When it comes to the Immigration needs of Canada, it is quite obvious that the requirements are slowly increasing. In 2009, more than 500,000 people which included both permanent and temporary residents were accepted. This projected one of the highest rates in immigration in the nation’s history. These figures are as revealed by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada. As per the data, there were 252,124 newly acquitted permanent residents in 2009. This number is 30,000 more than the usual average intake of the 90s. Apart from the above, the temporary foreign workers catered to another 178,640 and the students added to another 85,131 in 2009.
The main reason behind such high numbers of immigrants is the support that the nation requires to further develop its economy. Immigration is the answer to all the country’s long, medium and short term needs pertaining to economy. The aging population being a constant issue along with low birth rate, if not addressed would lead to a shortage of the skilled workforce.
Since filling all the gaps is the main issue of concern, the Canadian government is accepting more and more applications which leading to a constant inflow of immigrants. With aging workforce and the baby boomers more in numbers, immigrants are the ones to help. And so, more permanent residents in the future are definitely in.
As of now, the nation is interested in skilled workers who are academically and professionally qualified. The Provincial Nominee Program is a great program promoting permanent residence for both the skilled immigrants. The program also caters to business investors who would want to invest and start a venture and settle down in one of the provinces. This also helps to quicken the process of immigration and also aids the provincial governments to meet the desired needs.
Above all, being a developed nation with multicultural society, it offers immense number of opportunities for people who seek better options for life.
Canada is one of the developed nations of the world. So, when it comes to the standards of education, they offer better infrastructure and education than other developing nations. With many perks and facilities, it is a great place for many international students to come, live and study.
In order to understand how the system of higher education works, it is important to look into the constitution dealing with this aspect. The territories and provinces hold the responsibility for dealing with the universities in the nation. As per the British North America Act brought about in 1867, the legislature in each Province was free to make laws pertaining to education. This act is now known as the Constitution Act since 1982.
This has led to a polarized system of education for each province. However, the only exception is for the Aboriginal people where in the Federal Canadian government is responsible for financial their higher education.
Canada has eighty three universities which have the authority of grant degrees and are independent in nature. These universities are spread across different provinces with seven in Montreal, five in Vancouver, three in Ottawa and many more. The largest of these institutions is the University of Quebec which has 87,000 students.
The body which consists of the Canadian universities is known as the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). There are two different types of post secondary institutions here namely colleges and universities. The colleges here are commonly known the Community Colleges and offer only diplomas. On the other hand, the universities offer various courses of study catering to undergraduate, post graduate as well as doctoral programs.
The major source of funding for these universities is the provincial governments. Some part is also catered by the Federal Government as well. Above all, Canada offers the perfect ambiance to live and study as well as contribute to the economy of the nation at a later stage.
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 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.
