trades, language rules, permanent residency point system

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/04/21/mind-your-language-or-leave-canada

Starting in July, those deemed by Canadian immigration authorities as low skilled workers under a Provincial Nominee Program are required to take and pass English reading, writing, speaking and listening tests.

Only then can they can obtain or renew their visa or become permanent residents of Canada.

The three-hour $255 test is required for seasonal farm workers, those in the construction trades, fast food, hospitality and many other low-paying jobs that Canadians won’t perform.

“I am from an English-speaking country and I still failed,” Gobay said. “I cannot become a permanent resident or citizen until I pass this test.”

Other trades requiring English-language tests includes: chefs, cooks, butchers, bakers, contractors, machinists, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, carpenters, masonry, librarians, photographers and museum workers.

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D - I personally think Harper's policy is quite short-sighted.
1) Canada is 'hot' for jobs right now, but is not always, and won't always be. We won't always be able to 'cherry-pick' the best foreign workers.
2) Allowing citizenship for short-term job trends ignores the fact that every few years or decades, entire vocations become in/out of demand or go obsolete/ get invented.

D - here is the Ontario government website for the PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) affected by this new policy.

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http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/pnp/index.htm

If you are a foreign worker, you may be able to apply to Opportunities Ontario for nomination as a permanent resident, under the General Category. Opportunities Ontario has a target of 1,000 nominations in 2012. However, it is important to understand that Opportunities Ontario is employer-driven. This means that if you are seeking nomination, you can apply only if:

Your prospective employer has first applied for pre-screening of a position. Investors need to have their investment endorsed.
The position has been approved.
Your prospective employer sends you the employer’s approval letter, Joint Verification form signed by your prospective employer, and Pre-screen Position form. You can then visit the Forms and Guides page of this website to complete and download the nominee application form.

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D - here is a detailed breakdown of Canada's "point system" to work here and become a permanent citizen.

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http://www.kitchenerimmigrationlawyers.ca/index.php?page=permanent_residency

Immigrants can apply under one of five categories for Canadian permanent residence:

1) Skilled Workers
2) Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
3) Business/Investor Immigration
4) Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Immigration
5) Family Sponsorship

Apart from qualifying within the "points system", the applicants must also must meet two other criteria:

The applicants have eligible pre-arranged employment in Canada or Have at least 1 year work experience in a listed designated occupation; and
The applicants have sufficient funds to settle in Canada in accordance with the guideline.
These are not the only criteria used to decide the applicant’s suitability.

The minimum score required by the applicant is 67 out of a total of 100 points. The 6 selection factors are as follows:
(D - I rearranged the order of list by # of points, from high to low.)

1) Education (25 points)
2) Work experience (24 points)
3) Arranged employment (10 points)
4) Proficiency in English and/or French (21 points)
5) Age (10 points)
6) Adaptability (10 points)

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http://www.workpermit.com/canada/points_calculator.htm

1) Education (Maximum 25 points)

PhD, or Master's, AND at least 17 years of full-time study** (total) - 25 points
Two or more university degrees at the Bachelor's level AND at least 15 years of full-time study - 22 points
A two-year university degree at the Bachelor's level AND at least 14 years of full-time study - 20 points
A one-year university degree at the Bachelor's level AND at least 13 years of full-time study - 15 points
A three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 15 years of full-time study - 22 points
A two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 14 years of full-time study - 20 points
A one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 13 years of full-time study - 15 points
A one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship AND at least 12 years of full-time study - 12 points
ompletion of Secondary School/ High School - 5 points
Secondary school (high school) diploma or less - 0 points
* - years of study includes first grade through all post-secondary study. Full-time also includes full-time equivalent study.
(D - I would think part of high school is preferable to none at all. Be nice if the point system would give 1-4 points for education before complete high school. After all, one can complete a Canadian high school diploma via the GED program!)

2) Work Experience (Maximum 21 points)

You must have at least one year of full time experience in the last ten years in a management or professional or highly skilled occupation. These are listed as Skill Type O, Skill Type A or Skill Type B on the National Occupation Classification List. You will find further details in our skilled worker guide.
Once you have confirmed that you meet the above requirements, you can now estimate your points score. You must have a minimum of one year work experience for which you are granted 15 points. You can gain up to a maximum of 21 points for more than four years of work experience.

3) Work Experience (Maximum 21 points)

You must have at least one year of full time experience in the last ten years in a management or professional or highly skilled occupation. These are listed as Skill Type O, Skill Type A or Skill Type B on the National Occupation Classification List. You will find further details in our skilled worker guide.

Once you have confirmed that you meet the above requirements, you can now estimate your points score. You must have a minimum of one year work experience for which you are granted 15 points. You can gain up to a maximum of 21 points for more than four years of work experience.

(D - this one causes much frustration. You need a job to get experience, but you need experience to get a job... Catch-22!!!)

4) Language (21 points)

D - see my earlier blog recently about this. Basically, 14 for one language (English, or French), then another 7 for the other. Practically speaking, there is no everyday-life benefit to speaking French outside of Quebec unless you hope for a bilingual government job.

5) Age - maximum 10 points

Age Points Score
16 or under 0
17 2
18 4
19 6
20 8
21-49 10
50 8
51 6
52 4
53 2
54 and over 0
(D - we are looking for youthful workers to address our old Boomers retiring.)

Other requirements
You have never been convicted of any criminal offencesYou have been convicted of a criminal offence - No Yes not eligible
(D - maybe try a pardon in your home country?)

Have you or any of your immediate family had any serious health problems?
No Yes - not eligible
(D - public health care. We already have ageing Boomers with health problems.)
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6) Adaptability Points
Spouse's or common-law partner's education 3-5 points
Minimum one year of full-time authorized work in Canada 5 points
Minimum two years of full-time authorized post-secondary study in Canada 5 points
Informal job offer in Canada 0
Points received under the Arranged Employment Factor 5 points
Family relationship in Canada 5 points

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D - our federal Conservative government wants to 'fast-track' entrepreneurs now. Changes will be made to ensure money is actually invested here, instead of being sent out of country again.

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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/ottawa-outlines-plans-for-startup-visa/article2406441/

What’s new?

Applicants must prepare a business plan to be vetted by industry groups and venture capitalists for viability. On arrival, entrepreneurs would receive mentorship from organizations that have experience working with startups on how to do business in Canada.

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-targets-high-value-entrepreneurs-with-new-immigration-program/article2363479/?service=mobile

Kenney delivers a speech to ... the immigrant entrepreneur program it shelved last year with a new .... promising a minimum business investment of $200000 in a new or existing business.

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D - this looks tantamount to accepting bribes from the rich in exchange for citizenship. Nonetheless, given the # of new rich in China (for example), this is a cash cow.