Last year the Canadian Immigration minister Jason Kenney stated that there would be certain changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. But, the discontinuation of Parliament session left no scope for the proposed changes to come forth as regulations. However, as the Parliament session is starting for this year, we can expect to get some updates on those changes.
However, if the proposed changes are to be enacted, that will have deep impact not only the foreign workers in Canada, but their families in their home countries and employers altogether. At present, the country has about 300,000 overseas workers, who have been an integral part of the Canadian economy. Reportedly, an estimated number of 10,000 foreign workers have contributed to the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Game to make it a success.
Below are a few changes that have been proposed in context of the Canadian Work Permit Holders:
According to the proposal, workers who have been working and living in Canada for the four years would not be allowed to work there for further six years.
Workers, who intend to stay in Canada for over four years, would require following the same procedure that one is required to follow to obtain permanent residence in the country.
These are only a few highlights of the proposed changes that could make the situation miserable for foreign workers, as well as their employers and families in the native countries. If these changes are to come into force, foreign workers on Canadian work permits, who have been a part of the reason as to why the Canadian economy is doing well at this time of economic uncertainty, will suffer a lot and many would lose their jobs!
No matter whether you are a Canadian resident or a prospective immigrant to Canada for work purpose, this write up will help you learn a few important things about the country’s income tax regulations. Income tax filing in Canada is one of the most important aspects that needs your attention when you set to work in Canada. Here, we will throw the lights on few basics of the Canadian Income Tax.
The Canada Revenue Agency requires its residents to file for a tax return for the previous year. In certain cases, Canada may also require international and non-resident individuals to file an income tax return. This means the entitled individuals are needed to file for the return to pay the accurate amount of income tax owed to them; to avail a various benefits, including the benefits under the Old Age Security Program; and to pay back overpayment of the benefits, like employment insurance.
For your information, usually the deadline for filing income taxes in Canada is midnight of April 30. In case, if you owe income tax and delay in your filing for the return, you may be asked for penalty and interest on the unpaid amount by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Before filing your Income Tax Return, make sure you have the following things with you:
Your Canadian Social Insurance Number.
Self-employment income information.
Various tax information slips, including slips from your employer; slips from the Canada Revenue Agency for the amount of income you received and how much was deducted.
Tax deduction receipts.
You can file an Income Tax Return through a number of ways. It is up to you as to which way it would be convenient for you. You can do this through any of the ways- by mail, where the only cost involved is just a stamp; or by Touch-tone Phone, called TELEFIL; NETFILE, which is via Internet; or EFILE, where you prepare the income tax return by your own and take it to a service provider in order to process it electronically.
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!
The city of Windsor, Ontario is introducing a new program, which is instrumental in getting foreign professional their certification to work in Canada. It is a sixty-five week program, a venture by the Ontario’s provincial government and Canadian federal government.
The significant program for foreign professionals is being offered at the University of Waterloo through the Odette School of Business. Initially, the program was started with a number of twenty-five students. The government expects to increase the number of students to sixty-five for the next term, since the program is now officially approved.
In order to be eligible to attend the program, students are required to hold international degrees. In addition, they should have work experience in accounting, finance or economics. In the course of the program, students may be required to study English, hone their skills in computer and attend university-level business classes. The program ends with written exams. Students would require to appear in exams in order to gain their certification.
The program has already helped many students with international and work experience gain employment in Canada. The Ontario government is now more hopeful to help immigrants find employments. It would help talented and skilled immigrants choose their right career options and get success in the their respective fields!
The new program for foreign professionals is part of Ontario government’s plan to help talented people engage in their fields of interest and find appropriate career opportunities! With the inception of this program, we hope Canada would attract more and more immigrants in search of better opportunities!
If the applicant is applying for Skilled Worker Visa, it is mandatory to pass the International English Language Test System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), the only two tests recognized to work in Canada.
English being a commonly used language all over the world, a lot of people tend to think that they hold proficiency in the English language and therefore there is no need to prepare for these tests in advance. The sheer fact that they can read, write and speak well in the English language makes them confident that they don’t require any preparation and they start taking things lightly. This should not be done as even a small facet may lead to your visa denial.
Until and unless a proficiency in the English language is not proved, an applicant does not become eligible for a visa. Tests like IELTS and CELPIP are very difficult tests and require a thorough preparation from the starting itself. Follow these links to know more about the “preparation” aspects:
It has been seen that many applicants are refused due to low score in either or both of these tests. Therefore, it would be beneficial to take assistance from an experience Immigration veteran and know more about the application process.
After gaining the PR Status in Canada, it is mandatory that the migrant must apply for the following:
A Permanent Resident Card: once acquiring the status of a Permanent Resident in Canada, you become eligible to get a Permanent Resident Card, which would be provided to you, free of cost. It is a wallet sized card that is essential for all the migrants living as Permanent residents in Canada (every country has its own mandates). It expires after every 5 years.
SIN Card: SIN stands for Social Insurance Number and is required to work in Canada. So you are required to apply for the same as soon as possible in order to start your professional career. Ensure that you have a PR Card and a confirmation of PR and Visa counterfoil before applying for a SIN Card. Also make sure that you have all the documentation required to apply for the card. Consult an Immigration veteran to know more about it.*Applicants can apply for a SIN Card at any Service Canada Center.
*(Never reveal your SIN Card Number to anyone!)
The Health Card: it allows access to the health care facilities provided by the Canadian government. As a PR, you are eligible for various health care facilities. Everyone must have their own health cards, including all your family members. Certain services are not covered in Health care and for that it is advised to take a Private Health Card!
For other important documents, IDs and paperwork required after landing in Canada, consult an Immigration and Visa guide now!
The Canadian government is very particular against the exploitation of its foreign workers. The government is now especially being vigilant on the employers hiring these foreign workers. Since the Canadian government considers its immigrants as an asset, it is being looked into that they are being treated fairly. With this, strict action would be taken against companies who are unfair with the immigrants.
This ruling has been issued in the interest of the temporary foreign workers since they are one of the most important contributors to the Canadian economy. The Canadian government feels that it is its duty to protect its new resident in return to their major contributions to its country.
However, some changes have been proposed to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The changes involve stringency in the assessment regarding the credibility of the job being offered to the immigrant. On the other hand, it is also now catering to an immigrant’s residence in Canada.
In addition, a probation period for the duration of two years is also under consideration for all those employers hiring foreign professionals. This is especially for all those employers who have been found to be treating foreign nationals unfairly. Many organizations have been found to be paying low wages and poor working conditions to the immigrants compared to the market worth for the same job.
All in all, a temporary foreign worker would not be eligible to work in Canada for more than four years. This is because this program is meant to cater to the short term labor fulfillment.
With stricter restrictions in place, it can be assured that Canada is one of the best places to immigrate in times of day. So, contact an Immigration and Visa expert to know more on the same.
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!
