Month: January 2019

10 Canadian Inventors to Recognize

Did you know Canadian inventors have patented more than one million inventions? Canadian’s have contributed everything from AC radio tubes to zippers. Here are just 10 of those inventors and what they have contributed.

Canadian Inventor - Joseph Armand Bombardier
Joseph Armand Bombardier

Batteries

Canadian Inventor - Sanford Fleming
Sanford Fleming

Canadian Inventor - James Naismith
James Naismith

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 Canadian Inventors

  1. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, among other devices, in 1876
  2. James Naismith created the game of basketball in 1891
  3. Joseph Armand Bombardier invented the snowmobile in 1922
  4. Gideon Sundback created the zipper in 1917
  5. Sanford Fleming developed a global system for setting time, including time zones
  6. Lewis Urry invented both the alkaline and lithium batteries while working for Eveready
  7. George Klein invented the electric wheel chair for the veterans from the Second World War
  8. Donald Lewis Hings invented the Walkie Talkie, a portable radio signaling system in 1937
  9. Peter Robertson invented the Robertson screw driver and the square head screw in 1908
  10. Susan Olivia Poole created the Jolly Jumper for babies

What You Should Know About Biometrics

Biometrics - digital fingerprintThe second phase of Canada’s biometrics collection program came into force as of December 31, 2018. With this second phase, nationals from countries in Asia, Asia Pacific and the Americas must give their fingerprints and submit photos (biometrics) when applying for a Canadian visitor visa, study or work permit, or for permanent residence. This rule came into effect for applicants from countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa on July 31, 2018, and for temporary resident applicants from 29 countries and 1 territory in 2013.

To make this process as convenient as possible for applicants, the Government of Canada has expanded its worldwide network of visa application centres (VAC) and is allowing applicants to go to any VAC in any country they are legally allowed to enter.

Applicants who come to Canada to visit, study or work temporarily need to give their biometrics only once every 10 years. Permanent resident applicants need to give their biometrics each time they apply.

Why Biometrics?

Biometrics immigration screening helps protects the safety and security of Canadians, and the integrity of the immigration system, while simplifying entry for travellers with genuine identities.

Do You Need to Provide Biometrics?

Generally, you need to give biometrics if you apply for:

  • a visitor visa
  • a work or study permit (excluding U.S. nationals)
  • permanent residence
  • refugee or asylum status

However, there are some exemptions.

Exemptions:

  • Canadian citizens, citizenship applicants (including passport applicants), or existing permanent residents
  • visa-exempt nationals coming to Canada to visit only
  • children under the age of 14
  • applicants over the age of 79 (there is no upper age exemption for asylum claimants)
  • heads of state and heads of government
  • applicants who qualify for or hold a diplomatic or official visa
  • S. visa holders transiting through Canada
  • refugee claimants or protected persons who have already provided biometrics and are applying for a study or work permit
  • temporary resident applicants who have already provided biometrics in support of a permanent resident application that is still in progress

Temporary exemption: Applying in Canada

  • If you are applying for a visa, study or work permit, or permanent residence in Canada – you are exempt until the in-Canada service is established.

Contact our team of experienced RCICs for assistance with determining if you need to submit biometrics.

Canadian Fun Facts (You May Not Want to Know)

Do you think you’re an expert on Canada? Want to become one? Here are some Canadian fun facts you probably didn’t know, and maybe will wish you didn’t afterwards.
Canada Fun Facts

  1. Canadians consume more macaroni and cheese, a dish of English origin consisting of cooked macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce, per capita than anywhere else in the world
  2. One of the most popular foods is poutine, made with cheese curds and gravy on French fries, which originated in Quebec in the late 1950s
  3. John Panopoulos, a Greek-Canadian, created Hawaiian Pizza (ham and pineapple toppings) in 1962 in Chatham, Ontario
  4. Canada is one of the most educated nations in the world, with over half the population earning college degrees
  5. Wasaga Beach in Ontario is longest fresh water beach in the world
  6. Canada has more fresh water lakes than all the world’s lakes combined
  7. License plates from the Northwest Territories are in the shape of a polar bear
  8. Toronto, Ontario’s Yonge Street is the longest street in the world, 1896 kms