Getting a Job Offer From a Company in Canada

If you receive a job offer from a Canadian company, your visa application process will be much easier!

I strongly recommend obtaining a job offer from a Canadian company before submitting your visa application. If you can get this document, it will not only help you settle easier in Canada , but it will also increase your Pass Mark assessment.

Let me explain the way a job offer will help you increase your Pass Mark assessment:

You will receive 10 points if:
– You have a permanent job offer in Canada . However, please note that this offer has to be confirmed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

If you are already in Canada (with a temporary work permit), and you decide to apply from within the country, you will also receive points in the following situations:

You will receive 10 points if:
– Your temporary work permit was issued after receiving a confirmation of a job offer from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada ; – Your temporary work permit was exempted from the requirement of a issued after receipt of a confirmation of your job offer from HRSDC (due to an international agreement).

Also if it represents a relevant benefit to Canada or its competitiveness (i.e. intra-company or post-graduate work respectively).

I recommend visiting the following website for further information about the specific requirements for these situations: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/qual-5-4.html

It is very important that you understand this process, in case you are interested in using a Canadian job offer in your application.

First of all, what is The Department of Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD)?

This Department has a very specific objective: to ensure that all the Canadians have the right elements and tools to succeed in the Canadian workplace.

To achieve this objective, one of the main duties of this Department is to make sure that all the foreign workers support the Canadian economic growth. Foreign workers are very important for the Canadian economy!

For this reason, this Department is responsible of ensuring that the right Skilled Workers are hired by the Canadian companies.

Let me explain what the Canadian companies have to do to make a permanent job offer to a Skilled Worker (I hope that is your case, you will earn 10 points!).

Basically the companies have to options:

1.They can submit an application for an HRSDC labour market opinion (normally called LMO). This is one of the requirements that Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) takes into consideration when they evaluate your visa application.
2.The companies can also submit an application for an HRSDC arranged employment opinion (normally called (AEO).
A positive AEO will also be extremely important when your visa is processed. However, the AEO does not allow the person to work in Canada before the Permanent Residence visa is accepted and issued.

If you have already contacted a Canadian company, and they are interested in giving you a job offer, I suggest letting then know that the following two websites will be very useful.
– To apply for the LMO : http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/epb/lmd/fw/poWorkPerm.shtml – To apply for the AEO: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/epb/lmd/fw/poArrEmp.shtml

See you in Canada !

How Far Will Canada Go to Help Newcomers Integrate Into the Workforce?

You were lured to Canada by Canadian immigration officers who’s promise of lucrative career opportunities and a better life abroad were all to seductive to pass up. As a highly educated professional in your native country you are well respected, your salary allows you to live in a big house, feed and educate your children, and enjoy the social status that comes along with it. But these immigration officers advise you that your credentials automatically qualify you for entry into Canada. Where you can find a job in your field for 10 times as much as what you could make in your country. Your decision is easy. After spending $15,000 for a ticket, application fees, and money in the bank, you’re finally ready to start your new life abroad. Leaving your wife and kids behind may not have been easy, but you know that in 1 year you will be settled in Canada with your 6-figure income and your three-story mansion on the hill with your family. After a long journey you arrive in Canada your credentials in tow, you anxiously begin your job search only to find out the credentials that you obtained outside of Canada do not meet Canadian qualifications and the only work you can get is driving a cab or working in the labour market.

Many newcomers have been mislead by the Canadian government into immigrating to Canada with the hopes of a better life. The Foreign Credential Assessment Office established a year ago offers hope for highly skilled immigrants to get their credentials recognized in order to utilize their skills. Though this program is long over due, it is a big step toward acknowledging the issues of foreign professionals working in our labour market.

The continued problems with racial discrimination in the work place have yet to be addressed.

With Canada’s so called “ job shortage” will companies now hire these skilled immigrants once there credentials meet their standards? Or will they continue to hire foreign temporary workers for inexpensive labour? Here are 4 reasons why companies might be reluctant to hire these immigrants once their credentials are recognized:

There are many good candidates that are not being hired simply because of racial discrimination. Immigrants are often more educated than local Canadians, but a Canadian born worker with less education is more likely to make more money. Some immigrants are told they are over qualified for a job or do not have sufficient Canadian experience for the position. This is also an issue common for non-white Canadians born in Canada. In order to guarantee the equal employment opportunities of skilled immigrants, a sufficient anti racial legislation needs to be implemented using methods that encourage interracial cooperation. Discrimination in Canada can be combated in the following ways:

Newcomers to Canada will benefit from the Foreign Credential Assessment process. However, further information is required for prospective newcomers to understand the barriers of finding a job in their field. Overseas services are also available to further assist perspective newcomers before settling in Canada. As we already know the Canadian government is not always forthcoming about their true motives, be sure to do a lot of research, and ask a lot of questions.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Migrating to Canada

Fancy cars, designer clothes, and high paying jobs are how many people in third world countries might imagine life in the western part of the world. After all, those who are lucky enough to immigrate to Canada, U.S., or the U.K. for a new and prosperous life, always return home for a visit after a couple of years bearing a ton of gifts for the entire family, building homes on huge acres of land, and spending heaps of cash that seem to be limitless. Yes, the lifestyles of those who live in western countries are very privileged in many ways that I can’t deny. I should know, I live in Alberta, Canada, an oil rich province where jobs are plentiful; salaries are high, and poverty, almost non-existent.

In addition to living in what appears to be a life of luxury, there are things all people should be fully aware of before settling in Canada.

#1) WESTERN MENTALITY

#1) WESTERN MENTALITY

Most people in third world countries do not have or may not be aware of credit cards or mortgages. So, if you know or see someone living in a big house or driving a luxurious car you can safely make the assumption that they are rich. However, in Canada or U.S. someone driving a luxurious car and living in a big beautiful house may or may not be rich. If you have good credit, you are eligible to get a mortgage, credit cards, car leases which basically means the bank really owns your car or house and you make monthly payments depending how much the loan is. It could take 2-5 years to pay off a car and 20 plus years for a house.

#2) STANDARD OF LIVING

#2) STANDARD OF LIVING

Keeping up with the Joneses is a common phrase used to describe a person who strives to have what there neighbour has. It is very common for a family who might make a combined annual income of $100,000 to be deeply in debt. Most likely, because they are living above their means in order to keep up appearances. A classic example of this is person I once knew who owned a beautiful million-dollar home in an upper class community. This house was decorated with elegant furniture top to bottom, big screen TV, and she even drove a brand new Mercedes. A lifestyle enviable by many, but what most people didn’t know is she could not afford to pay the electric bill and mortgage. Does that make sense to you? So it is important to understand that not everyone is rich in Canada, our idea of success is unrealistic and we are creating debt while in pursuit of riches.

#3) MONEY DOESN’T GROW ON TREES

#3) MONEY DOESN’T GROW ON TREES

In Canada, believe it or not, money is made from very hard work, long hours 5 days a week and for many even 6 or 7 days a week. There are some people who work 3 jobs just to make ends meet. Industrialization in Canada has created many jobs for skilled workers. However, many highly educated immigrants are found working such jobs as, slaughterhouses, taxi drivers, or janitorial jobs that most Canadians consider to be undesirable. These jobs do pay well because nobody wants to do them and they require very little training. Foreign credentials such as: medical, law, or any other degree obtained in a country outside Canada does not guarantee you a job in Canada. Your degree, which you worked hard for, may not be recognized by Canadian standards. To avoid disappointment it is important to understand what level of professional and academic standards you need to meet before you arrive.

#4) DISCRIMINATION & RACISM

#4) DISCRIMINATION & RACISM

If you are planning to migrate to Canada you must know that you may face this issue. Some cities are better than others but here in Alberta it might be the worst. A recent article in the Calgary Herald exposes Calgary as the hate crime capital of Canada. Growing up as an African Canadian in the 80’s , at a time when there were few black families I faced a lot of issues with racism. Though there are more visible minorities now, this problem still exists. Recently I met a man from Russia who faces racial slurs daily at his work place, he said even though his skin is the same colour as theirs they still discriminate against him because of his Russian accent. The fact that discrimination and racism can be very subtle and even non-verbal at times means that we need to work hard to prove ourselves at all times. Minorities are undervalued and may not have the same privileges as our Canadian counterpart, but we can still require respect in the work place or in school. The anti-harassment and discrimination policyis design to support us in this regard.

#5) CHANGE OF A LIFESTYLE

#5) CHANGE OF A LIFESTYLE

Canadian customs may be different from what your used to, but there are a few customs you may not be aware of. For example, it is customary to call and make an appointment to visit someone at there home, showing up unannounced is considered impolite. When you arrive make sure it’s on time as Canadians value punctuality, don’t forget to remove your shoes at the door at all times. Never make a comment about a women’s weight if she is over weight, this is considered very disrespectful, you’re better off commenting on weight loss as a compliment. In order to guarantee a successful social integration try to socialize with people outside of your cultural group. I notice a lot of immigrants of all different ethnicities tend to only surround themselves with those from the same cultural background. I understand that meeting with people from the same country you’re from is human nature, you have a lot in common such as: language, culture, or religion. But it is equally important to integrate into society by not segregating your self. Spending time with people from other cultures is a good chance for others to learn about your culture and break the barriers that cause discrimination.

As you can see here, in the western part of the world things are not always what is seems. We may not have smoke and mirrors like a magician but we do a pretty good job at creating the illusion that we live the ideal perfect life. Make sure to prepare yourself by weighing the pros and cons. Now that you have this knowledge what are you going to do about it? Share this article with someone you know and create awareness through education because knowledge is power.

Travel,Study,Job Placement and Visa Services

Travel,Study,Job Placement and Visa Services.Virginfield Tourism is a complete Travel & Tourism, Education, Human Resources Solutions,Job Placement, Visa and Immigration service-providing outfit headquartered in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. We are based in UK, South Africa, USA, Canada, Botswana and having overseas partners.Our services are below:Study AbroadFlight TrainingInternational Job PlacementVisa & Immigration ServicesCustomized Travel/Tour PackagesWe assure you 100 % assistance. For more information, visit www.virginfieldtourism.comVirginfield Tourism UK (A division of York Holdings Ltd)Durham Street, Portsmouth, WL4 1XB, EnglandTel: +44 703 174 7502 Tel: +44 703 174 7281 Fax: +44 700 609 1535Web: www.virginfieldtourism.com Email:info@virginfieldtourism.com

Travel,Study,Job Placement and Visa Services.Virginfield Tourism is a complete Travel & Tourism, Education, Human Resources Solutions,Job Placement, Visa and Immigration service-providing outfit headquartered in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. We are based in UK, South Africa, USA, Canada, Botswana and having overseas partners.Our services are below:Study AbroadFlight TrainingInternational Job PlacementVisa & Immigration ServicesCustomized Travel/Tour PackagesWe assure you 100 % assistance. For more information, visit www.virginfieldtourism.comVirginfield Tourism UK (A division of York Holdings Ltd)Durham Street, Portsmouth, WL4 1XB, EnglandTel: +44 703 174 7502 Tel: +44 703 174 7281 Fax: +44 700 609 1535Web: www.virginfieldtourism.com Email:info@virginfieldtourism.com

Travel,Study,Job Placement and Visa Services.Virginfield Tourism is a complete Travel & Tourism, Education, Human Resources Solutions,Job Placement, Visa and Immigration service-providing outfit headquartered in Portsmouth, United Kingdom. We are based in UK, South Africa, USA, Canada, Botswana and having overseas partners.Our services are below:Study AbroadFlight TrainingInternational Job PlacementVisa & Immigration ServicesCustomized Travel/Tour PackagesWe assure you 100 % assistance. For more information, visit www.virginfieldtourism.comVirginfield Tourism UK (A division of York Holdings Ltd)Durham Street, Portsmouth, WL4 1XB, EnglandTel: +44 703 174 7502 Tel: +44 703 174 7281 Fax: +44 700 609 1535Web: www.virginfieldtourism.com Email:info@virginfieldtourism.com