How British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee

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British Columbia is definitely one of the most popular provinces in Canada, thanks to its picturesque views, diverse culture, and thriving economy, among others. Every passing year, 40,000 more immigrants get to enjoy its beauty. This province is actually the second-highest area in Canada when it comes to the number of immigrants welcomed each year, with Ontario narrowly taking the lead.

If you or someone you know is looking to immigrate to British Columbia, there are three pathways offered by the BC Provincial Nominee Program that you can consider to achieve permanent residency. 

To help you understand how it works, your trusted immigration advisor shares some helpful information:

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program Overview

If you compare it to most other Canadian provinces, British Columbia’s program is actually more inclusive and offers more variety. There are three pathways that are open for those who want to seek permanent residency in this particular Canadian province:

BC PNP Express Entry

BC PNP Express Entry works in alignment with the Federal Express Entry System. It provides opportunities to certain skilled workers and professionals. This program offers the same to graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions and postgraduate degree holders from British Columbian institutions who want to gain accelerated immigration to the province.

BC PNP Skilled Immigration

For those who possess the specific skills that the province is looking for, this pathway is the perfect opportunity to immigrate to Canada. Those specific skills that the government is looking for are needed to fill the shortage of workers in various key economic fields. Similar to the CRS system, the BC Skills Immigration Registration System or SIRS also ranks potential candidates depending on various factors.

Entrepreneurial Immigration

The third pathway for immigration to British Columbia is created to entice talented entrepreneurial immigrants with high net worth to move to Canada. The goal is to have them open and operate their own businesses in the province of British Columbia. It provides the perfect opportunity to gain permanent residency in British Columbia as a business owner who is either starting a new business or expanding an existing one.

On top of these three pathways, BC PNP has also reintroduced and extended a Tech Pilot Program from 2017 that gives an opportunity for individuals with skills that are in demand to be fast-tracked for immigration. Mostly, these are applicants with impressive skills in the field of technology. There’s also a Regional Pilot program for entrepreneurial immigration to various regional communities.

Most In-Demand Skills in the BC Provincial Nominee Program

From the list of occupations for the Skilled Worker NOC, 35% is from the top 10 fields. These numbers have seen a bit of a shift from years before, seeing remarkable increases in the field of foodservice like restaurants, retail, and tech.

In 2019, the Tech Pilot program made up 23% of BC PNPs, which is significantly higher than the number in 2017. Some of the industries covered by this program include computer systems managers, engineering disciplines, and web developers among others.

Conclusion

There are some great opportunities in British Columbia awaiting qualified immigrants. You can choose from any of the three mentioned streams when you apply. Each of these streams has its own system and it can be confusing to some. A reliable Canada immigration consultant can help you navigate the entire process.

Bright Immigration is a Canada immigration company that can answer any of your immigration-related questions and help you through your application process. Contact our experts today to find out how we can help you.

Why the IRCC is Lowering the CRS Required

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On February 13, 2021, Canada reported that the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 27,332 ITAs or Invitations to Apply after slashing down the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to 75. In the first quarter of that year, the CIC issued 44,124 ITAs, which has made it the most notable quarter since the launch in 2015.

To get a better understanding of the situation, here is what you need to know about Express Entry.

Express Entry Explained: Canada’s Immigration System

Canada’s immigration authority, the IRCC, created a system on immigration in 2015 that allowed skilled workers to enter the country. The process involves accepting ITAs and getting qualified workers that meet the minimum CRS score of 100. 

This system made it possible for the government to welcome large numbers of immigrants—341,175 in 2019 alone. But due to the global pandemic, they only welcomed 184,370 in 2020. 

Why Slash the CRS Score to 75?

Immigration is a good source of income for the Canadian economy. With more people paying taxes and more skilled workers filling necessary positions, a lot of businesses are now involved in welcoming immigrants to the country. 

With fewer immigrants entering the country in 2020, the Canadian government is now scrambling to make up for those numbers by targeting a large number of immigrants in the next three years. Lowering the minimum CRS gives skilled immigrants more opportunities to enter the country.

What this Means for the Economy

The Conference Board of Canada agrees with the government’s decision to lower the minimum CRS. The long-term benefits will help the country improve more quickly, and more businesses can benefit from more workers coming in. 

Concerns about skills were also taken into accord. Now that the scores are lower than usual, will the people coming in be capable enough to work in the country? The board believes that these immigrants will do well in Canada despite the lower minimum score. There are, after all, many ways that people can be assets in the country.

What this Means for Immigrants

The target number of the Canadian government for immigrants is much higher than ever before. This would be the time to give it a shot if you had plans to move there. The qualifications will still depend on employers, but rest assured that achieving the CRS minimum will be less difficult. 

As part of preventing the spread of COVID-19, every immigrant will have to go through safety protocols when they arrive in the country. Safety is still a priority that the government takes seriously. 

Conclusion

While the pandemic has brought about difficult times in every country, the Canadian economy needs to make a transition to improve after the pandemic subsides. Canada’s ambitious goal of 400,000 immigrants is just one of the many things that the government wants to achieve to improve the economy despite the challenges of COVID.

Immigrating to Canada can be quite stressful if you’re doing it on your own. Bright Immigration is a team of Canada immigration consultants that can help you process your immigration with quality legal care. 

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

How Does Business Immigration Improve

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There are many supporters of technological innovation as the driving force of the global economy. This is understandable due to the growing boom of eCommerce and other affected industries due to the global pandemic’s restrictions on several markets. Even in Canada, many sectors, from food production to textile fabrication, continue to improve due to game-changing technology. Nevertheless, the output of these establishments is largely reliant on the impact of immigrant workers.

Although Canada is in a prime position to compete with other giants globally, human resources are simply not enough to sustain high demands. This is why Canada has a variety of business immigration methods that appeal specifically to new immigrants. It’s an initiative to attract new talent and to combat the persistent low supply of local workers.

The value of business immigration 

Immigrants play a crucial role in supporting local businesses and the economy’s development. This is why Canada has a rigorous and streamlined immigration process that involves different categories of immigrant classes. While other nations are restricting access to foreign citizenship, Canada is committing its efforts to win over the hearts of talented individuals. It’s a strategy that continues to remain effective to this day.

Among the four immigrant classes that arrive in Canada, the business and economic class immigrants account for over 60% of new Canadians yearly. It’s a staggering amount of new citizens that bring in in-demand skillsets for particular industries. More immigrants also drive growth in increased interest in investments, development of more jobs, and development of local communities.

The impact of immigrant-owned businesses

Immigrant-owned businesses hold a humble chunk of the economy, with over 17% of locally owned businesses. However, these establishments also account for 25% of job creation. This mainly comes from the development of immigrant-owned businesses that cater to specialized services, expand locally-offered products, and diversify the market. Besides increasing job opportunities for Canadians, these immigrant-borne businesses also develop high-employment opportunities in niche professional, scientific and retail trade fields. Additionally, immigrant-owned companies have a much greater survival rate than Canadian-born establishments, with over 58% still in operation after reaching beyond seven years.

The implementation of robust immigration standards

Part of what makes Canadian citizenship appealing is the strong government support toward different quality-of-life processes. Accessible healthcare, low corporate taxes, and welcoming communities make it a viable place as a new start for foreign nationals. This is what keeps Canada at the top spot of accepting immigrant workers competitively on an international scale.

Although immigrants play a crucial role in Canada’s economic growth, that doesn’t mean that its immigration processes don’t have robust policies for admission. Among the hundreds of thousands of immigrants that apply for work permits or temporary visas, only a handful get accepted into recommended talent pools. This is why competition is tough and requires rigorous planning for aspiring individuals who want a future within Canada’s borders. Thankfully, you can secure the services of Canadian immigration agencies to smoothen all the requirements and preparations you’ll need when sending your application.

Conclusion

It can be comforting to realize the progression that technological advancements bring to modern society. Thanks to the convenience of modern technology, many processes, including immigration applications, are made much easier to access and accomplish. However, human resources still stand as the premier asset of a country’s economy. After all, it’s a nation’s people that provide, maintain, and contribute to economic growth.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Our Guide to Spousal Sponsorship in Canada

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If you and your fiancé are hoping to start your married life together in Canada and only one of you is a citizen or a permanent resident, then you can pursue spousal sponsorship under the family class sponsorship program. Under this program, a citizen or a permanent resident can sponsor someone they are married to, their common-law partner, or conjugal partner as long as they are a foreigner. Same-sex spouses and partners are also eligible for the program and are recognized and protected by Canadian laws. Additionally, dependent children can enter Canada through this program.

However, if you are in Quebec and are interested in sponsoring someone for this program, you will have to apply through the Quebec Family Class Program. To understand the process better and enjoy a seamless experience, be sure to contact immigration consultants in Canada.

Here is what you need to know about spousal sponsorship in Canada:

The Definition of a Spouse

First, it is crucial to define who qualifies as a spouse under this program. A spouse is an individual who is legally married to another person. If the couple married in Canada, then the applicant must present a province or territory-issued marriage certificate to prove that the ceremony lawfully took place. 

However, if the couple married in a different country, then the marriage must be recognized as valid by that country’s government and Canadian law. On the other hand, if the marriage occurred at an embassy or consulate, it must abide by the country’s laws where the ceremony took place and not by the laws the embassy or consulate represents. Regardless, it must still be considered valid by Canadian law.

Same-sex spouses are also recognized under this definition, although with a few caveats. For instance, if the couple was married outside of Canada, the country must legally recognize it. 

The Definition of a Common-Law Partner

Common-law partners can also immigrate to Canada under spousal sponsorship. A common-law partner is defined as a couple that has cohabitated or lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one straight year. The definition extends to same-sex common-law partners as well.

The 12-month period must be continuous and uninterrupted, save for short absences for valid reasons, such as business or family obligations.

The Definition of a Conjugal Partner

Conjugal partners cover couples who cannot qualify as spouses or common-law partners due to extraordinary circumstances outside of their control. Those in a conjugal relationship are deeply committed to each other, displaying the same level of commitment as a married couple or those in a common-law partnership.

To qualify under this category, conjugal partners must have maintained a conjugal relationship for at least one year. They must have been prevented from marrying or living together due to circumstances beyond their control, like immigration obstacles, marital status, and sexual orientation. However, couples that could have cohabitated but chose not to will not qualify as conjugal partners. 

The Conditional Permanent Resident Period

Individuals sponsored under this program must cohabitate in a legitimate relationship with their sponsor for at least 24 months, starting when they receive their Canadian permanent residency. Otherwise, they will risk losing their status.

The conditional permanent resident period applies to couples who do not have common children. It also applies to those who are married for two years or less, dated for four years and have been married for two years or less, been in a conjugal relationship for two years or less, or who have cohabited in a common-law relationship for two years or less.

Conclusion

Spousal sponsorship is a great way to bring your long-term partner to Canada, especially if you have demonstrated your commitment to each other for several years. By using this guide and consulting a Canada immigration agency, you’ll find the easiest way to immigrate to the country.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

4 Things You Need to Know If You Want to Move to Canada

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It’s not surprising that many people from all over the world want to move to Canada considering that the country constantly makes the list of the world’s happiest countries. Now, before you start Googling “the easiest way to immigrate to Canada” there are a few things that you have to consider if you want to move to the Great White North.

To help you get a better idea of things, we’ve prepared a list of the four most essential bits of information that you’ll definitely need to know if you want to move to Canada!

Immigration Options

The first thing you have to address is immigration. Canada is one of the most welcoming countries in the world when it comes to immigration. This is why Canada is considered to be one of the most multicultural countries in the world.

So what are your options when it comes to immigration? Well, this can be rather easy if you’re already currently working in Canada, as you can make use of the Canadian Experience Class program that allows individuals that are working in the country to become permanent residents. If you’re a skilled worker the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Federal Skilled Workers Program might be your best bet as these programs offer skilled individuals a chance to apply for permanent residence. If you need help determining the best route to take when it comes to immigration, you should definitely inquire with our Canada immigration consultants.

Climate

While most people are aware that Canada can get pretty cold, what many don’t know is that the country’s climate is actually pretty diverse. The type of climate that you’ll experience is determined by where you plan on settling down once you move to Canada.

The climate in Canada’s coastal regions can be pretty moderate, as the temperature runs at around 20-30°C during summer. Now, this doesn’t mean that the country’s winters are to be taken lightly. Canada’s winter season can be pretty harsh if you aren’t prepared for it as the temperature can drop to -25°C during the winter season.

Languages

When it comes to languages, French and English are considered to be Canada’s official languages. Now, it’s important to note that French isn’t spoken throughout the entire country. Generally speaking, the further west of Canada you go the less French is spoken.

Now, it’s important to note that learning French is pretty much a requirement if you’re planning to move to Quebec as it is a predominantly French speaking province. Your options will be rather limited if you’re looking for a province that’s bilingual, as New Brunswick is the only province that’s officially bilingual in the entirety of Canada.

Cost of Living

Lastly, you’ll have to take the cost of living in Canada into consideration before moving there. Now, what you have to understand about this is that the cost of living varies drastically between cities. When it comes to the highest cost of living, Toronto and Ottawa are the most expensive cities to live in. 

Now, one important factor to consider when looking at cost of living is the many benefits that come with being a resident of Canada. The Canadian government provides free essential medical services to permanent residents of the country. This alone could potentially offset the cost of living even in the most expensive cities in the country.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article helps you figure out whether or not you want to move to Canada. It’s important that you take all of the information included in this article into consideration before making any decisions, as this isn’t something that should be taken lightly.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

How to Sponsor a Conjugal Partner to Canada Our Guide

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Canada has been a welcoming place for immigrants seeking refuge or opportunities that they don’t have elsewhere. There are different types of sponsorships available for people outside. One that is liberal in a sense is the conjugal partner sponsorship programme, which is different from bringing in a spouse.

What is the Conjugal Partner Sponsorship Programme?

This programme is meant for the people outside the country that intend to immigrate to the country but have no legally binding relationship due to uncontrollable circumstances.

Conjugal Partner vs. Spouse Sponsorship

A conjugal partner is someone who has been in a relationship with the sponsoring Canadian national or permanent resident for no less than a year. The Canadian government recognizes that some obstacles may hinder the two from marriage, such as the laws from the outside country, religion, or sexual orientation. 

Here are some common circumstances that can classify as a case of conjugal sponsorship:

  • Both parties are tied to each other financially, socially, or emotionally
  • The two are not married to each other but have been in a relationship for a year with plans to elope
  • The two have a child together out of wedlock
  • They are unable to wed due to gender laws in the outside countries

The law does not discriminate against conjugal partners due to ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or social status.

Factors that Makes You Eligible to Sponsor a Conjugal Partner

The only people allowed to bring in a conjugal partner is a Canadian national or permanent resident. “Sexual” or “physical” aspects aren’t necessary for the relationship to be classified as valid. There will be screenings to determine the legitimacy of your relationship.

The sponsor should also be over the age of eighteen and must sign an agreement that they can take care of the conjugal partner for three years. That includes providing them with all the basic necessities such as food, shelter, and health care outside of the Canadian public health care system.

Financial stability will also play a factor. The court will review the sponsor’s LICO (low-income cut-off) score to see if they can handle such responsibility. 

Factors that Disqualifies You from Sponsoring a Conjugal Partner

Besides missing the marks in the basic qualifications, the court will also look at the sponsor’s history and public records.

Filing for bankruptcy is one red flag that can deem one unqualified to take care of a conjugal partner. During the period of their stay, they will be heavily dependent on you. The inability to even take care of yourself disqualifies you from taking care of someone else. 

Another assessment to go under is the nature of the relationship. It should be continuous before bringing them over. If it is beyond monogamous, it can also be a disqualification.

And finally, criminal history of violence or abuse can disqualify a sponsor from bringing someone overseas.

Conclusion

Canada’s conjugal sponsorship programme has become an emerging popular type of sponsorship in immigration. It is certainly a liberal way of looking at immigration, mainly since the grounds aren’t limited to anything binding with the law. But before you go ahead and sponsor a conjugal partner to Canada, make sure you get all the advice you can get from immigration experts.

Are you trying to sponsor a conjugal partner to Canada? Then schedule a chat with the most helpful immigration consultants in Toronto. Bright Immigration is a team of professional consultants that can give you helpful insights into how things go and lend a hand with the process. Contact us today!

Canadian Super Visas: A Guide to What You Should Know

In recent years, the idea of migrating to Canada (or visiting) has become more feasible than ever thanks to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCCs) continuous efforts to welcome as many people as possible. From families keen on reuniting with one another to long-distance couples looking to close their gap, anyone wanting to move to the Great White North is free to do so.

Now, while it may be obvious that moving to Canada is one of the best things you can do in your lifetime, there are some instances where not everyone will want to make the permanent trip with you. In your family’s case, your parents and grandparents may not necessarily have the same enthusiasm that you do for moving into the country because they can get homesick. Thankfully, they can still visit you with ease because there’s one type of visa that will make matters a lot easier: Super visas.

What are super visas?

Super visas are a class of multiple-entry visitor visas that are specifically provided to both parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

With the help of this documentation, holders are allowed to stay in the country for up to two years at a time without needing to renew their status. However, once you help your elderly loved one secure a super visa, it’s worth noting that it classifies them as a temporary resident (unless they make the decision to move, which is when you’ll need to sponsor them for permanent residency).

How is it different from a visitor visa?

Given that many are still unfamiliar about super visas, it’s quite common to have all sorts of applicants and relatives confuse it for a regular visitor visa. Let’s go over some of the most distinct differences between these two permanent residency applications in further detail: 

Availability: Visitor visas are a much more widely available option than their “super” counterparts since they can be applied for and used by anyone looking to stay in Canada. On the other hand, super visas are strictly reserved for parents and grandparents of citizens and permanent residents ONLY.

Duration: Super visas allow their holders to stay up to two years in the country. On the contrary, the visitor counterpart is valid for a stay of up to six months maximum, though that can be renewed.

Renewal: With the option in question, a holder will get to stay in Canada for up to two years without needing to apply for an extension. On the other hand, Visitor visas will require their holders to apply for an extension at the end of six months. 

How you can apply for one on behalf of a loved one

Thanks to the constant advancement that the CIC has committed to uphold in recent years, the application process for a super visa is easier than ever.

To apply for yourself or an elderly loved one, you’ll need to simply head online or submit a paper-based application. In the paperwork, you’ll need to prove that you are a legitimate Canadian citizen or permanent resident or prove that you are the parent or grandparent of someone that holds either title. 

If you’re applying on behalf of an older relative, you’ll need to fulfil these requirements before you enlist the services of Bright Immigration’s experts to help you out: 

  • Provide proof or demonstrate that you have private health insurance from a Canadian insurance company (one which must be valid for a single year). 
  • Demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your loved one’s expenses—something that is done by meeting the low-income cut-off (LICO) for your corresponding family size.
  • Provide plans for your loved one’s care alongside details about the number of people living in your household.
Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Canadian Super Visas

Conclusion

In recent years, super visas have become the talk of the town among families looking to reunite once again thanks to their significant convenience, easy application processes, and widespread availability. Through the help of this guide, you’ll get to jump into the process with as much awareness as possible so that you can make the right decisions moving forward!

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

The Ultimate Canadian Permanent Residency Crash Course

One of the most common reasons people immigrate to another country is because they want to have a fresh start, seek new career opportunities, or access quality education. Once you’ve moved to Canada and absorbed its culture and people, it isn’t hard to fall in love with the country at all. And for this reason, people often apply for Candian permanent residency to stay for good. 

However, immigration processes can be quite challenging, and many people find it quite intimidating as well. For this reason, many people work with reputable immigration consultants to guide them through the process of finally becoming a permanent resident in Canada. 

If you’re thinking of applying for Canadian permanent residency, it pays to know everything about this type of immigration status. In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about Canadian permanent residency–the cards, the documents, and the process. 

What is a Canadian Permanent Resident?

A Canadian permanent resident is someone who has been granted permanent residency by immigrating to Canada. This person isn’t a Canadian citizen; instead, they are a citizen of another country. To maintain permanent resident status, you must meet specific requirements, such as the residency obligation. 

As a Canadian permanent resident, you can receive the following benefits:

  • Canadian healthcare and social services;
  • Right to live, work, and study within Canada;
  • Protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom;
  • Leave and enter Canada’s borders using their permanent resident card or permanent resident travel documents;
  • Apply for citizenship.

To be able to become a permanent resident in Canada, there are different pathways to choose from. Some options to become a permanent resident in Canada could be economic immigration, business immigration, refugee or humanitarian programs, sponsorships, and more. 

What are the Residency Requirements?

To maintain resident status in Canada, you must meet a residency obligation. This refers to a person’s physical presence in Canada for a set period. 

The residency obligation requires a permanent resident to be in Canada for at least 730 days within five years. If you’re confused about this requirement, it’s best to speak to a trusted immigration consultant to ensure that you’re following the right processes and checking all the requirements to ensure a smooth approval. 

What is a Permanent Residence Card?

When your Canadian permanent residence application has been approved by immigration, you can apply for a Canadian permanent card. The PR card indicates your status in Canada, which could be used to travel in and out of its border. 

How Do I Renew My Permanent Resident Card?

Although most permanent resident cards are valid for five years, some PR cards only have a one year validity period. In that case, permanent residents are encouraged to ensure that they renew their card within six months before it expires. 

What is a Permanent Resident Travel Document?

For cases where a Canadian permanent resident is outside Canada and wishes to enter the country, they can apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD). The PTRD is generally valid for single entry to Canada only, allowing you to enter the country before applying for a PR card or renewal. 

What if I Want to Apply for Canadian Citizenship?

If you wish to become a Canadian citizen, you must meet various requirements, such as a valid permanent resident status. Besides that, if you want to become a resident, you should know that different residency obligations are required for your status renewal. 

Again, it’s much better to speak with a reliable immigration consultant to learn more about becoming a Canadian citizen. 

Canadian Visa Application
Canadian Permanent Residency

Why Should I Work With Reputable Immigration Consultants?

Various immigration processes can be quite tricky and challenging to follow. For this reason, many people rely on the help of trusted immigration consultants to guide them through a variety of immigration applications, such as Canadian permanent residency. 

With the help of a reliable immigration consultant, immigration applications will be a breeze, and you can prevent legal complications that you can make along the way. 

Work With Bright Immigration

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.