The Canadian Flag, immigration to this nation has become a focal point for the rest of the world.

The Citizenship and Immigration department has been continuously busy at work changing policies and procedures to make it easier for immigrants and refugees to settle successfully in Canada. With outrageous wait times for reviewing applications, (sometimes can be up to multiple years before they are able to get to them) they found this was unacceptable and has attempted to change some vital things to help improve the wait time and process for new immigrants.

Based on last year's budget, the government has secured a budget topping $100 million over a 5 year period, to secure the improvements needed to support the increasing immigration demands in Canada. Below are a highlighted few but it is highly recommended that you visit the website at www.cic.gc.ca to get the more detailed answers you may need for your impending questions.

New Citizenship Rule as of April 2009

The Government has included limits to citizenship to essentially the first generation only. This was done under the premise it would be a way in which they, the government can simplify Canadian citizenship.The previous laws permitted citizenship to be passed on to countless generations who may not have been born in Canada, but had a parent/grandparent born in the country.

If your child was born in Canada, they retain their Canadian citizenship status, this law was not affected. This change moreso applies to those who are Canadian ( by birth or naturalized) but work outside of Canada and have children outside of the country as well.

The Skilled Worker

Part of the immigration reform include skilled workers. This change is with the intention to decrease the amount of time it takes for applicants who are skilled workers and seeking a new beginning in Canada. The new application process really benefits skilled workers who have the knowledge and abilities that are in high demand in Canada.

This however, does not apply to refugees and the family reunification process. Another important alteration to the process for the skilled worker is that applications are no longer reviewed by order of receipt. They are reviewed based on a point system that has been developed with the consultation of the business and labour departments, provinces and territories, non-government agencies and the public. If your application meets the requirements (which means it receives a certain number of points) then it is pushed through to be screened more closely. You are able to see how well you will do by taking the "self assessment test" posted on the CIC website. It is a good way to see what the government is looking for in terms of specialized skills.

Immigration and Individual Provinces

The Provincial Nominee Program has altered its once restrictive policies. It has removed the limited numbers an individual province can receive. This was done to enhance the need for the demand in the economic and labour markets.Hopefully their needs will be met and newcomers with skills that are in need can find their way in the Canadian job market.

Foreign Qualifications

The Government has created the Foreign Credentials Referral Office to address any questions regarding the equivalency of the skills possessed by newcomers as it compares to the Canadian system. The office handles any possible questions newcomers might have regarding education and job skill equivalency. They also help to inform potential employers about the benefits of internationally trained employees.

Settlement Funding

As newcomers come to Canada and need some support to become adjusted to the new ways of living, the Government has dedicated a great deal of money to create settlement programs for a our diverse communities. The programs vary around the city from housing and education to health and careers. They are there for your convenience and it is encouraged that you seek out these agencies to help in your area of need.

Fees

The Right of Permanent Residence fees have been adjusted to afford more access to the newcomers. The Government has reduce it to half the amount once charged. It is now $490 per person as opposed to its once $975 fee charged previously.

The CIC has more information to suit the specific needs of its newcomers and their specific inquiries.Read more about any of the following on the website www.cic.gc.ca :

• Studying in Canada - international students can now recieve work permits to work while they study
• Permanent Residence Card - This card replace the Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing documents
• Investors, Self-Employed and Entrepeneurs - Procedures and requirements
• Refugees - Who can apply?
• Trial Citizenship Test

Please note that the above article is only for information purposes. Please check the Citizenship & Immigration website www.cic.gc.ca for more accurate details as CanadaSrilanka.com will not be liable in any manner on the information provided in the above article.