Archive Blog Detail
Express Entry
What is the Express Entry Program?
The Express Entry program is a system that assesses skilled immigrants based on a set of specific requirements and attribute points to determine the candidate’s Express Entry score. When a candidate is selected, there are three main categories that candidates can qualify to immigrate to Canada under the skilled category with the Express Entry program.
When you submit your profile online, the system will give you an Express Entry score. Candidates must wait after that to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
The Comprehensive Ranking System
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System?
The Express Entry scoring system allows applicants to score points in 4 different groups.
Group A: Core Human Capital Factors.
This Express Entry score in this section is based on: age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience. You can get 460 to 500 points with this group.
(TABLE)
Group B: Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors.
You can include your spouse or common-law partner in your Express Entry scoring profile. You can accumulate extra Express Entry score points using their education, language skills, and any previous Canadian work experience they may have. You can get a maximum of 40 points with this group.
(TABLE)
Group C: Skills Transferability Factors
You can combine your education, foreign work experience, and strong language skills to get higher Express Entry score points with up to 100 additional points with this group.
(TABLE)
Group D: Additional Points.
Having a sibling living in Canada, good French language proficiency, previous studies in Canada, or arranged employment can give you an extra 600 Express Entry score.
(TABLE)
Combining groups A, B, and C, you can reach a maximum of 600 points, and you can obtain a maximum of additional 600 points under group D.
The total maximum Express Entry scoring with the CRS is 1200 points.
What type of skilled employment qualifies for the Express Entry Program?
Canada has categorized employment in different skill sets. The Canadian National Occupation Classification (NOC) list divides into 3 categories that qualify for the Express Entry scoring. First, you must determine if your past employment experience meets one of the following skill types.
Skill type 0 = Management jobs. This includes jobs in industries like science, manufacturing, construction, business, trades, or even food and beverage. The position can vary from entry-level management to specialized management and qualify as skilled work experience for the Express Entry scoring.
Skill type A = Professional jobs that usually require a university or college degree. Licensed professionals and other highly skilled workers would fall within this skill type of the Express Entry program.
Skill type B = Technical or skilled trades jobs that usually require a college education, specialized or apprenticeship training, or certification. Whether you are a chef, an electrician, or a welder, you can accumulate points for the Express Entry score.
Need help with your Express Entry score? Use our self-assessment tool and get a free assessment.
How can I prepare for my Express Entry score?
The first step.
Determine whether or not your past foreign work experience qualifies as skilled employment for the Express Entry program.
The second step
Determine your language abilities. To determine your proficiency, you will need to complete a language test at your nearest accredited language center. You will be given a language score in the 4 assessments of the test. This score will determine your eligibility for the different immigration programs.
The third step
Get your educational background recognized in Canada. You can complete an application for an Educational Credential Assessment. This will help in determining your points for the Express Entry score.
What happens once the Express Entry scoring is complete and my profile is submitted?
Qualified candidates
Your candidate profile will be placed in a ‘pool of qualified candidates.’ This means that your profile will compete with all of the other candidate profiles in the pool. Express Entry candidate profiles are valid for 12 months and must be re-submitted after the expiration.
Invitation to apply for permanent residence
Every few weeks, the office of the Minister of Immigration issues a CRS score threshold (a minimum express entry score) to send invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The threshold can vary based on a multitude of factors.
Annual immigration targets
Provincial nominations
Labour or skill shortage in a particular field
Retention of in-Canada workers and students.
If you obtain the minimum express entry score or higher, you will most likely receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Need help with your Express Entry score? Take our self-assessment test and see how you can qualify!
Archive Blog Detail
Canadian Work Visa
A work permit is a document permitting you to work in Canada under certain conditions. There are many types of work permits programs available, and each has its own set of conditions to work in Canada.
Work Permits: Conditions to work in Canada.
In Canada, there are 2 types of work permits. There are significant differences between the two types of work permits, so it is essential to understand them both. The two types of work permits are:
Employer-specific work permits
Open Work Permits
For example, an open work permit is given to a foreign worker with fewer conditions to work in Canada. On the other hand, an employer-specific work permit restricts the work activities someone may do in Canada.
Let’s take a closer look.
Employer-Specific Work Permits
Employer-specific work permits limit you to work for a specific employer only. It does not allow you to look for any jobs while in Canada. Instead, your employer in Canada will need to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document employers in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It ensures that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job and grants permission to employ foreign workers. Therefore, you can apply for a work visa for Canada.
Applying for a work visa for Canada for a specific employer will allow you to work in Canada with a set of conditions included on the work permit. The conditions to work in Canada include the following:
- The name of the employer;
- The duration of the work permit;
- The province of residence.
You must find employment before applying for a work visa for Canada. Also, your employer must complete and apply for an LMIA. You will be provided with a copy of the LMIA once it is issued and a copy of your official employment offer letter. Both documents have to be included with your application for a work visa for Canada.
Open Work Permits
Open-work permits allow you to work freely for any employer in Canada, but these permits are granted only under certain conditions. So let’s take a closer look.
There are different types of open work permits in Canada; however, not everyone can apply. An open work permit may be granted based on two regulations:
International agreements or arrangements
Canadian interests
International agreements
Canada has bilateral immigration programs with other countries that allow simplified immigration mobility. For example, Canada and Vietnam signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP agreement aims at helping investors, intra-company transferees, and other professionals to gain status in Canada.
Canadian interests
Canada welcomes individuals who intend to perform work to create and maintain significant economic or cultural benefits for Canada. The program also supports reciprocal agreements with other countries for academic and professional research exchange programs.
For example, suppose someone is applying under the Canadian visa startup program and wish to start a business while waiting for the permanent residence visa. In that case, an open work permit may be issued for a limited time for the person to start their business activities in Canada.
Also, accompanying spouses of international students and foreign workers can apply for an open work permit and access the Canadian labor market for the same duration as the permit issue to their spouse.
Not sure if you qualify to apply for a work visa for Canada? Take our self-assessment test today!
Archive Blog Detail
Apply For a Work Visa
What are the requirements to apply for a work visa in Canada?
When you apply for a work visa for Canada, you must meet the following program requirements:
Genuineness of your employment offer in Canada
Effectively, this means that the visa officer processing your case must be satisfied that the job offered to you is genuine and that you intend to work legitimately in Canada. Also, the job offer must not be provided to you solely for you to immigrate to Canada.
Compliance with the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements
An LMIA includes specific needs regarding the qualifications, education, and work experience required for a foreign worker’s position. Before you apply for a work visa for Canada, make sure that you meet all of the requirements listed for the job.
Admissibility to Canada
Canada protects the health and safety of all Canadians. Therefore, you will need to demonstrate that:
You do not have a criminal record in any countries you have previously lived
You do not have a health condition that can be dangerous to Canadians or put an unreasonable hardship on the Canadian health system.
What documents will I need to apply for a work visa for Canada?
Here are some of the primary documents you will need to provide.
Your passport that is valid for the length of your employment in Canada;
A copy of the Employment Offer Letter from the Canadian employer;
A copy of the valid LMIA;
A police certificate for every country you have lived in for 6 months or more, in the past 10 years;
Copy of a medical examination. This can be done before applying, or you could wait for the visa office to request the exam from you;
All of the application forms completed and signed;
Proof of payment;
Proof of your spouse work or study permit in Canada (for accompanying spouses applying for open work permits);
Once you meet all of the conditions to work in Canada, you must submit your passport to the visa office and receive your visa. You will also receive a letter authorizing you to obtain your work permit when you arrive in Canada.
Ready to apply? Take our self-assessment test today, and let us help you!
Archive Blog Detail
Skilled Employment
Canada has a very diverse economy wherein millions of people are employed in jobs of all sorts. Canada is a place where people of all academic and professional backgrounds can strive to achieve great things. When you apply for a work visa for Canada, you’re unlocking a bright new professional future.
Did you know that many of the jobs found in Canada can lead you to qualify for a permanent resident for you and your family? That’s right. You could immigrate to Canada under one of the skilled categories when you meet the required work experience.
What type of jobs can qualify for the permanent residence visa?
Not all jobs are classified equally. For example, some jobs may not qualify you for permanent residence in Canada, especially at entry-level or requiring low skills. The Government of Canada uses the National Occupation Classification list to classify the different employment types.
Jobs in the NOC categories 0, A, or B only can qualify for you to immigrate to Canada under one of the skilled categories. See the chart below.
Skill type 0 = Management jobs. This includes science, manufacturing, construction, business, trades, or even food and beverage jobs. The position can vary from entry-level to specialized management and qualify as skilled work experience for the Express Entry scoring.
Skill type A = Professional jobs that usually require a university or college degree. Highly skilled workers and licensed professionals would fall within this skill type of the Express Entry program.
Skill type B = Technical or skilled trades jobs that usually require a college education or specialized apprenticeship training such as plumbers or electricians. You can accumulate points in the Express Entry scoring system for these types of jobs.
Before you apply for your new job and apply for a work visa for Canada, make sure to review the job description and compare it with the NOC list. This can save you time and effort if your goal is to work and eventually immigrate to Canada.
How do I know my job falls within the correct category?
Use the NOC list and search for your intended job. Use keywords that are simple to use and review the possible job match from the list. Once you have found the closest job definition on the NOC list, look at the classification and see if your employment falls within the categories 0, A, or B.
Can I still work in Canada even though my job is not listed in the 3 categories?
Yes, you can. Not having a job within the NOC categories 0, A, or B skills sets does not mean you cannot apply for a work visa for Canada. If you intend on taking a lower-skill job in Canada, your work permit will permit you to work in Canada legally. You will not be able to count this work experience for permanent residence, but if you intend on staying in Canada permanently, you can still do so if you find a new job that falls within the 3 categories.
Are you looking for help understanding these procedures? Let us help you. Contact us today!
Archive Blog Detail
Housing
What are my housing options in Canada?
Finding a place to live, no matter where you are in the world, is not easy, not to mention finding a place to live in a country you have not yet arrived in; however, it’s not impossible. Therefore, before your departure to Canada, it is good to look around the housing market and available housing options that appeal to your lifestyle.
To help commence your searches for the types of housing options available in Canada, below are commonly available that will significantly vary in prices depending on surrounding amenities, lifestyle, and budget.
Duplex
For singles, couples, or families, duplexes are a great option to keep costs low and still enjoy the spaciousness of a house that often comes with a backyard. Duplex houses are residential buildings commonly owned by individuals who live on a separate half of an entire house. Duplexes consist of two different living units within one house, including an individual dining room, a kitchen, private bathrooms, and bedrooms. Duplexes can be found in both cosmopolitan cities and the outskirts of major cities. At the same time, duplexes located within the major cities tend to be much smaller, lessening the number of bedrooms available. In addition, as a tenant living in a duplex, tenants must maintain the property’s exterior as part of the contract agreement, such as cutting lawn or water flowers or trees. Therefore, choosing to rent a duplex in a smaller city is a great option and usually cheaper than an apartment in most cases.
Townhouse
A style of home that is available throughout Canada is townhouses. Townhouses are multi-floored homes that are adjacent to another property with separate entrances. Townhouses tend to have their own community that has a mix of singles, couples, and families. Depending on the location, townhouses usually have a small shared backyard, a private garage, and possibly shared amenities such as a pool or small gym. Unlike duplexes, townhouses have management fees to take care of exterior maintenance of the property, like mowing the lawn or shoveling snow from driveways and roads.
Entire Home
In non-major cities, entire homes have affordable rental pricing that is perfect for families or multiple tenants. Entire homes generally have between three to five bedrooms, a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and a large fenced-in backyard that often has automated irrigation systems to water plants and lawns. Opposed to the other options in this list, entire homes require extensive exterior maintenance, and electricity bills can be expensive during winter and summer months for central heating or cooling. If you plan to live in a major city, renting an entire house can quickly be one of your most significant monthly expenses; therefore, if you wish to rent a house, we recommend this option only if living in smaller cities.
Apartment
Apartments are widely available in all major cities and are often the first choice for singles or couples due to the lower cost of rentals. Apartments in major cities usually come in two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a balcony, shared underground parking, and sometimes a pool or gym. In smaller cities, apartments are also available; however, it can take some time to find suitable living arrangements based on your preferred location and surrounding amenities.
For more information on life in Canada, visit our blogs section.
Archive Blog Detail
Business Culture
Business culture is a topic often not commonly spoken about. Learning a new culture, let alone a work culture, can be a steep learning curve. Due to Canada’s large influx of immigration from all nationalities worldwide, choosing to apply for a work visa in Canada is a unique business destination to experience many working cultures all in one country. However, with all these cultures, what is the Canadian work culture like?
To understand and make your transition into Canadian society easier to adapt to, we’ve developed an overview of what it’s like to work in Canadian work culture.
What makes Canadian business culture unique?
Hierarchical Order
In Canadian society, there is a significant value placed on equal rights and opportunities for all people. This sort of mentality allows employees and managers to present their viewpoints or knowledge without the concern of an idea being disregarded. In Canada, business values operate on convenience, making directors or managers accessible to speak to internally whenever needed. Managers in Canadian society value and rely on individual employees or their teams to work towards problems together. It is pretty standard for managers to meet regularly with other staff members to share and discuss information freely. Therefore, a good rule of thumb to communicate with others is to be straightforward when exchanging information.
Individualist Society
Canada is very much an individualist society. In the workplace, employees and managers are expected to take the initiative and are self-reliant on their everyday work tasks. If employees wish to climb the ladder in a company, internal promotions are based on work ethics and evidence of what an employee can do or has done.
Work Performance
In Canada, society has a ‘work hard, play hard mentality. Working in Canadian society means work-life balance is predominant, and employers encourage their employees to enjoy time with families and friends, embark on personal interests, and enjoy life. However, it’s important to note that although there is a work-life balance, Canadian’s are hard workers and strive to attain high performance within the workplace and everyday life.
Innovation
Working in Canada, proposing new ideas, and the willingness to try new things are openly accepted in all business areas. It’s essential while working in Canada to adopt a mindset to share opinions and ideas, which is expected and encouraged by employers. Canadians are less emotionally expressive and have a more relaxed rule approach in the workplace due to the open-mindedness of being encouraged to share.
Time Management
In Canadian society, being punctual and respecting others’ time is highly valued. It is pretty common to arrive 15 minutes before a meeting and have everything prepared beforehand. It’s crucial to adhere to the scheduled meeting times from start to finish. Showing up at the scheduled time is highly frowned upon and can easily cause complications with your employer if it happens too often.
Titles and Greetings
It is common for both men and women to greet one another with a handshake, followed by a short personal and company introduction in Canada. Using words like “Mr.” or “Mrs.” or if in the french speaking workplace, “Monsieur” or “Madame” followed by their last name is standard practice in corporate business settings. Once a meeting has finished, always be sure to thank them for their time.
For more information on life in Canada and Canadian culture, visit our blog section.
Archive Blog Detail
10-Year Canadian Visa Program
Canadian tourist visa: What you need to know.
The 10-year Canadian visa program is the most common and well-known Canadian tourist visa type. Travelers are eligible for a multiple entry visa that can be valid for up to 10 years. The Canadian tourist visa will be issued for maximum validity in most cases, but the validity can be less in others. Why? The most common reason is the validity of the applicant’s passport.
Expert insights: when applying for a 10-year Canadian visa, make sure to renew your passport to its entire validity. This will ensure that your Canadian visa can be issued to full validity.
How can I apply for a 10-year Canadian Visa?
Applying for a 10-year Canadian visa is relatively simple. However, as part of your Canadian tourist visa application, you will need to demonstrate the following.
- Previous travel history: if you have travelled to other countries, you are more likely to get a 10-year Canadian visa. You can start by traveling to other developed Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, or Singapore. If you successfully got a European, United States, or Australia visa, you may have a higher chance of obtaining your Canadian tourist visa.
- Ties to their home country: you can demonstrate that you have strong family ties in Vietnam, that you have employment that authorized your vacation, and that you must return to work. For those who own a business in Vietnam, demonstrating that you have to return to your business activities can help establish your ties to your home country.
- Economic establishment: you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial establishment and available funds to support yourself during your travels. You may use proof of employment and income, bank statements, and proof of other assets.
- Purpose of visit: To get your 10-year Canadian visa, you must demonstrate that the purpose of the visit is legitimate and, most importantly, that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay in Canada.
What documents do I need to provide to qualify for the 10-year Canadian visa?
When you apply for a Canadian tourist visa, you must provide a few documents to demonstrate that you meet the requirements.
- A copy of your valid passport;Proof of your previous international travels. This can be demonstrated with e-Visa, passport stamps, and other visas;
- All of the required application forms, completed and signed, along with a proof of payment of the fees for the Canadian tourist visa;
- Proof of employment, or evidence of business registration;
- Proof of income, proof of savings, and any other assets (house, car, etc.) you possess.
Archive Blog Detail
‘CAN+’ 10-year Canadian Visa Program
The CAN+ Canadian tourist visa is a program that facilitates the Canadian tourist visa application procedure. Applicants who have travelled to Canada in the 10 years preceding the date of application for a Canadian tourist visa or who hold a valid United States tourist visa can apply under this program.
The program allows for expedited processing and also alleviates the need to provide financial proof documentation.
What documents do I need to provide to qualify for the CAN+ visa?
For your application for the Canadian tourist visa to be complete, you will need:
- A copy of your valid passport;
- Proof of your previous travels, past Canadian visa and travel or evidence of your current valid US visa;
- All of the required application forms completed and signed;
- Proof of payment of the fees for the Canadian tourist visa.
Processing time for the CAN+ Canadian tourist visa is 5 business days. With the CAN+ 10-year Canadian Visa, you will be on your way to Canada in no time!
Let us help you. Take our self-assessment test today.
Apply for your visa today! Ignite your dreams; go further!
Archive Blog Detail
Parents & Grandparents Super Visa
Canada understands the importance of family relationships and the contribution that parents and grandparents make to the family unit. For that reason, the government has put in place a Canadian tourist visa application procedure that allows you to visit your children or grandchildren for up to 2 years at a time. In addition, the super visa is a multiple entry Canadian tourist visa that is also valid for up to 10 years.
The super visa is not for everyone. To qualify, applicants must meet a set of more specific requirements to be granted the super visa. For example, your child or grandchild in Canada must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to invite you to apply for this 10-year Canadian visa. So if your family member in Canada is on a student or work permit, you will not be eligible for this visa.
What are the requirements to apply for the super visa?
The 10-year Canadian super visa allows for more extended stays in Canada for periods of 2 years at a time. To benefit from these long periods of stay, you must demonstrate:
- Your child or grandchild is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen;
- You purchased medical insurance for your travels to Canada. The policy must be at least 1 year in duration and have a minimum coverage of CAD $100,000.00;
- Your child or grandchild must meet the minimum income based on their family composition. This can be proven by submitting their Canadian income tax declarations and letters of employment;
- You will need to complete an immigration medical examination.
What documents do I need to apply for the super visa?
You will need to provide proof of the following documents:
- A copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or name change certificate;
- A copy of your child’s birth certificate or your grandchild and your child’s birth certificate;
- A letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada. The letter must offer a promise of financial support for yourself and your accompanying dependents;
- A copy of a valid police certificate issued from the Vietnamese government;
- Proof of the required health and medical insurance;
- Copy of your immigration medical examination receipt;
- Your valid passport;
- Finally, the completed and signed application forms and payment receipt.
At Phan Immigration, we can make the application process easy for you. Contact us today!.
Archive Blog Detail
Business Visitors
What is a business visitor?
Most people would not think that coming to Canada for business could qualify them for a 10-year Canadian visa. But, in fact, in Canadian terminology, a tourist is considered a visitor; therefore, a business visitor would also fall under the same category of visas and can qualify for the 10-year Canadian visa.
What is considered a business visitor?
A business visitor is someone who is coming to Canada temporarily to take part in international business activities.
A business visitor will not enter the Canadian labour market. Instead, they will come to Canada to expand their business relationships, invest or look for ways to grow their business with Canadian partners.
If you are a business owner and dream of expanding your operations to a country like Canada, the 10-year Canadian business visa can be right for you!
How can I qualify for the business 10-year Canadian Visa?
To qualify as a business visitor, you must demonstrate the following:
- You intend to visit Canada for no more than 6 months;
- You do not want to enter the Canadian labour market, in other words, to work in Canada in a job that can be held by a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident;
- Your primary source of income or profit comes from outside Canada.
You will have to demonstrate that you legitimately own a business in Vietnam and provide proof of business financial documentation.
What document do I need to apply for the 10-year Canadian business visa?
To apply, you will need to gather the following documents:
- A copy of your business license, taxation documents, and financial statements;
- Proof of your incomes, profit, and savings;
- A copy of your valid passport;
- Letter of invitation of the Canadian company you intend to meet in Canada;
- The application forms, completed and signed, and the proof of payment receipt.
We understand the importance of international business opportunities. So let us accompany you on your new business journey in Canada. Contcact us today!