James Metcalfe – Pace Immigration: Jason Kenney, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, was recently in Irelandattending a job fair for persons interested in immigrating to Canada. While in Ireland, he announced that Canada would be doubling the number of Irish nationals allowed into Canada to work on a temporary basis.
Kenney said that individuals will be allowed to work in Canada for 2 years.
Mr. Kenney also indicated that he would be reducing the length of time an individual must work in Canada from 2 years to one year in order to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This program allows persons who have worked in Canada and passed an English or French language test at a relatively high level to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
On the face of it, this announcement looks to be a good move for persons who choose the CEC to come to Canada and make it their home. However, the devil (as always) is in the details.
Immigration is a complex subject, and it is not something that should be taken lightly.
Unless there are changes in the skill level of the jobs eligible for inclusion in the CEC, individuals will have to be very careful before accepting employment in Canada if they hope to qualify under it.
People should be aware that Canada has an occupational classification system, which is known as the NOC. Not all jobs in this system qualify for inclusion in the CEC program. Generally speaking, only occupations in the O, A and B levels qualify. So entry-level and trainee positions will not qualify, nor will positions in the hospitality industry. These types of jobs will be of no benefit to individuals seeking permanent residence.
In addition, you must document your work experience in Canada, and show that you are not working for cash under the table. This means that proper source deductions must be made from your income.
Immigration is a complex subject, and it is not something that should be taken lightly. The criteria are very exacting, and many people are disappointed when they find out they do not qualify for the CEC program.
If you have questions on this topic we would be pleased to answer them.