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Canadian Study Permit: What do you need to know?

April, 06th 2019
Topics : Immigration to Canada | Study in Canada
Canadian Study Permit: What do you need to know? Everyone who wants to study in Canada for more than 6 months has to apply for a Study Permit. Candidates can apply for a Study Permit based on their Acceptance Letter from University, College, or an ESL school. In addition to the Study Permit students will need either a temporary visitor visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on the country of citizenship.   Canadian Study permit gives its holder various benefits.   First, a Study Permit gives full-time international students the right to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full time (at least 30 hours) during the school breaks. They can use this opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which is very important, if they want to stay in Canada and work after graduation. Please note, ESL students do not have the right to work. Another benefit for the whole family is that the student’s spouse can apply for an open work permit, which means he or she can work anywhere. In addition, children of international students can attend the public schools at no cost. After finishing school, graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It can be issued for up to 3 years depending on the length of the academic program. The best option for international students are the 2-year academic programs that give the right to apply for a 3-year PGWP. Students have to be very careful which school they apply to. Only the designated learning institutions (DLI) give the right to apply for a Study Permit. There is a list of all DLI on the Government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-institutions-list.asp The most important long-term benefit is that international graduates have the right to apply for permanent residence without leaving Canada. They can do so after working full time at least for one year in an occupation 0, A, or B according to National Occupational Classification (NOC). If we add the lower cost, compared to other English speaking countries such as the UK and the USA, the return on investment (ROI) looks even better.   In addition to the mentioned above, safety and cultural tolerance have become one of the most important reasons why international students choose Canada. In general, primary, middle, and high school students who are going to attend a Canadian school also need a study permit. It is possible to apply for a study permit even if international students come for a period, shorter than 6 months. If the students are planning to attend another school after the initial 4-6 month program (for example, an ESL school), it is better to apply for a study permit upfront. Study permits can be extended from within Canada. When students apply for a Study Permit, they have to be very clear why they want to study in Canada. They also have to prove their ability to pay their tuition fees and support themselves during their studies. One year college tuition in Canada is approximately 15,000 -17,000 CAD. Also, students have to prove they have about 12,000 CAD for one year living expenses for single students. It is advisable to pay at least the first semester tuition (depends on the school) and a two-week accommodation deposit before the immigration application is submitted. Applicants also have to prove ties to their home country, some work experience (if they are not applying right after High School), and good travel history. Any issues in this regard can be a reason for visa rejection. International students can go through the academic and immigration application process by themselves. However, many need professional assistance or prefer to save their time for something else. Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants who are specialized in Study Permits can save a lot of time and frustration. Some of them have background in education and have agreements with Canadian DLI.       

SDS: Student Direct Stream Opened to Pakistan

July, 31st 2019
Topics : Immigration to Canada | Study in Canada
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is now available to study permit applicants who are living in Pakistan. SDS applications require prospective students to provide more up-front information to officers, including meeting language test requirements in English or French and providing additional information that shows their ability to finance their education. With additional information, officers can process applications more efficiently. The Student Direct Stream launched in 2018 as an option for study permit applicants in China, India, Philippines and Vietnam. Most SDS applications in those countries are being processed in under 3 weeks. Many international students who graduate from a program in Canada often become eligible for a post-graduation work permit. With a Canadian education and skilled work experience in Canada, former international students are well positioned for success in applying for permanent residence through Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program or the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. What is required for SDS Pakistan? IELTS Bands 6 [Minimum of 6 All across] Good Grades [55% + in Theory] Letter of Acceptance & 1 Year Tuition Fee Payment with Receipt 1 GIC $10,000 CAD [GIC: Guaranteed Investment Certificate] What sort of documents are required for application under SDS Pakistan?  Educational Documents [Including Transcripts] 1 Year Tuition Fee upfront [Submitted to College/University and is entirely refundable less the refund processing fee of respective college/university] Resume [If Available] Backlogs [If Applicable] Who is Eligble for SDS Pakistan?  Students coming out of the 12th grade  Students with educational gap less than 2 years. Students enrolled in post secondary insitutes. What kind of cost are we looking at ? College/University Program Fee [First Year to be paid..Average $15,000 CAD*] GIC Banking Certificate of $10,000 CAD Immigration Application Submission [$1,500 - 2,000..Varies per case] College Application Fee to obtain Letter of Acceptance [$65 - $200 - Non Refundable] Processing Fee [$250 - $400..Varies per consultants] * It must be noted that your first year tuition fee becomes non-refundable upon receiving a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.   How do I apply to SDS [ Student Direct Stream] Pakistan? You may begin here!  Contact us   |   Send us an email You'll need a College or University Letter of Acceptance and an immigration file submited for the upcoming intakes.    ----- 

Pakistani Students: Faster study permit through the Student Direct Stream

August, 19th 2019
Topics : Immigration to Canada | International Students | Study in Canada
How to insure a faster study permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) from Pakistan. Learn about the process, requirements, eligibilty and whether you can bring your spouse along.           Student Direct Stream (SDS): About the process Depending on where you live, you may be able to get your study permit faster through the Student Direct Stream. Your Student Direct Stream applications is procssed within 20 calendar days. However, some applications may take longer than this. To get this faster processing, you must: give your biometrics as soon as possible meet all the eligibility requirements Who can apply to the Student Direct Stream? To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must: be a legal resident living in: Pakistan have an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution prove that you’ve paid the tuition fees for your first year of study live outside of Canada when you apply have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAN$10,000 have a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion This is only if you’re planning to study in Quebec get a medical exam before you apply (if you need one) get a police certificate before you apply (if you need one) have your most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcript(s) have a language test result that shows: a score of 6.0 or higher in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or a Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) score that is equal to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking and listening) Depending on where you’re applying from, you may also need to provide other documents. Make sure you include all the documents required by the visa office that processes your application. Additional documents may be required by the Government of Canada to support your application. In this situation, your application will take longer to process. What is a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) and why is it required for Student Direct Stream (SDS)? A GIC is a Canadian investment that has a guaranteed rate of return for a fixed period of time. Many banks offer GICs. The bank that gives you the GIC must: confirm that you bought a GIC by giving you 1 of the following: a letter of attestation a GIC certificate an Investment Directions Confirmation or an Investment Balance Confirmation hold the GIC in an investment account or a student account that you can’t access until you arrive in Canada make you confirm your identity before they release any funds to you release the funds to you by providing: an initial lump sum once you identify yourself upon arrival in Canada the remainder of the funds in monthly or bi-monthly installments over 10 to 12 months If your bank or GIC doesn’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to apply through the Student Direct Stream. Banks that offer GICs from Pakistan and meet the Criteria: Habib Canadian Bank Who needs a medical exam for Student Direct Stream? You may need to get a medical exam if: you lived or travelled in certain countries or territories for 6 or more months in the year before you come to Canada, or you plan on studying or working in: the health field primary or secondary education, or child or elder care To get a medical exam, you must see a doctor that has been approved by IRCC. Who needs a police certificate for Student Direct Stream? Your visa office instructions will tell you if you need to get a police certificate. You’ll find these instructions when you select your country of residence below. Make sure you read these instructions before you apply, so you know if you need a police certificate or any other documents to apply. Find out more about police certificates. Can you bring your spouse, partner or child with you to Canada under the Student Direct Stream from Pakistan? Your spouse, common-law partner and dependent children may also be able to get faster processing on a: visitor visa work permit study permit You must complete and submit their applications at the same time as your own. If you don’t, your application will not be processed. When you apply online, select that you have family members coming with you to Canada. This will let you complete their applications with yours. Apply through the Student Direct Stream You must apply online to get faster processing on your study permit. There's no paper application for the Student Direct Stream. Make sure you include all the documents required with your application. Before you apply online, make sure you have: the instruction guide to fill out your forms a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card to pay with How do I apply to SDS [ Student Direct Stream] Pakistan? You may begin here to get the process started!  Contact us   |   Send us an email  

Immigration to Canada in the Right Way

September, 30th 2019
Topics : Immigration to Canada
Immigration to Canada in the Right Way – All the must do’s for a Hassle-free Migration   Immigration to Canada is the official term used for the process of settling down in Canada. In this blog, we will look at the procedure that one must follow in order to migrate to Canada.   Canada is the most popular country for immigration purposes with over 250,000 new immigrants arriving every year. The reasons for Canada being a preferable immigration destination are its strong economy and a progressive immigration system.   To begin with, there are four types of immigrants. 1. Family Class – When a close relative of the immigrant is already settled in Canada. Close relatives can be parents, spouse, children or siblings. 2. Economic Immigrants – Immigrating for business or work prospects 3. Refugees – People who have been subjected to torture and have escaped from the country, looking for shelter in another country 4. Humanitarian or Others – Immigrants accepted on special grounds or other humanitarian reasons   Economic immigrants or skilled worker category is the most famous category of people willing to migrate to Canada. These people are willing to offer their skills in return of livelihood in Canada. Check out our Immigration Services on the website to understand the procedure.   According to recent studies, due to its strong economic and humanitarian components, Canada is expected to have more than 340,000 immigrants by the year 2020. Moreover, the immigrant population growth is expected mostly in larger cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. These cities are experiencing increased demand for skilled services which accounts for large immigration taking place year after year.   Gradbound offers a well-equipped and systematic Canada immigration assistance for those who are seeking to live and work in Canada without any hassles and stressful attempts of immigration. We have a dedicated in-house team for Canada immigration who have thorough knowledge about all the do’s and don’t’s of immigration and will assist you with all the Canadian Visa requirements.  

How to Improve your English?

November, 08th 2019
Topics : IELTS Writing Tips | Learn English
How to Improve your English? Have you ever felt that your English is not upto the mark? Do you doubt yourself while speaking or writing in English? Do you find it difficult to remember new words and use them? If yes, then read ahead. Learning a new language and gaining expertise in it is not a cake walk. One needs to be consistent and practice diligently. Same applies for English language. Having strong English communication skills takes you a long way in building your career path. In this blog we will look at some proven tactics that will help you improve your command over the English language. English language like any other language comprises of three separate units – Speaking, Writing and Reading.   Speaking in English Speaking fluently in English is a major challenge for the majority of the people. While speaking, do not hurry. Think well, relax, and then speak up slowly. This will give you enough time to think and frame your sentences. Your motive will be to convey your message to others. Always observe at your audience and read their body language. Try to energetic while talking. Smile to create an impression. Ensure that you talk relevant to the context. For example, during a group discussion focus on the topic and give your opinions accordingly. Digressing from the topic will serve no purpose of discussions. If you find that the audience is confused by listening to your opinion, explain it further to make them understand. Learn new words - Watch movies, listen to English songs, focus on the subtitles and try to grasp the new words. Once you come across a new word, find its meaning using a dictionary and try to use it in a sentence. Try to use the word often so that you remember it well. Also, find out words that have similar meaning to your new word and its context of usage. That way you can make different sentences that mean the same but are used in different situations. Take care of the grammatical errors while speaking. Ensure you use the proper tense, pronouns according to the context. By following all of the above points, you will definitely be able to improve your English communication skills.   Writing in English While writing in English, always avoid spelling mistakes and focus on maintaining a legible handwriting. Improving your vocabulary will also help you to improve your writing skills. Write whatever comes to your mind. Maintain a diary in which you can write down your daily happenings. Try to use new words while writing. Keep the sentences simple. Do not make them lengthy and complex. Take care of punctuation marks and grammatical errors. Understand the different styles of writing. For instance, a letter is written in a different style as compared to an essay. Even a formal letter is written in a different style than an informal letter. Read through to understand the writing styles and apply them often in your practice. Practice will make you perfect.   Reading in English The crux of improving any language is to have maximum exposure to the language. In order to gain confidence in English, read books, newspapers, magazines, and whatever else interests you. Reading serves a greater purpose. It gives you imagination to write, improves your vocabulary, increases your reading speed, and also gives you the necessary confidence of speaking. Quoting a relevant phrase from a book or an incidence from a story during a discussion leaves a great impression amidst the crowd. Initially read whatever you can, later you can create your preferences. Read all sort of contents also helps you understand the different styles of writing. Always read aloud, this helps you gain confidence and modulate your tones.  Having a strong command over the English language helps you score well in the language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL. Both these tests are based on English language proficiency and good band scores help candidates apply to top universities across the world. They are a gateway for higher education in foreign universities and also for immigration purposes. To know more on how to prepare for IELTS and apply for universities in Canada, visit Gradbound.

4 Reasons why you should still submit an Express Entry Profile even if you don’t meet the CRS

June, 10th 2020
Topics : Express Entry | Immigration to Canada | International Students | Pathway Program | Study in Canada
Of the almost 500,000 immigrants who enter Canada annually, 60% of them qualify as permanent residents under Canada’s Express Entry system. These are individuals who have a Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) of more than 460 points.   Candidates who have more than 460 points or more increase their possibility to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. In 2019 however, the Comprehensive Ranking Score went as high as 470 points or more. This doesn’t mean that persons with a CRS less than 460 points should not apply for Express Entry. There are many pathways for increasing your CRS to become a permanent resident.   “Well if the CRS in 2019 is that high, should I still apply? Or why should I still apply?” Since 2019 when the score went as high as 470 points or more, many applicants were wondering if they should still apply when they do not have a score of 460 or more. It is very important that candidates still apply even if they do not have a CRS of more than 460.   4 Reasons why you should still submit an Express Entry Profile even if you don’t meet the CRS Some territories and provinces might still select your application based on your profile. Known as enhanced nomination, a territory or province might submit your application to IRCC for Express Entry. Sometimes some NOCs are in demand and thus, some provinces might lower their CRS in order to make you qualify. You can improve your CRS scores a number of other ways after submission. You can complete an English or French course that could increase your CRS by an additional 30-42 points. You can also improve your CRS by acquiring Canadian work experience as well as pursuing Canadian education at a Designated Learning Institution (DLS). Doing a language course, obtaining Canadian work experience and pursuing Canadian education must be accompanied by a provincial nomination.     Located in the world-class city of Toronto, Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions is a tailor-made solutions company that provides support for those who wish to live the Canadian dream. Since 2017, it has successfully processed over 3000 clients to come to Canada as Permanent Residents, Students, Visitors and Business Owners.   Robin Clarke is a marketing assistant at Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions. He can be reached at 1-647-873-4103.  

CBSA new policy allows immediate family members to enter Canada.

June, 11th 2020
Topics : Express Entry | Immigration to Canada
CBSA new policy allows immediate family members to enter Canada.   The Government of Canada announced on June 8, 2020 that immediate family members of permanent residents and Canadian citizens can enter Canada and be reunited with them. This is a first step by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ease the temporary border restriction measures implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19.   In their release, the Canada Border Services Agency states, “…foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and who do not exhibit any signs of COVID-19, or who do not have reason to believe they have COVID-19, will be exempt from the prohibition on entry to Canada if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days.”   This new policy, a limited exemption to the current border restrictions implemented on March 17, allows foreign nationals to enter Canada from anywhere in the world under a series of stipulations.   This means that spouses, common-law partners, dependent children and their children, parents or step-parents, parents or step-parents of a person’s spouse or common-law partner, guardians or tutors can enter Canada. These immediate family members must, however, be coming to Canada for at least 15 days and must self-quarantine for 14 days as soon as they arrive in the country.   Family members who will be welcoming their loved ones under this new policy must confirm to the CBSA that they have a suitable place for their family members to self-quarantine for 14 days and have access to food and medication. These self-isolation facilities cannot put others at risk without their consent, especially those who are considered susceptible to COVID-19 such as the elderly or any person who has pre-existing conditions.   The release also stated that this new policy does not apply to immediate family members of temporary residents such as persons on a student or work visa.  

Easier pathway to PR for skilled foreign workers and int’l students

June, 16th 2020
Topics : Immigration to Canada
Launched in 2017 as a three-year initiative, the Government of Canada announced the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) to address labor shortage in the provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador. It is the first of its kind as it is the only regional immigration program by the federal government.   While the program has seen momentum since it started three years ago, labor market intelligence from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicates that there is still continued labor shortage in these provinces. The federal government, therefore, decided to extend the program to December 2021. Foreign skilled workers and international graduates are needed urgently to work as waiters, chefs, cooks, bar attendants, truck drivers, farmworkers, meat cutters and butchers.   “Shortage still based on Labour Market Intelligence?” Statistics from the IRRC indicate that in 2018, there were 1520 designated employers and over 3000 job offers. Over 1200 foreign skilled workers, their spouses and children were granted permanent residency with hundreds more being processed. The federal government, through its job bank website, outlines the shortage of long-haul truck drivers: New Brunswick needs 66 truck drivers Newfoundland & Labrador needs 7 truck drivers Nova Scotia needs 28 truck drivers Prince Edward Island needs 13 truck divers   It is because of the success of program coupled with the continued shortage that the IRCC had to increase it’s the number of immigrants and their family who could obtain permanent residency by 500 in 2018.   “How does the program (AIPP) work?” The AIPP allows designated employers in Atlantic Canada to hire eligible foreign skilled workers and international students who have studied at colleges and universities located in these provinces. These skilled foreign workers must have at least one-year paid work experience in an occupation designated Skill Type O, Skill Level A or Skill Level B under Canada’s National Occupational Classification.   International graduates too must have studied in one of NOC areas and have up to 24 months to apply to be a part of the AIPP This gives them time to file their application to participate in the program as well as time give them time to apply for their permanent residency. This extension also gives provincial employers more room to hire international graduates in the healthcare sector as continuing care and house support workers.   With the extension of the program, there are renewed benefits to selected foreign skilled workers including: Workers will now get a one-year temporary work permit allowing them to get health benefits while awaiting the processing of their permanent residency application. While the family is awaiting the outcome of their permanent residency application, spouses can now get work permits. IRCC will help designated employers with the paperwork for any job offer New companies in Atlantic Canada can recruit through the AIPP if they aligned with at least one of the four provincial development agencies.   Because of popularity and easy three-months pathway permanent residency, skilled and experienced foreign workers and international students are encouraged to apply.

IRCC relaxes Study Permit process for Foreign Student Applicants

July, 16th 2020
Topics : Express Entry
In its latest media release, the IRRC has announced several immigration changes that will benefit international students.   International students have become a staple of cultural and economic growth. The government estimates that they contribute approximately $22 billion annually to economic growth as workers and consumers as well as sustain over 170,000 jobs.   Last year alone, Canada welcomed approximately 642,000 international students.   Not only has the Canadian government increased the number of new student visas for this year so far, the IRCC states that completed applications will be given priority in terms of processing so that students can begin their classes on time in the fall.   IRCC’s Two-step Application Process for Applicants   The IRCC announced that foreigners applying for a study permit outside of Canada will be processed in two stages.   In the first stage, the study permit application must meet the eligibility criteria: The applicant must be accepted at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), The applicant must pay at least half of the tuition fee. The applicant must submit any other documentation required.   After this, they must complete at least 50% of their study online in their home country which will be counted towards their postgraduate work permit (PGWP).   In order to complete the application process, students will need to submit biometrics, a medical check certificate and a police record or certificate.   After both stages have been completed, students are allowed to enter Canada.   Benefits to international students   International students can save the money they would have spent in Canada if they were here physically.   Because it takes a while for international students to adjust to the Canadian environment, studying in the home country helps students to focus on studies.   Many international students who are employed in their home country can continue to earn while they learn.   International students continue to be a hallmark of the immigrant population, many of whom later become permanent residents and Canadian citizens.   Located in the world-class city of Toronto, Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions is a tailor-made solutions company that provides support for those who wish to live the Canadian dream. Since 2017, it has successfully processed over 3000 clients to come to Canada as Permanent Residents, Students, Visitors and Business Owners.   Robin Clarke is a marketing officer and an ESL tutor at Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions.

Canadian Work Permit now made easy for Experienced Trucker Drivers

July, 17th 2020
Topics : Express Entry | Immigration to Canada | Pathway Program
Canada needs experienced truck drivers. And this means that those with the experience outside of Canada stand a greater chance of getting a work permit in provinces such as Ontario and Alberta. It is one of the easiest and quickest routes in becoming a permanent resident.   It is estimated that there is a severe shortage of 10,000 long-haul truck drivers which will multiple 400 times within the next three years. This is because many of the current drivers are in their late 40s- early 50s and are considered too old to carry on with the job. Younger drivers are needed to replenish the fleet and keep the engine of this billion-dollar industry afloat.   Statista Canada noted that in 2017 alone, trucking generated almost 39 billion from almost 66. 5 million shipments. The average trucker earns about $28 from a low of $18 an hour to as high as $33. More seasoned long-haul drivers can earn up to $40 per hour depending on the company as well as the province. So, there is serious money to earn but not many drivers are currently in Canada.   And this is where immigrants are needed. To offset this severe shortage, several federal and provincial programs are implemented. One such program announced by the Government of Canada is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). Under this program, experienced and seasoned truck drivers can apply for a closed work permit. Entering Canada as skilled foreign workers, they can apply for their permanent residency within three months of starting the job.   Under the AIPP, skilled foreign workers can only be employed in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The Government of Canada through its job bank website states the following: New Brunswick needs 66 truck drivers Newfoundland & Labrador needs 7 truck drivers Nova Scotia needs 28 truck drivers Prince Edward Island needs 13 truck divers   “How do I get a truck driving work permit to immigrate to Canada if I am outside of Canada?”   Seasoned truck drivers first must apply for a trucking job and then be given a job offer. This job offer must be from an approved employer in Canada. The list of approved employers can be found on the Global Talent Stream or the Employers on the Atlantic website.   The minimum requirements for long-haul truck drivers are one (1) year work experience, high school diploma and IELTS band 5. For the IELTS requirement, some employers may wave it until the person is in Canada or may wave it if the person is from an English-speaking country.   Seasoned truck drivers are therefore encouraged to apply for these jobs in the trucking industry because it is an easy and quick route to not only meaningful employment in Atlantic Canada, but also one of the shortest ways of becoming a permanent resident.     Located in the world-class city of Toronto, Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions is a tailor-made solutions company that provides support for those who wish to live the Canadian dream. Since 2017, it has successfully processed over 3000 clients to come to Canada as Permanent Residents, Students, Visitors and Business Owners.   Robin Clarke is a marketing officer and an ESL tutor at Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions.

Canada’s Fish & Seafood Sector: Skilled Immigrants route to Permanent Residency

July, 22nd 2020
Topics : Express Entry | Immigration to Canada | International Students
Canada needs experienced workers for the seafood and fisheries industries. And this means that those with the experience outside of Canada and who are onshore international students stand a greater chance of getting a work permit in Atlantic Canada, specifically in the provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and, Newfoundland and Labrador. It is one of the easiest and quickest routes in becoming a permanent resident.   Seasoned and skilled workers are needed in aquaculture, commercial fisheries, recreational fishing and fish processing.   Jerry Gavin, executive director of the Prince Edward Island’s Seafood Processors Association, notes that the labour shortage is so bad at many seafood plants that they have resorted to recruiting unemployed islanders and students to fill the labour shortage. This year alone in the province, they are short about 200 workers, cutting the workforce and processing capacity at processing plants by about 30%.    These labour shortage issues are even more severe in provinces such as New Brunswick. Due to the global pandemic, many provinces had banned international workers but now that there is some sense of normalcy, foreign workers are again being welcomed to fill these gaps. Several processing plants in New Brunswick reported that they only have half the labour they currently need. They were happy with the announcement of Premier Blaine Higgs that foreign workers are needed and are welcomed.   Overall, the primary and secondary fisheries sector in Atlantic Canada is the largest private-sector employer. It contributes approximately 30 billion in annual revenues.  This billion-dollar sector is kept afloat because Canada has the longest coastline in the world and about a quarter of the planet’s freshwater.  So, there is serious money to earn but not many workers are currently in Canada.   And this is where immigrants are needed. To offset this severe shortage, several federal and provincial programs are implemented. One such program announced by the Government of Canada is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). Under this program, experienced and seasoned workers in seafood and fisheries can apply for a closed work permit.  Entering Canada as skilled foreign workers, they can apply for their permanent residency within three months of starting the job.    Under the AIPP, skilled foreign workers can only be employed in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.   “How do I get a work permit to work in aquaculture, seafood or commercial fishing immigrate to Canada if I am outside of Canada?”   Seasoned and skilled workers in the seafood, aquaculture and fisheries first must apply for a job in these sectors and then be given a job offer. This job offer must be from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada. The list of approved employers can be found on the Employers in the Atlantic Canada website.   The minimum requirements for skilled and experienced workers such as fishermen are one (1) year work experience, a high school diploma and IELTS band 5.  For the IELTS requirement, some employers may wave it until the person is in Canada or may wave it if the person is from an English-speaking country.   Seasoned international workers who wish to live the Canadian dream are therefore encouraged to apply for these jobs in seafood and fisheries because it is an easy and quick route to not only meaningful employment in Atlantic Canada, but also one of the shortest ways of becoming a permanent resident.   Located in the world-class city of Toronto, Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions is a tailor-made solutions company that provides support for those who wish to live the Canadian dream. Since 2017, it has suc©cessfully processed over 3000 clients to come to Canada as Permanent Residents, Students, Visitors and Business Owners.   Robin Clarke is a marketing officer at Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions. He can be reached at 1-647-873-4103.  

Canada may ease travel restrictions & welcome international students

July, 29th 2020
Topics : Express Entry | Immigration to Canada | International Students | Pathway Program | Study in Canada
In a bid to assist international students, Canada is considering possibly easing travel restrictions for international students. This is according to an undated letter signed by Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marco Mendicino and the Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu.   Due to the global pandemic, international students have been blocked from entering Canada since March 18 except for those whose study permits were approved before or as at this date.   Conversely, foreign students from the USA are one of the few groups exempted from these travel restrictions. Foreign students from the USA with valid permits before or after March 18 can enter Canada. They must, however, comply with federal and provincial safety protocols such as self-quarantining for fourteen days.   The undated letter provides a dialogue of how both ministers plan to work with the territories, provincial governments as well as designated learning institutions (DLIs) to potentially ease travel restrictions for international students while limiting the spread of COVID-19.   Unlike other countries, education in Canada is governed by provinces and territories and not the federal government. On the other hand, the federal government is responsible for public health and thus have the constitutional right to restrict international travel.   In the letter, both ministers acknowledge the importance of foreign students, recognizing their social, cultural and economic contribution to Canada. They also want to respect the sovereignty of the provinces and territories in their governance of education. Foreign students contribute approximately $22 billion annually to economic growth as workers and consumers as well as sustain over 170,000 jobs.   Because of the seismic annual contribution of international students to Canada, they both agree to work with the provinces and territories to safely welcome international students to designated learning institutions while enforcing measures implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19.   Ministers want Provinces, Territories & DLIs to be ready Both ministers are asking the territories and provinces for the following information as a way to indicate their readiness: List of designated learning institutions that can be considered ready to accept international students and their families; Protocols and mechanisms that will be used to enforce the mandatory federal 14-day quarantine by the learning institution while ensuring that students have: Appropriate transportation to the campuses A suitable place for quarantine Support for international students relating to physical and mental health and any other support needed. Each jurisdiction is responsible for being ready, ensuring compliance with any requirements of provincial and local public health authorities; A strong risk mitigation plan with the capacity to test, trace and isolate COVID-19 and prevent its potential spread; Active outreach and communications with learning institutions and respective communities on expectations, roles and responsibilities to maintain the safety of the public from COVID-19; A commitment to collaboration and information sharing between and among various levels of provincial, territorial and federal governments to monitor and trace the risks of the possible outbreak for the academic stay of international students.   Impact on International Students While the letter is a glimmer of hope for many international students, these students have to be cautious in terms of wanting to travel to Canada anytime soon. The easing of travel restrictions for foreign students, as the letter indicates, is dependent on the readiness of the provinces, territories and the DLIs.   In addition to foreign students, many people are hoping that travel restrictions will be lifted by July 31. This would be welcoming news for these students who help make Canada what it is today.   Last year alone, Canada welcomed approximately 642,000 international students.   Even though international students cannot currently enter Canada, IRCC has established certain policies that are favourable to these students. Students, for example, can do 50% of their studies online in their home country without this affecting their later application for postgraduate work permits and permanent residency.       Located in the world-class city of Toronto, Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions is a tailor-made solutions company that provides support for those who wish to live the Canadian dream. Since 2017, it has successfully processed over 3000 clients to come to Canada as Permanent Residents, Students, Visitors and Business Owners.   Robin Clarke is a marketing assistant at Gradbound Education & Immigration Solutions. He can be reached at 1-647-873-4103.
 

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