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Yearly Archives: 2024

Immigration Consultant in Brampton Canada - Sayal Immigration   →  2024
March 9, 2024
March 9, 2024

Seven Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing an Immigration Representative

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Choosing the right immigration representative is crucial for a smooth and successful immigration process. Whether you’re applying for a visa, permanent residency, or citizenship, having a knowledgeable and trustworthy consultant by your side can make all the difference. However, not all immigration representatives are created equal, and there are several red flags to be aware of when making your selection. Here are seven warning signs to watch out for:

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1. Lack of Credentials: One of the most critical red flags is the absence of proper credentials. A legitimate immigration consultant should be registered and in good standing with the appropriate regulatory body. In Canada, this means being a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) authorized by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). Always verify the consultant’s credentials before proceeding.

2. Unrealistic Promises: Beware of consultants who make unrealistic promises or guarantees regarding your immigration outcome. While an experienced consultant can assess your eligibility and provide insights into your chances of success, they cannot guarantee a specific result. Immigration processes involve various factors beyond the consultant’s control, such as changes in immigration laws or individual circumstances.

3. High Pressure Tactics: Be cautious of consultants who employ high-pressure tactics to persuade you to hire their services. Genuine immigration representatives should provide you with information and guidance to make an informed decision at your own pace. If you feel rushed or pressured into signing a contract, it’s a red flag.

4. Lack of Transparency: Transparency is key in any professional relationship, especially when it comes to immigration matters. If a consultant is vague or evasive when answering your questions or fails to provide clear information about their fees, services, or processes, it could be a sign of trouble. A reputable consultant will be transparent and upfront about all aspects of their services.

5. Poor Communication: Effective communication is essential throughout the immigration process. If you encounter difficulties reaching your consultant or receive delayed or incomplete responses to your inquiries, it could indicate a lack of professionalism or organization. Clear and timely communication is crucial for a successful partnership with your immigration representative.

6. Negative Reviews or Complaints: Before engaging an immigration consultant, take the time to research their reputation. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients, and check if there are any complaints or disciplinary actions against them. A history of negative feedback or unresolved issues should raise concerns about their reliability and competence.

7. Lack of Experience or Expertise: Immigration laws and procedures are complex and constantly evolving. It’s essential to choose a consultant with sufficient experience and expertise in Canadian immigration matters. Look for consultants who specialize in the type of immigration application you’re pursuing and have a track record of successful outcomes.

In light of these red flags, it’s crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy immigration consultancy firm. Sayal Immigration is recognized as one of the top Canada immigration consultation firms, known for its professionalism, integrity, and commitment to client satisfaction. Led by RCIC Sahil Sayal, a highly skilled and experienced immigration consultant, Sayal Immigration offers comprehensive immigration services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

Sahil Sayal, an esteemed RCIC, brings extensive knowledge and expertise to every case he handles. With a deep understanding of Canadian immigration laws and procedures, Sahil is dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of the immigration process with clarity and confidence. His personalized approach and attention to detail ensure that each client receives the highest level of service and support from start to finish.

Whether you’re seeking assistance with skilled worker immigration, family sponsorship, student visas, or any other immigration matter, Sayal Immigration is committed to helping you achieve your immigration goals. By choosing Sayal Immigration as your trusted immigration representative, you can rest assured that you’re in capable hands every step of the way.

In conclusion, selecting the right immigration representative is paramount for a successful immigration journey. By being vigilant for red flags and choosing a reputable firm like Sayal Immigration, you can navigate the immigration process with confidence and peace of mind. With the guidance of experienced professionals like RCIC Sahil Sayal, your Canadian immigration dreams can become a reality.

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February 24, 2024
February 24, 2024

Is my social media activity monitored by IRCC?

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) do review the information provided in an applicant’s submission and cross-reference it with their social media and public profiles. Any disparities between the details furnished in the application and those found online may serve as grounds for refusal.

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In a recent case in Canadian federal court, an individual applied for permanent residency as a skilled worker. The reviewing visa officer noted that the applicant omitted mentioning his association with a specific company in the application. However, the company’s website identified him as its Executive Chairman. Upon checking the applicant’s LinkedIn profile, it was indicated that he served on the company’s board.

Despite offering the applicant an opportunity to clarify the inconsistency, the officer determined the individual as inadmissible to Canada for material misrepresentation. The explanation provided by the applicant regarding the online information about his involvement with the company was deemed inadequate.

For Canadian immigration applicants, their online presence, or lack thereof, can serve as evidence of the accuracy or inaccuracy of their application.

The Significance of Avoiding Misrepresentation

A finding of misrepresentation is grave and challenging to overcome. Immigration officials rigorously address misrepresentation, which could lead to application rejection.

Misrepresentation on immigration applications can lead to severe repercussions beyond application refusal. According to IRCC, in response to falsified documents or information, IRCC may:

  • Bar entry into Canada for a minimum of 5 years;
  • Maintain a permanent record of fraud;
  • Revoke permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship;
  • Initiate criminal charges; or
  • Deport from Canada.

Immigration forms and applications often pose complexity and confusion. Despite an applicant’s cautiousness, innocent misrepresentations may occur. Unfortunately, innocence typically does not serve as a defense against misrepresentation.

Applicants must ensure the submission of entirely accurate and comprehensive information. It’s advisable to thoroughly review all details provided to ensure accuracy and consistency throughout the application.

The key to averting misrepresentation is disclosing all pertinent information, even if it may negatively impact the approval prospects. Addressing potential issues directly in the application and providing supporting documentation to explain them is preferable.

Furthermore, it’s crucial for applicants to promptly inform IRCC of any changes while their application is under processing. This includes personal updates such as marital status changes or alterations in employment or education. Failure to notify IRCC could lead to assumptions of misrepresentation.

Avoiding misrepresentation in immigration applications is vital for a successful process. Seeking professional assistance, such as consulting an immigration lawyer, is recommended as they can ensure the accuracy of the application and compliance with all legal requirements.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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February 15, 2024
February 15, 2024

Master’s Degree Students are now entitled to a three-year Work Permit

Author By Team Sayal Categories Education Visa, Study Visa

Effective immediately, international students enrolled in master’s programs lasting less than two years now qualify for a three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

Previously, PGWP duration was tied to the length of the study program. However, recognizing the potential of master’s students in Canada’s job market, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded eligibility for these students to receive extended work permits.

While PGWP durations for students in programs other than master’s level will still align with program lengths, up to a maximum of three years, students enrolled in PGWP-eligible designated learning institutions (DLIs) – the only institutions authorized to accept international students in Canada – for programs lasting at least two years are also entitled to the extended three-year PGWP.

In the coming weeks, IRCC will also adjust rules for spousal work permits for international students at the undergraduate level. This change will restrict spousal work permit eligibility to only spouses of master’s and doctoral level students, with no impact on spousal open work permits for spouses or conjugal partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

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What are the PGWP eligibility criteria?

To qualify for a PGWP, international students must:

  • Have completed a program of study lasting at least eight months at an eligible DLI;
  • Have pursued a degree, diploma, or certificate program;
  • Maintained full-time student status throughout each academic session, as evidenced on the PGWP application (with certain exceptions);
  • Obtained a transcript and official confirmation from the DLI of meeting program requirements, both of which must accompany the PGWP application;
  • Graduated from a public post-secondary institution, including colleges, trade schools, universities, and others as listed, or from a private institution authorized to award degrees under provincial law, provided the student was enrolled in a qualifying degree program as authorized by the province.

If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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Note: Starting September 2024, students enrolled in programs using a curriculum licensing framework will no longer be eligible for PGWP applications.

February 3, 2024
February 3, 2024

2024 Study Permit Applications: IRCC Announces Set Cap for Consideration

Author By Team Sayal Categories Education Visa, Study Visa

Following the announcement by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 22nd, the department has now established a cap on the total number of study permit applications it will consider throughout 2024.

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As outlined in ministerial instructions from IRCC, a maximum of 606,250 study permit applications will be taken into consideration in 2024. This cap is distinct from the one previously mentioned on January 22nd, which specifically pertained to approved study permit applications (set at 360,000).

These new instructions focus on the total number of applications that IRCC will review in 2024. Over the next 11 months, the department will process up to 606,250 applications, irrespective of the final decision on each application.

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Additionally, the instructions note that this cap on study permits may be subject to amendment in line with subsequent instructions from the minister. This suggests that if the 360,000 approved application cap is not met within the processing limit of 606,250 applicants, the minister may adjust the latter number accordingly.

Comparison with 2023: In 2023, Canada approved 579,075 study permit applications out of a total of 814,317 processed applications between January and November. This yielded an approval rate of 71%. The limits set for 2024 represent significant reductions in both processing and approvals for study permit applications.

Implementation of the New Study Permit Cap: The cap on study permit approvals (360,000) will be distributed among Canada’s provinces, weighted by their respective populations. Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, being the three most populous provinces, are expected to receive the highest study permit allocations.

This policy will be executed through attestation letters, requiring applicants to have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from their designated learning institution (DLI) and an attestation letter from the province where the DLI is located. Attestation letters, according to ministerial instructions, must be provided by the provincial/territorial government and include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and address.

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January 27, 2024
January 27, 2024

Provincial Nomination Updates: British Columbia, Ontario, and Manitoba Announce Nominations

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

This week, three Canadian provinces nominated immigration candidates through their respective Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs). These programs, excluding Quebec and Nunavut, provide a route for economic class immigrants to settle and work in the nominating region.

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It’s important to note that each province administers its own scoring system for evaluating PNP candidates independently, leading to the observed variations in results presented below.

Provincial Nomination Results – January 19th to 26th

British Columbia

On January 23rd, British Columbia (B.C.) extended invitations to immigration candidates through six streams of the B.C Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), totaling at least 216 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).

General draws were conducted in the Skilled Worker, Skilled Worker—Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC), International Graduate, and International Graduate EEBC streams, all requiring candidates with a minimum score of 120. Another general draw occurred in the Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled stream, inviting candidates with a minimum score of 98. These draws collectively resulted in 79 ITAs.

Furthermore, B.C. organized targeted draws under its Skilled Worker, International graduate (including EEBC option) stream, focusing on candidates with work experience in four professional categories: Childcare (66 ITAs), Construction (34 ITAs), Healthcare (36 ITAs), and Veterinary care (<5 ITAs). The minimum score for these draws was 60, with the Construction category requiring a higher score of 75.

Manitoba

On January 25th, Manitoba issued Notifications of Interest (NOIs) across three streams. In the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream, 156 NOIs were issued to candidates with a minimum score of 772, who indicated completing post-secondary education in Manitoba. The International Education Stream invited 78 candidates without specifying a cut-off score, while the Skilled Worker Overseas stream issued 41 NOIs with a minimum score of 713.

Out of the total 275 NOIs, 29 were given to candidates with an Express Entry profile.

Ontario

This week, the Ontario PNP (OINP) conducted two draws. On January 19th, 1,654 candidates were invited through the Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker stream, requiring a minimum score of 50. On January 24th, 12 targeted invitations were issued under the same stream for candidates eligible for the federal Economic Mobility Pathways Project.

On the same day, Ontario invited candidates through two additional draws in the Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams, without specifying the number of ITAs. The Master’s Graduate stream required a score of 50 or above, while the PhD Graduate stream required a minimum score of 45.

On January 19th, OINP announced reaching its nomination allocation for 2023, having issued 16,500 nominations (ITAs) across all streams.

Growing Importance of the PNP

While currently holding a lower allocation in the immigration levels plan (2024-2026), the PNP is poised to become Canada’s primary economic pathway for immigrants starting in 2025. With an annual allocation exceeding 110,000, PNPs collectively constitute over a fifth of all annual immigrant allocations across Canada.

These programs aim to distribute the benefits of immigration throughout Canada, focusing on areas where smaller provincial labor markets and demographics can benefit from the presence of newcomers. For more information about Canada’s PNPs, visit our dedicated webpage.

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January 18, 2024
January 18, 2024

High-Demand Jobs in Canada’s Express Entry System

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration, Work Permit

Explore the key to successful immigration in Canada through the Express Entry system. Discover the high-demand jobs in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture, as identified by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Uncover the strategic category-based selection draws targeting professionals crucial to the Canadian workforce. From nurses and engineers to skilled trades and transport specialists, this comprehensive guide provides insights into not only the sought-after occupations but also the eligibility criteria for a seamless transition to permanent residence. Stay informed, plan your employment journey, and pave the way for a successful settlement in the True North.

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Attaining employment marks a crucial milestone for many temporary residents, including those on work, study, or visitor visas, not only for economic stability but also for enhancing eligibility for permanent residence (PR) through various economic pathways.

Given this, newcomers are keen to explore the high-demand jobs in Canada, seeking information that can guide their job search and streamline their immigration journey.

In an effort to align immigration with labor market needs, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced Express Entry category-based selection draws. These draws target candidates in the Express Entry pool with expertise in professions that Canada urgently requires workers for. The categories encompass in-demand jobs across five key fields:

1. Healthcare 2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 3. Trade 4. Transport 5. Agriculture and Agri-food

Examining the list of targeted professions provides insight not only into the current labor market demand but also into the occupations that IRCC deems essential for supporting the Canadian workforce through immigration. Aligning these professions identified by IRCC with those recognized by human resource consulting firms and popular job boards reveals a notable overlap.

Note: The following lists for Healthcare and STEM occupations feature the most common job titles according to IRCC’s list. Other categories will encompass complete lists of in-demand professions. For a comprehensive list of job titles and access to the “category-based selection” draw eligibility tool, please refer to our dedicated webpage here. National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 codes for professions are also provided for reference.

Healthcare Occupations Covering various positions such as physicians, physiologists, and psychologists, common titles include:

Nurses: – Licensed practical nurses (NOC 32101) – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 33102) – Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) – Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals (NOC 31303) – Nursing coordinators and supervisors (NOC 31300) – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301)

Lab/Medical Assistants and Technical Medical Staff: – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical options (NOC 33101) – Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120) – Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121) – Medical sonographers (NOC 32122) – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103) – Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals (NOC 31303)

STEM Occupations Encompassing professions from various fields, such as architects and data scientists, common titles include:

Engineers: – Civil engineers (NOC 21300) – Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311) – Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310) – Engineering managers (NOC 20010) – Industrial and manufacturing engineers (NOC 21321) – Metallurgic and materials engineers (NOC 21322) – Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231)

Business and Computer Systems Specialists: – Computer and information systems managers (NOC 20012) – Computer systems developers and programmers (NOC 21230) – Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) – Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 21223) – Information systems specialists (NOC 21222)

Trades Occupations Focusing on skilled trades needed for manufacturing, construction, and repairs, professions include:

– Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers (NOC 73200) – Elevator Constructors and Mechanics (NOC 72406) – Machine Fitters (NOC 72405) – Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics (NOC 72402) – Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (NOC 72400) – Carpenters (NOC 72310) – Plumbers (NOC 72300) – Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72200) – Welders and Related Machine Operators (NOC 72106) – Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers, and Servicers (NOC 72014)

Transport Occupations Encompassing professions supporting the commercial transport of people and goods, these occupations include:

– Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors (NOC 93200) – Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300) – Railway Traffic Controllers and Marine Traffic Regulators (NOC 72604) – Engineer Officers, Water Transport (NOC 72603) – Deck Officers, Water Transport (NOC 72602) – Air Traffic Controllers and Related Occupations (NOC 72601) – Air Pilots, Flight Engineers, and Flying Instructors (NOC 72600) – Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors (NOC 72404) – Railway Carmen/Women (NOC 72403) – Managers in Transportation (NOC 70020)

Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations Covering professions related to farming, landscaping, and food production, these occupations include:

– Contractors and Supervisors, Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, and Horticulture Services (NOC 82031) – Agriculture Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors (NOC 82030) – Butchers—Retail and Wholesale (NOC 63201)

Am I Eligible for Category-Based Selection? To qualify for these categories, candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience in the last three years, either in Canada or abroad, and already have a profile in the Express Entry application pool.

After submitting a profile under one of the three Express Entry managed programs—the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)—candidates must await a relevant Express Entry draw that issues an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR, based on their inclusion in one of the above professional categories or their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. CRS scores are IRCC’s standard method of ranking immigration candidates based on their human capital factors.

Once an ITA is received, candidates (now applicants) have up to 60 days to submit a full PR application. Upon approval, applicants attain PR status and receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), allowing them to settle permanently in Canada.

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