Canada has started issuing open work permits to spouses of Canadian Citizens and Residents as they await Permanent residence through spousal sponsorship program
The changes, which came into effect as of January 2015 as a pilot project for a period of one year , will allow the spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are urrently residing in Canada to benefit from expedited access to open work permits while their applications for permanent residence are being processed. Eligible applicants will now be able to apply for an open work ermit before the approval in principle decision is made on their application for permanent residence in Canada. Applicants whose permanent resident applications are received after December 22, 2014 will have heir application for an open work permit processed within four months of receipt of their work permit application. An open work permit allows applicants to work for any employer for a specified period of time hile their permanent residence applications are processed.
The province of Nova Scotia did announce its eligibility criteria for Skilled worker section
The province of Nova Scotia has announced full details of its new Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry immigration stream, which replaces the previous Regional Labor Market Demand program .The Nova Scotia immigration selection program allows the Government of Nova Scotia to nominate to the Canadian government individuals who can meet provincial labour market and economic needs and who intend to establish themselves in Nova Scotia. A nominee, along with his or her spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under the age of 19, approved under this program may become permanent residents of Canada following approval by the Canadian government. The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry stream is aligned with Citizenship and Immigration Canada criteria. Potential candidates are assessed according to a points grid that measures education, language ability, work experience, age, adaptability factors, and whether the candidate has an arranged job offer from a Nova Scotia-based employer.
Potential candidates must also have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the past five years in one of 29 skilled eligible occupations deemed in-demand.
- Financial Auditors and Accountants
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Human Resources Professionals
- Purchasing Agents and Officers
- Geoscientists and Oceanographers
- Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineers
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
- Computer Engineers
- Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
- Database Analysts and Data Administrators
- Software Engineers
- Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
- Web Designers and Developers
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Drafting Technologists and Technicians
- Engineering Inspectors and Regulatory Officers
- User Support Technicians
- Registered Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists’ Assistants
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Psychologists
- Family, Marriage and Other Related Counselors
- Financial Sales Representatives
Saskatchewan has announced the eligibility criteria and list of qualified occupations
The province will select applicants and issue nominations based on three different immigration programs:
- Skilled workers
- Entrepreneurs and Farmers
- Saskatchewan experienced class
The province has announced a list of qualified occupations .Applicants who have minimum of one year of full time related work experience or equivalent part time in one of the occupation may apply without a valid job offer.
- Construction Managers
- Financial auditors and accountants
- Loan Officers
- Secretaries (except legal and medical)
- Civil Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Mathematicians, Statisticians, and Consultants
- Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
- Software Engineers and Designers
- Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
- Chemical Technologists and Technicians
- Biological Technologists and Technicians
- Agricultural and Fish Products Inspectors
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Construction Estimators
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electronic Service Technicians (household and business equipment)
- Drafting Technologists and Technicians
- Land Survey Technologists and Technicians
- Computer Network Technicians
- User Support Technicians
- Systems Testing Technicians
- University Professors
- Business Development Officers and Marketing Researchers and Consultants
- Technical Sales Specialists, Wholesale Trade
- Contractors and Supervisors, carpentry trades
- Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
- Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers and Servicers
- Supervisors, Motor Transport and Other Ground Transit Operators
- Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors
- Tool and Die Makers
- Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- Industrial Electricians
- Telecommunications Installation and Repair Workers
- Plumbers
- Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers
- Sheet Metal Workers
- Structural Metal and Plate work Fabricators and Fitters
- Welders and Related Machine Operators
- Carpenters
- Bricklayers
- Concrete Finishers
- Tile setters
- Plasterers, Drywall Installers, Finishers and Lathers
- Roofers and Shinglers
- Glaziers
- Insulators
- Painters and Decorators
- Floor Covering Installers
- Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (except textile)
- Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics
- Machine Fitters
- Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers
- Motor Vehicle Body Repairers
- Oil and Gas Drillers, Servicers, Testers and Related Workers
- Farm Supervisors and Specialized Livestock Workers
- Supervisors, Petroleum, Gas and Chemical Processing and Utilities
- Supervisors, Food, Beverage and Tobacco Processing
British Colombia has announced its nomination program for 2015 as well as the selection criteria
There are two categories under the stream.
- Category 1 requires candidates to have an arranged job offer supported by a positive from a Nova Scotia employer.
- Category 2 requires candidates to have at least one year of continuous full-time (or 1,560 hours or more) or an equal amount in part-time paid work experience in the last five years in one of the occupations listed above.
British Colombia Express Entry has started as of January 2015 will be accepting proffer creations. Potential candidates will have to meet minimum provincial eligibility criteria for one of British Columbia’s three immigration categories:
- Skilled Workers (including Health Care Professionals)
- International Graduates
- International Post Graduates
In addition, candidates must also be eligible for one of the federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal skilled worker program
- Federal Skilled trade program
- Canadian experienced class
These federal categories are required to meet the minimum language proficiency ,demonstrating sufficient funds to support the applicant and their family on arrival in Canada, and may also include an independent educational credential assessment for equivalency with Canadian standards. British Columbia Express Entry will provide a more streamlined process and another pathway to permanency for skilled workers from around the world who wish to make B.C. their home.”Express Entry British Columbia aims to have faster processing times for skilled workers to gain permanent residence in B.C. and give employers a key role in selecting skilled immigrants. The province will nominate up to 1,350 skilled applicants this year under its Express Entry stream.
