Month: November 2019

Provincial Nomination Programs

What Could Provincial Nomination Mean for You?

Provincial nomination offers a valuable route to Canadian permanent residence. Each of Canada’s provinces and territories, with the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, operates its own immigration program, called a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). As the provinces have different populations and economies, their immigration programs are unique and built to fit their economic and demographic needs.

Each PNP has at least one stream for nomination, with many provinces and territories offering multiple streams. These streams are designed by the provinces to help meet their unique immigration goals, so the eligibility criteria and application procedures vary.

Applicants for PNPs are workers who have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory, want to live in that province, and want to become permanent residents of Canada. Each stream will target different qualifications and may look to students, business people, or skilled workers.

How you will apply depends on which Provincial Nominee Program stream you’re applying to. You might need to apply using the paper-based process, or by the online process through Express Entry. As part of the process, you will have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where they plan to live in Canada. With more than 80 provincial immigration streams, discovering the Canadian immigration pathway that best suits you may be challenging. The team at Active Immigration Professionals can help. Contact us today to determine which stream is best suited to your individual circumstance and take the next step in your Canadian Journey.

Credit Rating

What is Credit and Why Do I Need It?

Credit is a delayed payment plan between a borrower and a lender that enables access to funds for repayment at a later date. Common types of credit include installment loans for large purchases, as well as revolving credit arrangements including credit cards and lines of credit.

Access to credit reduces the burden of paying cash for high-cost items, such as a house or car, allowing you to spread the expense out over time. Credit is what makes purchasing major items like homes and cars possible for most Canadians.

Most lenders use credit scores to determine how much credit you can have. Insurance companies use your credit rating as a factor in determining what sort of rate to offer you on homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, and life insurance.

So, how does a credit score work exactly? The more reliable you are at obtaining credit and paying the bills faithfully, the higher your rating will be. The higher your credit rating is, the lower you are as a perceived risk. People with high credit scores are statistically more likely to be safe drivers, safe homeowners, and likely to live longer.

Now that you want to create a killer credit score for yourself, how do you go about it? One of the easiest and most common ways to build your credit is by applying for a secure credit card. Use your credit card for small purchases monthly. Then, pay the credit card off completely every month. One of the most important steps in building a high credit score is to never miss a payment and always make at least the minimum payment.

International Student

What Do I Need to Bring to Canada as an International Student?

Being and international student in a new country, such a Canada, can be challenging and really exciting at the same time. There are a number of things you should be prepared for before you make your big move. Here are some tips for you on what to prepare before you travel.

Make sure you have all your essential documents in place such as:

  • A valid passport.
  • A valid Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable).
  • A letter of introduction issued by the Canadian Visa Office that approved your Study Permit application. Submit this letter to a Canadian Immigration Officer when you arrive at the border to obtain your actual Study Permit.
  • The original Letter of Acceptance from your Canadian University.
  • Proof of funds available for your stay in Canada (money transfer, letter of credit, scholarship letter, or other proof).
  • Marriage Certificate and/or proof of common-law status (if applicable).
  • Any other documents recommended by the Canadian Visa Office where you applied for your Study Permit.

Make sure that you carry all these documents with you. Don’t put these important documents in your checked luggage, and be prepared to show them to any Canadian immigration officer at the border.

Other Documents you will likely want to bring include:

  • A list of any items that you are sending separately or which you do not clear through customs when you arrive. Have the list stamped by immigration, if possible.
  • Medical and immunization (vaccination) records, translated if possible.
  • Medical insurance policy (if applicable).
  • Driver’s license or International Driver’s license, and driving insurance records if you plan to drive in Canada.
  • A list of important phone numbers.

Personal items to bring with you:

  • Medications you may need for the first few months.
  • Medical prescriptions.
  • Credit card.
  • Relevant documents from your previous school (e.g. transcripts, awards, or any other certificates).
  • A mobile phone that can be used in Canada. It reduces the cost of your phone plan if you bring your own device.
  • Clothing for the different seasons (when you reach Canada you can buy more appropriate clothes for winter).
  • Anything memorable such as family pictures, native food, etc. to help you feel more comfortable as you settle in.

By coming prepared you can enjoy this new and exciting experience without worry.

Welcome to Canada! We hope you enjoy your new home.

Skilled Worker Welding

What You Need to Know About the Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is a part of the Express Entry process. This program is an immigration option for people who are selected to come to Canada because of their work experience and skills.

Skilled workers are chosen as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other factors. These things often help them succeed in Canada.

This program has minimum requirements for skilled work experience, language ability, and education. You must meet all the minimum requirements to be eligible.

Work Experience Requirements

To immigrate to Canada under the Skilled Worker program, your work experience must be either Skill Type 0, Skill Level A or Skill Level B on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Your work experience must be paid, full-time (30 hours per week) or the equivalent hours part-time. You must have had that work experience during the last 10 years.

These limits do not apply if you have a permanent job offer.

Proof of Funds

You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.

How much money you’ll need to support your family depends on the size of your family. To calculate the size of your family you must include

  • yourself
  • your spouse or partner
  • your dependent children
  • your spouse’s dependent children

If you believe you are interested in the Federal Skilled Worker program, contact us today!