getting their test results, they would be in a better position to decide on whether to apply for immigration or not. Incase of written statements, the applicants would not know how much they have scored till their application has not been assessed by the relevant authority.

However, it is recommended to present with the test results straight away to avoid any forms of delay.

It has to be realized that for any immigrant, the language skills are the key indicators to his success rate in the job market. The better his language skills, the more likely are his chances of landing with a good job.

When it comes to the applicants of the Canadian Experience Class, it is mandatory for them to meet the requisites for the same. For the Federal Skilled Workers, a maximum of twenty four points are awarded for this criterion.

UK is planning to make study visa rules stringent for Ugandans, confirmed the British High Commission.

According to UK Entry Clearance Manager Susanah Richmond, certain amendments in the UK immigration rules are likely to happen very soon. For instance, students making their minds to enroll themselves in a study course less than a degree level would only be allowed to work for 10 hours a week. Earlier the prescribed hours were twenty!

Also, applicants planning to study a course for less than six months won’t have the permission to bring their dependants with them.

For those students who already have their dependants living with them, the later would not be allowed to work, provided the student applicant enrolls in a course lower than a degree level.

In addition, it is mandatory to have good proficiency in the English language. UK has tightened visa rules in the past also. Under the previously listed regulations, it is mandatory for students to prove that they enrolled themselves in an institution licensed by UK Border Agency. Additionally, it is a requisite to prove that the students can financially support themselves in the UK.

Richmond went on to say that the number of Ugandans applying for UK have slowed down by a huge margin. She also defended the hike in the visa fees, saying that the money is used in the processing of the application.

Stringent rules would further ensure genuine entry for legal applicants!

Overcoming the fear of being kicked out of the country, some college-goers admitted that they have been staying in the U.S. in an illegal manner.

In a mutual immigration reform effort, the college goers participated in a rally at the Federal Plaza, admitting their undocumented status in front of everyone. They also asked people to contact Sen. Dick Durbin, D- Ill., so that he uses his power to pass Immigration reform.

The occasion of “National Coming Out of the Shadows Day” is for illegal youths to come out and speak out their undocumented status in front of everyone. The week marked the involvement of so many emotional speeches as each individual recited his or her Immigration story.

Nico Gonzalez, 23, of Pilsen, elaborated that he came to the U.S. from Mexico, when he was just 5 years old. The family came in an illegal manner. The mother died of lung cancer because she was employed in an unhygienic factory job. He went on to say that the death inspired him to fight for the immigration rights.

It has been seen that undocumented workers fail to get good jobs and end up being in unhygienic and worse conditions. Same happened with Gonzalez’s mother too.

Some officials expressed their anguish over Obama too, as he failed to implement his strategies till now. No one knows as to when this Immigration reform Bill would be introduced.

The rally served the purpose of allowing illegal immigrants speak out about their undocumented status in front of everyone and appeal for the introduction of Immigration Reform as soon as possible.

Every year, before the school board examinations, announcement of results and then admissions to colleges, there are these familiar photographs of students in front of schools and colleges in all prominent newspapers.

Anyone who follows these photographs closely will notice something very funny.  The photographs always show students and institutions of elite private schools and colleges. Favourite are St. Thomas Girls School, Jesus and Mary School (and College), St. Columbus School, Modern School and St. Stephens College. This is DELHI but from what my friends tell me, situation is no different in other major cities. What is wrong with students from other schools and colleges? Where do students from Government and Central schools are left out in overall scheme of things? They are children of lesser god whom editors and journalists do not find glamorous enough to be covered? And what does this mindset indicates?

One, it confirms that our society is highly divisive and it makes clear distinction between rich/financially comfortable and struggling classes of ordinary people.

Two, it addresses glamour as the key factor that grabs the attention of readers.

Three, it confirms that these children of lesser god actually need to work harder than those from influential background to succeed in life. For sure, society perceptions are not going to make it easier for them.

Four, this is a challenge for Government institutions to improve on its infrastructure and study facilities so that at least they are stimulating for child growth, if not luxurious.

Five and most important, these children of lesser god should understand that, at the end of the day, they are heads taller than the so-called “Fortunate Photographed Souls” because life teaches them to succeed with less and work hard for things that are out of reach. They have a better purpose to life. Only they should remember to photograph a government school child, if life and destiny makes them an editor!

If you are a permanent resident of Canada and are planning to apply for a Canadian citizenship, the following article would be of great help to you. To become a citizen of Canada, there are certain pre – requisites to be catered to. The applicant should not have undergone any form of immigration enquiry or investigation and so on.

The following are the key points to be noted before applying for citizenship:

• You must have lived in Canada for a minimum of three years or 1095 days in the last fours year. This period of residence should be prior to applying for citizenship. However, children are exempt from this requirement. Accurate time period of residence should be provided with, prior to becoming a permanent resident as well, if it is within the above mentioned four year period. This is because there are instances where in an applicant would be considered as residing in Canada when he was physically not present in the country.
• In order to apply, you should be atleast 18 years of age.
• You should not have been convicted of any crime or offence that is prohibited under the Citizenship Act or imprisoned. The time spent in prison does not count for the residency period.
• Proficiency in English or French is a must to communicate with the local citizens.
• As a future citizen of Canada, you must be aware of the rights and responsibilities of a Canadian citizen. This includes the right to vote as well. Others include the history, geography and the political aspects of the country.

After the ensuring that you clear the above pre-requites, the following steps should be followed to apply for citizenship:

• Check your eligibility criteria, as mentioned above.
• Submit the application for citizenship.
• Incase, you are between the age group of 18 and 54 years, you have to appear for the Citizenship test.
• Incase you are 14 years of age or older, you must be present for the citizenship ceremony.

It has to be remembered that it is not mandatory for all the permanent residents in Canada to apply for citizenship. They are free to apply for an extension or renewal of their PR card if it expires. This PR card is permitted for five years at a stretch. However, on the PR card, certain rights are not available which are only applicable for the citizens of Canada.

Today is 12th March’2010! – “THE ULTIMATE DAY” – At least for all those cricket fanatics who wait for this day throughout the year! It’s the start of the IPL season guys!

TV, Internet, Newspapers… Every medium is flooding with DLF IPL, a private event; that above all, explains the success of Indian Premier League. For a private event, entire media is fighting to give free of cost coverage! Strange, but Interesting! So what marketing and branding strategy has worked in favour of IPL?

One, “Packaging of the Event” from day 1 as entertainment is the biggest strategic hit. Cricket just happens to be there!

Two, to keep it focussed in 20 overs and inviting International players, not only enhanced the entertainment value but also factored in the fastest growing segment of high income youth. This segment is short of time and wants everything to be packaged small.

Three, It structured teams around states thereby ensuring team and brand loyalties and assured eyeballs when it comes to media.

Five, by following a well tried international model of clubs and player auctions, it got players interests and their willingness to give the tournament their 110%. Knowing that players are going to play attacking entertaining cricket attracts paid audience to the stadium and draws them towards other forms of media like TV, internet and print press.

Six, the public and press relations during the first two versions meant media hype was maintained and that has lead to immense unpaid publicity. Interestingly in IPL3, the organisers have offered strict terms for freebies for non-official media. The initial purpose having been achieved, the official TV channel is getting its due. That again hints to a well planned strategy.

Seven, getting International Cricket Council to keep a window for IPL season was the biggest strategic coup. Now cricket boards all over the world want to have similar event but may not be able to get well known players for their events!

Eight, do not forget that (Board of Cricket Control in India) ensured that the event got all international recognition and gave it the required financial backup to conceive and execute the event.

Nine, attracting the movie stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty along with highly placed industrialist as team owners, ensured ample media and public interest which further contributed to the success of the event.

Ten and finally, organisers packaging of all above and ensuring the event was always in controversies and news, meant branding exercise of the kind that has not been seen in sports. At the end of the end, we have a happy lot of bunches - public, sponsors, media and most importantly IPL bankers!

Good job done IPL, Lalit Modi and team- keep the IPL and Indian flag flying! IPL is one of the ways of telling the world that India has arrived.

This surely raises the question, what happens when a foreign child is adopted by Canadian parents! It becomes a matter of concern when a case of hearing reported for a teenage; accused for committing an assault and robbery that is facing the threat of deportation to his birth land. The teenager had committed the crime four years back in 2005 and has been released from a juvenile detention center recently.

The accused who was a minor at the time of the crime had been adopted by a Canadian family. This means he is not a Canadian citizen. Now that question arises what really happens to such an adopted child? So, here is the answer…

A child born after 1947 in Canada is regarded as a citizen of that country. Besides, if a child is born outside Canada after 1977, but if he/she has a Canadian parent is also regarded as a citizen of Canada. This criterion was applicable to a number of generations of people who were born to original Canadians until 2008. But, a law that had been passed in 2009 restricted this to only one generation.

Until 2006, an adopted child from a foreign country was required to be sponsored as a permanent resident first before he/she could be regarded as a Canadian citizen, which is popularly know as naturalization. Towards the end of the year 2007, this law was altered which stated that an adopted foreign child would be granted with Canadian citizenship without first going through the process of immigration. The same law was extended to Canadians who live outside the country.

Now foreign nationals who are adopted by Canadian citizens can obtain Canadian citizenship directly, without having to go through the process of naturalization! To know more about this, contact an Immigration and Visa consultant!

A detainee who has been in Australia for the past twenty-seven years is going to be deported to his native land Cambodia. When the Australian authorities were trying to deport him for almost four years, finally the man in question has voluntarily agreed to go back to Cambodia.

The case came to light at the federal Parliament last Wednesday, when the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman reported the same. Accused with a number of crimes, such as robbery and supplying drugs, thereby developing a strong criminal background, the man has been in immigration detention at Villawood, Sydney. While authorities tried to send him back to Cambodia, he then refused to return. But, now the unidentified man is willing to go back to this country.

The man was raised and educated in the Oz land. He arrived the land when he was only nine-year old. After living almost twenty-seven years in Australia, he has become a part of the Australian community. However, the immigration authorities termed him as a non-citizen in Australia.

The removal of the man from Australia is on the priority list for the immigration department, confirmed the Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans. The minister also confirmed that as per an individual’s deportation procedure, the man will be provided with a post-removal package to support and assist him.

This is one of the many cases included in the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman’s report. Most of these accused have been in detention for several years, where many of them are detained at Villawood.

Every immigration program follows distinctive procedure. Thus, when one is looking forward to immigrate to a new country, it is very important for that person to have the proper understanding of the application process for the particular program that he/she has opted for. It fact, the secret of successful immigration lies in the proper understanding of the application process and little homework beforehand.

Let’s have a look at the application procedure for Canadian Federal Skilled Worker program:

• Before an applicant is set to work on the application process, he/she must confirm that the Federal Skilled Worker category is appropriate for him. It follows choosing the right application form.
• The applicant is required to get his/her qualifications, occupation, experience, and other required documents assessed by the authorized body.
• When filling up the form(s), the applicant must make sure that he/she has put in all the details carefully and it is complete. Incomplete forms are most likely to be rejected.
• The fee for the processing of the application for the applicant as well as dependants should be submitted along with the forms.
• Once the applicant is done with these steps, the application will go to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Here, things undergo scrutiny and the CIO will decide whether the application meets the prerequisites for the Federal Skilled Worker program. If they find the application fulfills the criteria, they would forward it to the designated country visa office, otherwise if they end up with a negative decision, the application is most likely to be returned back.
• This follows the submission of the application along with all the essential documents at the local visa office.
• The applicant must provide the IELTS test score report earned for the language proficiency at the visa office.
• The applicant must bear his/her expenses related to medical and security clearances.
• Once the applicant is approved to immigrate to Canada, he/she must pay for the Right to Permanent Resident fee. However, the fee, which covers both the applicant and his/her spouse or law partner, should be paid before the applicant is issued with the PR visa. Afterwards, if the applicant decides not to use this visa, the fee would be refunded.
• Last but not the least, the applicant must submit his/her passport to be stamped on the visa.

The process of making application is one of the most important parts of the whole immigration process. This is the phase where you should be presented yourself watchfully in order to make your immigration successful. While, you may find it critical at times, hiring an Immigration and Visa consultant would be the smartest move you could make!

Reports say that the Indian government is planning to make amendments in the guidelines on Conference and Tourist Visa. Union Home Secretary G K Pillai has confirmed that the Home Ministry has received a lot of complaints against the present regulations. Therefore, the Centre is working on easing out the guidelines to make it easier for the overseas academicians to visit the country.

The criticism is against all those guidelines that specify that overseas participants from 8 countries need to go through the security clearance from the Ministry in order to get the Visa.

Pillai confirmed that the Ministry, in consultation with other agencies, is reworking on these guidelines and making it simpler for the foreign nations to come and visit the country. In addition, he committed that Government do make rules which may be not correct and it is a democratic society and we have the right to correct our mistakes too.

He went on to say that the ministry is deeply concerned for overseas nationals who come for a conference in the country. Therefore, it is mandatory to know their backgrounds and other essential details. The essence behind the regulations is to ensure the country’s security.

Pillai also mentioned that scholars having genuine backgrounds would no difficulties, especially if they are qualified from registered Universities.

Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal confirmed that it is essential to check the credentials of overseas applicants.