Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has affirmed that recovery efforts are going on and the Canadian economy is creating jobs on a frequent manner. He said that the recovery is steady ad the Canadian economy has already started creating jobs which shows glimpse of recovery.

But this facet doesn’t mean that we should declare success. No matter how smoothly the economy is running, this is not the time to relax or withdraw yourself completely from the economy wheel, Harper affirmed.

Statistic Canada has confirmed that Canadian economy has shown a massive recovery with a growth of 5 per cent pace in the fourth quarter. Although Harper confirmed that it is too early for them to affirm that the nation has surpassed recession in a successful manner.
His speech in the House of Commons expressed that the domestic demand of the nation is strong but since the export markets are facing uncertainties, the recovery is slow and should not be taken lightly.

Talking about the employment rate he said that it is true that the unemployment rate is high but the level was less as compared to the recession times of 1980s and 1990s. in addition, there is a creation of new jobs too!

Surely, a good news for prospective applicants who are planning to immigrate to Canada in the upcoming future. With more job opportunities crafting in future, it is the right time to search for employments in Canada.

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.

As I start writing this piece, I am well aware of the slits that it will open. But let me assure you all that my purpose is to share a few aspects of our upbringing. When compared to our generation, I wonder if the current generation of the fair sex has actually gained anything in the real sense of women emancipation and freedom. With more and more women becoming part of the workforce, is it really impacting the Indian family positively?

I am in mid forties and I still remember most of my peer group had mothers who were homemakers. I have personally felt which many children today are unaware off. We had our mother waiting for us at all times which played a very important role in our overall development. My father had a travelling job and my mother was one constant factor in our lives. Even amongst friends where fathers did not have a travelling job, mothers ensured the overall balance and were the unifying factor. Today, her place has been taken by housemaids. I wonder whether both parents manage to fulfill the emotional need of their children. Are housemaids bothered how much time children spend watching television and surfing the Internet? In our times, mothers ensured that we did our homework on time and where required guided us through teething problems. Today, a tutor is appointed for that where in again there is no supervision involved.

However, the biggest challenge for a couple is to balance work and home at the same time. In our times, mother being the homemaker and father as the breadwinner, ensured that this challenge was not faced in the first place. A mother of our times always ensured that her husband, children and the home was always in harmony with life. Did it not mean balanced or happier family unit? I agree that happiness is a relative factor when different families are compared but the fact is families then were much happier than today’s. They had lesser number of stress and work related factors to deal with. To say that children and relations between husband and wife are not affected in case of a working couple would be similar to avoiding the reality. Ever increasing divorce rates are symbolic of this symptom.

Fact remains that the role of motherhood, her softness, emotions and family instincts has been imparted to women by nature herself. Am I wrong in saying that? If not, then why it is that only women have the child bearing capacity?

And is it not a fact that families with both spouses working has resulted in more nuclear families in India? The fact is that for all its failings, joint families did offer definite security blankets to its members and women and children in particular.

There is no doubt that ability to work has lead to more women emancipation and enhanced her ability to be able to support herself and her family financially. Most importantly, it has made her financially independent. But is it not a fact that it has added onto to her responsibilities and caused excessive physical demands on her? Is it not a fact that balancing work and life may be more challenging for women than men because of how nature made them? She cannot avoid the responsibility of child bearing and the related upbringing factors especially during those critical years of growth. She must also go for work and look after family commitments on both sides as well as look after the needs of her children.

Or is it that today’s women are happy being a part of this struggle and demand that it places on her very being? Only women can respond to that.

I have seen our (and those of our peer-group) mother play the most important role in our upbringing. They (more than father) prepared us to face all challenges and situations that life had to offer. I see her aging gracefully and I have never seen her complaining probably because she was not working. Being a homemaker did not mean that her family exploited her and her rights as women were compromised. I saw her take rest when she wished to rest and has till date the command and respect over the family that only a women can have. She has never had regrets being a homemaker. She continues to be the one unifying factor for the entire family that anyone can call without worrying that she might be busy in office. And this is not only about me. I can vouch for my friend’s families as well. And I am sure that majority in mid forties, including women, would agree to my statements.

I feel this is best responded by women of today. Were their mothers happier as homemakers or they (children) are better off as working women?

Last night, I saw “Teen Patti”, and was all enthusiastic watching the two giants of the silver screen Sir Ben Kingsley and Amitabh Bachchan for the first time in a movie. Their presence in the movie was thrilling and both of them did a fantastic job as expected. Amitabh Bachchan as a mathematician was simply superb!

Teen Patti is a movie based on the story of a professor who is known to be mad by his colleagues. He invented something very interesting about the theory of probability and he got the companionship of another professor R Madhavan, who was under huge debt. He wanted to earn money from the discovery of this professor.

Meanwhile Amitabh Bachchan took assistance from a few students to check whether his discovery is really true or not, while the students became mad about earning money with the help of his famous theory on Gambling. They tasted success too, but just when everything seemed to be going their way, a blackmailer comes and starts blackmailing Amitabh Bachchan.

With the byte of suspense, the story proceeds further and the blackmailer student commits suicide, leaving Amitabh with no choice but to resign from the college. Finally Sir Ben Kingsley, the Oscar Winning actor comes into play and he ends the movie on a good note.

In my view, all the actors have done a brilliant job, especially the students who worked with Amitabh on his theory. Although in her first movie, Shraddha Kapoor failed to mark a positive presence, but the presence of experienced actors like Shakti Kapoor, Mahesh Manjrekar, Ajay Devgan and Tinu Anand made the movie immensely attractive. The entire credit goes to Leena Yadav, the director of the movie.

In Sir Ben Kingsley words, it was a great pleasure to work with a female director. As per him, he has so far worked only in a few movies which have been directed by females and he thought that a woman brings an unusual perspective to the movie.

Although it is a nice movie, but I think that it will hardly attract the Indian viewers. The story is based on gambling, a topic which is not too common in India. Also the madness of Amitabh Bachchan in the movie is really not understandable to many people. As far as his acting is concerned, he did a fantastic job as a passionate mathematician!

Up in the Air is the one of the Oscar buzzes this year…so we thought why not make it a buzz at Abhinav! As an Oscar nominated movie with lead nominations, it is but obvious that there are a lot of expectations from the audience as well.

So let’s analyse! George Clooney is a Senior Executive whose job is to fire people, but with a sense of compassion. So, his job includes traveling all the time gaining mileage points with the Airlines. With a non – committed approach towards life, some might feel that the protagonist has lost touch with one of the most important essence of life which is known as “family”.

The movie goes through the normal roller coaster of demonstrating doomed personal relationships, family reunions and a predictable ending where the protagonist is stranded with a feeling of getting what he deserves. However, the viewer is left wondering whether his perspective is responsible for the unhappy situation that he finds himself in?

There are predictable scenes when it comes to the importance of family and the need for companionship. However, it is still not clear as to why families, friends and society at large pity those who do not wish to be emotionally committed? Is it that a man (or women) must get married, have children and grow old with a companion to earn his share of stripes from the society? And those who do not fall into this bracket are doomed to be unhappy souls destined for a lonely death?

There is no doubt that it is human nature to seek companionship and experience the pleasure of having a family. However, it is an individual’s choice to be committed or not? And if he/she prefers to be committed, there is no question of failing the responsibility, faith and trust that comes with it.

Based on the choices that an individual makes, the society at large might develop various opinions about the individual. Some might term him as being selfish and irresponsible. Others might call him as being scared of commitment because it might pose certain restrictions for the individual.

On the other hand, there are some who would simply say that it is the business of the concerned individual. So, no other individual except for the one that the concerned individual has designated has the right to comment. After all, we come alone in this world and so, we leave the world as loners.

But let’s not forget that any movie always portrays something that the viewer could take back home. Also, the unusual always sells…and so the movie being the story about a loner surely sells to such an extent that it has created quite a buzz! And more so, the fact that this article has came up clearly shows the talking tongues. Thus, mission accomplished!

Before we go into detail about the Canadian Social Insurance Number, let’s give you a brief introduction of the same. Well, Canadian Social Insurance Number is used as a unique piece of identification. It is a confidential number pertaining a Canadian citizen’s personal information. It is a thing to be treated with utmost care. Now, here are a few things that you should know about the Social Insurance Number.

Though the Canadian SIN was initially created to administer federal programs, today it is needed for a variety of purposes, including various income and tax related purposes. To be precise, the federal government in Canada uses the number to carry out certain government programs. Originally, it was used for programs like Pension Plan and unemployment insurance programs.

You will need the SIN in order to work in Canada, so that you could file taxes, as well as receive various Canadian governments’ benefits. However, not all government departments in Canada are authorized to collect your SIN. Banks can also use the number for income related purposes. Below are a few usage of the SIN:

• The SIN comes into play when it comes to insurable/pensionable job or employment. You are required to show your Social Insurance Card within 3 days from the date of joining a job.
• The SIN is used to file your income taxes. You may be asked to provide the number by federal, provincial, as well as municipal government agencies, whichever is applicable or which makes income tax information for you!
• You may be required to provide the SIN to banks and other financial unions.
• Any other authorized federal government agencies in Canada may ask you for your SIN.

Be always careful in providing your SIN to any agency or department. Whenever you are asked for the same, always make sure if it is required indeed by law. Never forget to ask the agency for what purpose they need your SIN. If you find that any other piece of identification would work for the purpose, then avoid providing your Social Insurance Number. Once you are provided with a SIN, it is your duty to take care of it. Be always watchful when using it!

According to a recent survey, 24 percent of foreign students studying in Australia regard Student Visa Australia as the first step towards gaining Permanent Residence in Australia. Courtesy the recent amendments in the Australia Immigration system, applicants may find Student Visa as an easy way to gain PR Status in Australia, hence raising the percentage in the upcoming years.

The recent spate of attacks on the Indian students has depleted Australian reputation in a major way, but it is still regarded as one of the safest places to study, as compared to other nations. Overall, applicants think Australia as a multinational society, draped with a fare ambiance which offers a nice study experience.

Overseas students focus on getting quality education from applauded education providers and then go for work experience, which would later help them in their job prospects.

As far as the experiences of Indians are concerned, 9% expressed their dissatisfaction, which was obvious after the attacks made huge news, not in India, but all over the world.

Applicants mainly look for quality of education, better lifestyle, safety and better future prospects while choosing a prospective destination to study. Therefore, Australia gains huge points when it comes to selecting a better country to study and later opt for an option of PR Status.

Prospective applicants are advised to take assistance from an expert Immigration veteran and ease out their application procedures.

Canadian Employment Insurance is a federal program designed to help its citizens financially who have lost their jobs. Or in other words, this program provides temporary financial assistance to those who are struggling with their jobs for various reasons, including sickness, parenting, or childbirth etc. Like any other insurance program, an employee is required to pay premiums during his/her work, so that when situation like job lost arises, he/she gets the benefits. The basic idea is more premiums you pay, the more benefits you get!

The Employment Insurance Act R.S. 1996 c. 23 governs the program and is run by Human Resources and skills Development Canada (HRSDC). The Employment Insurance program has its own rules and limitations. If an employee who paid employment insurance premiums loses his job for some reason, he/she can apply for benefits. Basically, there are four types of Employment Insurance Benefits available in Canada. They are:

• Regular Benefits: This type of Employment Insurance Benefit is for those people who are out of work, without having their mistake, but they can still, however cannot find a job. In order to be eligible for this benefit, the Canadian workers must have worked for definite insurable hours, over a qualifying period of fifty-two weeks. However, the number of insurable hours may differ from person to person, depending upon their location where they live in Canada, as well as the unemployment rate of that area.
• Compassionate Care Benefit: Canadian workers who take time off work in order to care a sick family member or relative can reap the advantage of Compassionate Care Benefit.
• Maternity, Parental and sickness Benefit: This type of benefit is for those Canadian workers who are pregnant, or have valid reasons like childbirth or childcare.
• Fishing Benefits: People who occupy themselves in fishing are entitled to Fishing Benefits in Canada.

If you have been a Canadian worker and paying Employment Insurance premiums, then you would be happy to know that you are entitled to benefits for in a number of circumstances. For example, if a worker has lost his/her job, Employment Insurance (EI) program is there to provide him/her financial assistance in the time of need to support him and his family. In this case the person is entitled to Regular Benefits.

However, you can apply for Regular Benefits, given you have lost your job, for no fault of yours and you can still able to work, but cannot find a job. Such a situation may arise due to shortage of work, mass lay-offs in organizations etc. In order to be eligible for the Regular Benefits, you are required to show that:

• You have been continuously unemployed for a minimum of seven days;
• You should have worked for a certain period of insurable hours, over fifty-two weeks. However, the number of insurable hours may differ from worker to worker, depending on the location where one lives in Canada, as well as the unemployment rate in that region.

This is noteworthy that if your employer had fired you for your fault or you have quit your job for no reason, you cannot reap the advantage of the Employment Insurance Regular Benefits. Do remember to apply for the benefits soon after you stop working, else delay in filing application may cause loss of benefits. You can submit an Employment Insurance application online, as well as in person. For the latter option, you have to find a Service Canada Center near you!

Your spouse is the most important person in your life. Any issue pertaining to your spouse is definitely something that would be a cause for worry. This is especially true for immigration. Certain guidelines have to be followed when it comes filling a spouse application for Australian immigration. This article is an attempt to clear certain misconceptions regarding spouse visas for Australia. Hope it is an aid to those reading it!

• Joint Bank Accounts are Mandatory – This is one of the most common assumptions made by an applicant. Here, it has to be understood that the visa official is looking for evidence that proves your relationship as being genuine. For this, documents for a joint bank account are not the only evidence that could be provided for the same. The proof for this involves much more than the joint finances. It includes your relationship’s past, views of others regarding your relationship, travels documents for which you have traveled together, personal statements regarding your relationship and so on. So, worry not even if you and your spouse do not have a joint bank account. However, having a joint bank account is an added advantage but not compulsory.
• Spousal Applications are a Cake Walk! This is another common misconception because of which you might lose out on your visa. Spousal applications are of equal importance. It is not mandatory that you must consult an immigration specialist…you are in the rights to file your own application. But, to what extent are you willing to put everything at stake? However, if you consult a specialist, the ride would be hassle free since you would be having an expert by your side. More so, spousal applications are of equal importance. So, don’t neglect it at any cost!
• Do Not Take Anything for Granted – If you are an Australian, it doesn’t provide you with automatic rights to get an approval for your spouse. Your spouse would only be granted a visa provided both of you prove that your relationship is genuine. Or else, the fraudulent practices would simply be on the rise, especially to gain entry to Australia. Thus, a rightful channel has to be passed in order to obtain a visa and enter Australia.
• Apply Yourself and Get Fast Track Visas – Definitely not true! Applying on your own would take around four to six months or may be more than a year till you get a positive response from the Australian High Commission. On the other hand, a consultant has a great network and knows when and who to contact for the right purpose. So, he would know the right person to meet for your spousal application. It is agreed that you might have to spend on the consultant but it’s definitely worth it rather than waiting for months and years together.
• Spousal Visa is guaranteed inspite of an Earlier Denial – It is usually the opposite! If your earlier application has faced a denial, filing for a plea or even a fresh application would mean double stringency being maintained. You might be asked for additional documents as proof of your relationship. Also, causes for denial of your previous application would also be looked into and what has been done to overcome it. So, the process becomes even more tedious. Thus, it is better to succeed in the first attempt itself.
• Lack/Minimal of Documentation would do! This is absolutely not true…submitting the relevant documentation is of utmost importance. The documentation that you submit support is evidence of your relationship. These form the credibility of your relationship which is further used to verify the same.
• Being married and Living together are Important Criteria – Either of the two is important! According to the Australian law, a couple must either be legally married or should be in a relationship that is genuine for a minimum of a year prior to applying for the visa.
• Visas are always obtained for Genuine Relationships! This is not true…making mistakes is a part of the human nature. It is similar with the visa officers where in there are chances of overlooking documents and information provided by you. Your visa officer might also turn out to be biased or even inefficient. In such cases, you must approach a consultant to guide you through the same.
• Any Consultant can do this job! This is absolutely not correct…there are many fake consultants out there who might only be interested in your money. So, ensure that you select the right consultant who deals with Australian immigration and with spousal visas for the same. More so, he should be experienced and authorized personnel with a successful track record.
• A Consultant is a waste of money! This waste of money is your ticket to get your spouse along. So, spend that extra money, save time and resources and get things done quickly. A consultant is an experienced personnel; who is always updated with the latest in this regard. However, select the right one!

All in all, your spouse’s application is of equal importance. So, put your best foot forward!

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