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.

There are many phases that an immigrant must clear in order to settle down in Canada. For this purpose, a new resource has been developed to aid the new immigrants in Canada. This online tool would help them find the relevant services provided by the government. This is apart from the community services for settlement purposes. The news was announced by Jason Kenney, the Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. The link for the online tool could be found below.

This tool has been developed so that it is easier to search for both the private and government services which are highly essential. For instance, it would help in locating a new house for purpose in Canada just by clicking online. This in turn would save time and benefit in the integration of these immigrants in their communities of residence. Such integration is of utmost importance in the multicultural society of Canada.

Other additional services that are offered by this resource include those of federal, provincial and territorial services of the government. Now, all that would be required is to mail all the results to self and family member or friends who are new in Canada. Post this; the next step of settling down could be started. It would also help in keeping a track on all the search results that have come about till date. This online tool would be constantly subjected to updating with the latest. With this, it would slowly be expanded with time with fresh information which is likely to help the new comers.

It has to be realized that these services meant for settlement are an important part of the immigration program offered by the government of Canada. Most of these services such as language training, guidance with reference to employment, community services, and integration services for the new comers to settle down and so on are all funded by the CIC.

All these services are put in effect with the help of the agencies at the provincial, territorial and community level. Post 2006, the government of Canada made increased its funding for these settlement purposes by almost three times.

To know more, visit http://www.servicesfornewcomers.cic.gc.ca/

The last year witnessed a tremendous turn around for team Abhinav, making it world’s number one Immigration website amongst the various Immigration portals in the world. With increase in ranking, comes the responsibility to cope up with the growing market trends and demands. This is in addition to the massive expectations of our clients from all over the globe.

ABHINAV is one of the few immigration consulting companies in India that meets the requirements of the authorized representative. There is no point in hiring a consultant who is not providing you services of an authorized representative as it is requirement prescribed by Government of Canada. If such a service is not being provided by the consultant hired by you, then he is not making any value addition to your file. Government of Canada does not deal with an agent/consultant who does not meet the requirements of being an authorized representative nor can such an agent represent your application with Government of Canada in any aspect including filing of application, its follow-up on your behalf and appeal in case of any situation that may develop in relation to your application.

Also, new application procedures require costs related to international couriers at various stages. Add to it the ever growing costs of providing services within last few years in all aspects.

After a period of almost 5 years, ABHINAV is enhancing its consulting fee with effect from 1st of March’2010. However, keeping in our philosophy of being transparent we are pleased to maintain the current fee structure for all prospects who sign and pay as our clients by or before 28th of February’2010.

Clients can either go with the option of “One Time Payment” or choose for “Installments,” in accordance with their needs and preference levels. Click here to know about the amendments in the fee structure.

We hope to continue this endeavor and strive hard to maintain your trust and faith in us while offering world class immigration and visa consulting services in the future as well.

Many a times, Immigration Representatives are confused or interchanged with immigration consultants. For those with the above thinking, it is for them to know that there is a difference between the two. An Immigration Representative is authorized to represent an applicant by the Canadian High Commission.

However, it is not mandatory to hire the services of a representative. It is totally on the applicant since it doesn’t give any added advantage or additional points with a representative. However, he would be able to guide you better. These services would definitely help you in taking the right steps. You can avail their services to act on your behalf and present your case.

While selecting an Immigration Representative, you have to be very particular on whom to select. It is important to know that there are two types of Immigration Representatives. These are –

• Paid Representatives – These include established lawyers who are in good books with the Canadian Provincial or the Territorial Law Society. This category also involves Immigration consultants who are registered with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants and the Notaries who are the members of Chambre des notaires du Québec as well.
• Unpaid Representatives – These representatives do not charge any fee for their consultation. These include your own friends and family or someone from the non – governmental or a religious group or organization.

In both the cases, the Government of Canada does not comply with unauthorized representatives presenting cases on behalf of the applicants.

In case of representatives, there have been many instances where in the applicants have been duped for money. So, it is always better to do a background check of the consultancy. This could be done by interacting with other clients and being informed in prior.

All in all, a well planned step would ensure a good of your money!

Are you on the look out for immigration options? Finding it hard to decide as to which country is the best – Canada or Australia? Given the recent circumstances such as the recession and the racial attacks in Australian, a prospective immigrant has to weigh his options more carefully. Both the countries more or less follow a similar pattern to judge candidates for immigration. This is done on the Points Based System for both the countries.

Also, both the countries are two of the developed nations of the world which puts them at a very enviable position. This makes it a tough choice for a prospective immigrant to select which country to opt for.

On one hand, Canada is closer to the United States and to UK. Thus, it leads to easier and less travel costs for the frequent travelers to these countries. The country has a perfect climate except for the places close to the Arctic. This means Christmas falls in the winters. The commonly spoken languages are English and French. Here, the costs of fast moving consumer goods and other electronic items are comparatively cheaper. All the provinces in the country are more or less independent of each other. Thus, there is a lot of variation in the laws for each and every state.

On the other hand, Australia has a better process of accreditation for the foreign trained professionals. Climate is another plus point since it’s an island continent. However, it cannot be generalized for the entire Australia. The specifications for all the white goods especially the electronics would require a separate configuration altogether. This might pose as a problem. Although, the country is in close proximity to Asia. With an Australian passport, you are liable to be a resident of New Zealand.

Above all, both the countries are not highly populated giving space to each and every individual. With this, immigrants are welcomed with open arms and are considered as an asset to the development to the country’s economy. Both have a multi – cultural society with immigrants coming from across the globe. This makes both the places apt for immigration.

However, based on your individual preferences, an Immigration and Visa Expert would be able to guide you better. He would be updated with the latest in this regard. So, get in touch with one today!

It is mandatory for all the children residing in Canada to receive the basic education. The Canadian government offers it for free of cost to all children. This education is paid for via the taxes and is looked after by the particular provincial governments in collaboration with the local school boards.

This public education starts from the age of 4 or 5 years depending on the territory or province. The child should continue this education till 15 or 16 years of age. This has to be done in compliance with the provincial or the territorial laws where the child resides.

It would be better if you get to know about the education system in advance so that it is easier for you and your child to cope with the changes. To know more, you can visit the particular provincial website for the Ministry of Education which would enlighten you on the same.

Select a particular school for your child. Your selection should be based on the distance from where you reside. The best is to select one which is at a walking distance from your house. If not, then school buses are available for transportation at a very minimal cost. Also, there are many different types of school systems in Canada. So, you have to get to know on that aspect as well.

For this, you have to contact the local school board which administers the procedures for all the public schools in the community. It is mandatory that you submit the relevant documentation as requested by the officials.

Also, new students especially if they are immigrants would be tested before they are enrolled into a particular school. This is to ensure that the child is allotted the right class or grade to continue his education further.

Apart from enrolling, you have to see to it that the child is making constant progress. Extra effort has to be put in since the child would be under culture shock and may find it difficult to cope with it.

To know more on the educational aspects in Canada, contact an Immigration and Visa Specialist who deals with the same. He can provide you with more accurate information on the same.

As an immigrant to Canada, you would have to get accustomed to traveling long distances. Most families own more than one car. If it is difficult for you to buy a car as soon as you land, it is suggested that you look for all the possible options. Another option is to get a car on lease which is a form of car rental.

Manage your finances accordingly before you plunge in to transportation costs. Incase you buy a car; your costs would include all the maintenance charges, cost for the gas, the timely loan payments, insurance and other administrative costs. It would be the same if you hire a vehicle. However, incase of a lease, you would sign an agreement with the contractor.

In Canada, it is mandatory to sign for car insurance and get your car registered with the local provincial government. This insurance would be handy to all the drivers in case of any accidents. To know more, you can contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Other options include public transport or walking or using a bike since they are the cheaper modes of transportation. The public modes include buses, the subways and the metro or the suburban trains or commuter trains.

The costs for the transportation vary according to the city you live in. It would be more if you live in a big city such as Toronto, Montreal and so on when compared to the rural or the smaller towns.

It is best to contact an Immigration and Visa Specialist dealing with Canadian Immigration since he would be the best person to guide you. He can give you the exact position of the place where you plan to immigrate. This would help you better plan your expenses. So, contact one today!

Now that you have arrived in Canada, certain mandatory requirements are a must to be fulfilled. The initial culture shock of the new place would make it a difficult for you to settle down. But, worry not! The service of an immigration and visa specialist is an important guiding factor at this stage.

You would need to find a job for yourself so that you can support self and dependents. Along with this, comes chalking out a suitable accommodation. The following details would help you with the same –

Apply for a Canadian identification which includes a driver’s license, a health insurance card which are mandatory to be carried at all times.
Open a local bank account, apply for private health insurance incase you do not qualify for the immediate public health insurance coverage of the local province.
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) has to be applied for.
Last but the not least, start searching for a job.

In your initial days of landing, you can prioritize the below mentioned activities as the major ones –

Look for accommodation and housing options.
Get accustomed to the local area. It would be ideal if you go through a map and find out about the various modes of transportation available.
Exchange money to get and use the Canadian currency.
Get your hand on a local telephone and make a record of all the telephone numbers that are important.
Get to know more about Canada and enroll your children to an appropriate school.

The first few months should see you doing the following –

Work on your language and communication skills.
Register with a doctor in the community.
Immunize your children.
Know more about the various services offered in your local community which is now your home.
Get in touch with the Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) assessment centre in your community. It is suggested that you enroll yourself for language classes.
Apply for tax and the various tax benefits and other credits.

As time passes and you get acclimatized to your surroundings, you can slowly learn more about your rights and responsibilities as put forth by the Canadian laws.

Above all, it is best to consult an Immigration and Visa firm where the consultants would see to it that you go through a smooth ride post landing in Canada.

Now that you have landed in the new country, there would be many changes you would experience, some expected and others unexpected. This article gives you an insight on such instances.

It is always better to get acquainted with the changes you would need to adapt to. To help you with this, consult an Immigration and Visa Specialist who is adept with all the information in this regard. A Visa Expert would provide you with all the relevant information which would help you better adjust with your new environment. And the more you learn, the better it is.

Since, it is going to be extremely challenging dealing with the extreme weather or the culture shock, it is highly important that you are mentally prepared for the same. Some such challenges include the following:

• Canada could be considered as a mix of cultures where you can find people from different ethnicities from across the world. Thus, you would meet people totally different from you in all aspects. You would have to get used to the local customs and traditions followed by the citizens.
• You might end up feeling uncomfortable, alienated, insecure and uncertain of the decision you took. This would lead to an increase in your stress levels. You might feel helpless and how to react to situations initially.
• You might have to get used to the Canadian accent or even learn English or French according to the province in which you reside.
• Getting your children enrolled into a school, get yourself a job and a house to live in a decent community.

During such circumstances, it is important that you do not give up hope. It is all a matter of time for you to adjust to the new country. All you need to do is keep trying and learn at every step.

A Visa Veteran would help you contact an Immigrant – Serving Organization which would help you with the necessary resources to cope with the circumstances.

The Canadian government offers various services to all the newly landed immigrants on its soil. These are executed via the Immigrant Serving Agencies or organization in the various communities throughout the country.

For some of the provinces, the respective provincial governments are responsible are implementing such programs. These include British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba. You can contact the concerned provincial authorities to know more on the same.

The various Immigrant Serving Organizations cater to the following services –

• Getting in touch with the local Canadian officials who could help with the various services.
• Housing and accommodation facilities.
• Applying for the Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a Health Insurance Card.
• Register with a Doctor to rush to incase of emergency.
• Helping to enroll your children in a good school.
• Availing language skills classes.
• Referring to the services offered by the government and the community.
• Making you familiar with the day to day activities such shopping, banking and so on.

To know more, contact an Immigration and Visa veteran who is updated in this regard. He would help you find an Immigrant – Serving Organization in your community which will make it easier for you and your family to better acquaint with the new country.