PROCESS
Ottawa, December 22, 2008 — The Government of Canada is keeping its promise in the Speech from the Throne to work with the provinces and territories to increase the uptake of immigrant settlement programs. Provinces and territories outside of Ontario and Quebec will be allocated more than $240 million in federal funding next year to help newcomers settle and integrate into their new communities, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, announced today.
“This annual support shows our government’s continuing commitment to help the development and continuation of important programs and services that can make a real difference in the lives of newcomers to Canada,” said Minister Kenney. “Programs, such as language training, job search and employment services, help newcomers integrate and succeed in Canada. As newcomers become productive and contributing members of the community, their success is Canada’s success.”
The funding represents an increase of over $40 million, or more than 20 percent from 2008-09. Funding for the provinces of Ontario and Quebec are provided for in separate bilateral agreements. (See backgrounder for a breakdown of the provincial and territorial settlement funding allocations outside of Quebec and Ontario.)
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has substantially increased funding to support settlement programs and services; an additional $1.4 billion is beingINVESTED over a five year period in all provinces and territories outside Quebec.
This includes programs and services to support newcomers in a variety of ways by providing: language training so they have the language skills to function in Canada; the information they need to better understand life in Canada and make informed decisions about their settlement experience; the required assistance to find employment commensurate with their skills and education; and help to establish networks and contacts so they are engaged and feel welcomed in their communities
Minister Kenney announces 3-year renewable work permits for NAFTA professionals December 15 , 2008
OUR SERVICES
UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROCESS
Green Card Through Family
Many peopleGET GREEN CARDS (become permanent residents) through family members. You may be eligible to get a Green Card as:
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an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, this includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizen petitioners 21 or older
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a family member of a U.S. citizen fitting into a preference category, this includes unmarried sons or daughters over the age of 21, married children of any age, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizen petitioners 21 or older
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a family member of a green card holder, this includes spouses and unmarried children of the sponsoring green card holder
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a member of a special category, this can include battered spouse or child (VAWA), aK nonimmigrant, a person born to a foreign diplomat in the United States, a V nonimmigrant or a widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION LAWS
Green Card Processes & Procedures
Each Green Card category will have specific steps and procedures to follow. Listed below are some general processes and procedures to help you apply either while in the United States (known as “adjustment of status”) or while outside the United States (known as “consular processing”).
Page Title Summary
Green Card Eligibility
Determine if you are eligible for permanent residence. Review the eligibility requirements needed before applying for your green card.
Adjustment of Status
Adjusting your status to a permanent resident is the process used by immigrants to GET A GREEN CARDwhile in the United States. Find out more about the process.
Consular Processing
Consular processing is the method immigrants use to get their green card when outside the United States or when ineligible to adjust status in the United States. Find out more about the process.
Concurrent Filing
When getting a green card through employment, family or as a special immigrant, you may need to have a petition filed for you. Concurrent filing is generally when the immigrant petition is filed at the same time you file your application to GET A GREEN CARD. Learn what concurrent filing is and what categories are eligible to concurrently file.
Visa Availability & Priority Dates
In general, there must be a visa available for you before you can APPLY FOR A GREEN CARD. In some categories, visas are always available, while in others, there are a limited number. Priority dates are given to immigrants waiting in line to get an immigrant visa and determine when a visa becomes available. Find out how to tell if a visa is available to you.
Travel Documents
Learn more about if and when you can travel outside the United States after APPLYING FOR A GREEN CARD or once you have a green card. You can also learn how to apply for advance parole, a refugee travel document, and a re-entry permit.
Employment Authorization Document
Learn more about if you are eligible for work authorization in the United States and how to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Immigration Medical Examinations
Most APPLICATIONS FOR A GREEN CARD require that you go through a medical exam. Learn about who must complete a medical exam and the specific forms and procedures that you must follow when getting a medical exam.
Affidavit of Support
An affidavit of support is a form that a sponsor files on your behalf when you are APPLYING FOR A GREEN CARDor immigrant visa. It is required for most but not all categories of immigrants before they can become a permanent resident of the United States. The purpose of the form is to show that you have the financial means to live in the United States without needing welfare or financial benefits from the U.S. government. Determine if you need an Affidavit of Support.
Public Charge
A public charge is when a person relies on money from the U.S. government to support themselves. Most immigrants must show that they will not become a public charge in order to GET A GREEN CARD. Learn more about public charge.
Child Status Protection Act
Your age can determine whether you are eligible for a green card as a “child.” The Child Status Protection Act, often referred to as CSPA, allows certain children who have aged out (become 21 years or older) after an immigrant petition has been filed to still be eligible for a green card through their parents. Learn more about the Child Status Protection Act
CANADA IMMIGRATION LAWS
Ottawa, December 15, 2008 — Professionals seeking to work temporarily in Canada under the North American FreeTRADE Agreement (NAFTA) can now receive work permits for up to three years, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, announced today. Previously, NAFTA workers were required to renew their work permit every 12 months.
“NAFTA work permits are an excellent option for North American professionals seeking to work in Canada including lawyers, doctors, dentists and teachers. In addition, this will also help Canadian employers remain competitive by ensuring they have access to necessary skilled labour,” said Minister Kenney.
“This extension, along with our Action Plan for Faster Immigration, will greatly benefit the Canadian economy by helping ensure greater continuity and stability for both employers and workers,” continued Minister Kenney. “In a time of economic uncertainty, highly skilled migrants encourage innovation and economic growth, making us more competitive economically.”
By easing the administrative requirements, employers can now be more confident that they will have access to the skilled labour they need for a longer period. The change matches the United States’ new rules on issuance ofTRADE NAFTA (TN) work visas to Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA.
All three NAFTA countries (Canada, the United States and Mexico) recognize that greater work force mobility in North America, within certain professions, has net economic benefits.
CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADAMessage from the Minister September 20 , 2008
Iam pleased to present the 2008–2009 Report on Plans and Priorities for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).
Since Confederation, immigration has played a key role in the growth of this country, with more than 15 million people from every corner of the world coming to Canada in search of opportunity, refuge and hope. They are attracted to this nation’s values rooted in freedom, respect and hard work.
Canada is now home to its highest proportion of immigrants in over 75 years. The latest census reports that between 2001 and 2006, Canada’s population grew by 1.6 million persons, 1.1 million of whom were immigrants.
One of the key priorities for the Department is making our immigration system more responsive to labour market needs. The success of Canada’s immigration plan depends on attracting the right people to where they are needed and where they and their families will find opportunity.