19 months!!! to process Canadian citizenship applications

 http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/canada/cit-processing.asp

 

Application processing times: grant of citizenship

The table below shows the time required to process Canadian citizenship applications based on a complete application package. Processing times are based on how long it took to process 80 percent of all cases between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010. Please note that the times may vary slightly.

 

Current approximate processing time for a routine application: 15-19 months

The process is divided into four (4) steps:

Step	Processing Time
Step 1: Application received and entered into CIC systems If your application meets the minimum processing requirements, you will receive an acknowledgment letter. If not, your application will be returned to you.	6 months Status available online (once you receive your acknowledgment letter)
Step 2: Initial review of your application We will notify you by mail if additional information or documents are required.	9 months Status available online
Step 3: Detailed review of your application We will notify you by mail if additional information or documents are required. We will notify you by mail when to come to the CIC office to write the citizenship test or to have your documents verified. If your application is complete, CIC will arrange for a citizenship judge to make a decision on your application.	13 to 17 months Status available online
Step 4: Decision If you meet all the requirements for citizenship, we will notify you by mail of the time and place of your citizenship ceremony. If you do not meet the requirements, we will inform you in writing.	15 to 19 months Status available online

 

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Government of Canada announces 2011 immigration plan

News Release

Government of Canada announces 2011 immigration plan

Ottawa, November 1, 2010 — The Government of Canada will maintain high immigration levels to help sustain the economic recovery, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today upon tabling the annual immigration plan in Parliament.

 

It is estimated that Canada will welcome between 240,000 and 265,000 new permanent residents in 2011. Sixty percent of these immigrants will come through economic streams.

 

"Canada's post-recession economy demands a high level of legal immigration to keep our work force strong," he said. "At the same time, we are maintaining our commitment to family reunification and refugees."

Like many other countries with ageing populations and low birth rates, in the not too distant future Canada will not have enough people to keep our work force growing. While the majority of new entrants to our labour force will continue to come from within Canada, without immigration, the size of our work force will shrink. Within the next five years, all of our labour force growth will come from immigration.

 

Highlights of the 2011 immigration plan include a higher range of admissions for spouses and children in the family category. In keeping with recent reforms to Canada's refugee system, the 2011 plan also includes an additional 1,125 refugees resettled in Canada as part of the commitment to increase total refugee resettlement by 2,500 over three years. In 2008, the last year for which figures are available, Canada resettled more bona fide refugees than any country but the United States. Canada resettles over one in 10 of the world's refugees.

"These refugees are selected and screened by Canada, and come here legally," noted Minister Kenney. "We look forward to giving them a safe, new beginning." 

 

Within the economic category, the 2011 plan balances projected admissions between federally and provincially selected workers to meet Canada's national and regional labour market needs. Provincial programs help distribute the benefits of immigrants across the entire country. Twenty-five percent of economic immigrants are now destined for provinces other than Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, compared to 11 percent in 1997.

 

The Federal Skilled Worker Program remains a significant portion of the economic category. The program admits a range of workers, including technicians, skilled tradespersons, managers and professionals, who help to supplement the Canadian-born work force.

  

 

 

Kaizad's Canadian Citizenship & Immigration News (KCCIN) is a public immigration blog covering topics relating to citizenship, immigration & settlement and much much more. "Kaizad's CCIN" provides the latest information pertinent to Immigration to Canada . 

http://news-citizenshipandimmigrationcanada.blogspot.com/

 

Eligibility criteria for federal skilled worker applications

 Reference taken from : Canada Visa.Com

 

On June 26, 2010, Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced that the Government of Canada has amended its current immigration procedures to put even greater emphasis on economic recovery and further reduce the Federal Skilled Worker application backlog. The changes, effective immediately, concern the Federal Skilled Worker program:  

 

The former list of 38 qualifying occupations has been amended to include 11 new occupations with 20 previously listed occupations having been removed.

 

Effective immediately, the following occupations have been added to the list:

0811 Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture)
1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
1233 Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
2151 Architects
3113 Dentists
3131 Pharmacists
3222 Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists
4151 Psychologists
4152 Social Workers
7216 Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades

 

The following occupations remain on the list:

0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
3111 Specialists in clinical medicine
3112 General practitioners and family physicians
3142 Physiotherapists
3152 General duty registered nurses
3215 Radiological technologists
3233 Licensed practical nurses
6241 Chefs
6242 Cooks
7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
7241 Electricians (Except Industrial & Power System)
7242 Industrial Electricians
7251 Plumbers
7265 Welders & Related Machine Operators
7312 Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
7371 Crane Operators
7372 Drillers & Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying & Construction
8222 Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Service

 

For those skilled workers applying under the occupation list, the government will limit the number of applications considered for processing to 20,000 total per year. Within the 20,000 limit, a maximum of 1,000 applications per occupation will be considered. This limit does not apply to applicants with a job offer.

Candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker program and for the Canadian Experience Class Program will now be required to submit the results of a language proficiency assessment exam, along with a complete set of supporting documents (such as copies of passports, evidence of educational history, documentation of marital status, proof of settlement funds, police clearances, etc.) with their application forms. As such, the language proficiency results and additional documentation must be gathered to create an initial application.

The authority for the changes, known as ministerial instructions, comes from amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act approved by Parliament in 2008 as part of the Action Plan for Faster Immigration.

The instructions are meant as a flexible tool to allow the government to keep the intake of applications for economic immigration in line with the number and types of jobs available in Canada, as well as reduce application backlogs and processing times.

 

Since the first instructions were issued in November 2008, the backlog of federal skilled worker applicants in process prior to the legislation has dropped from 640,000 to 380,000. The majority of decisions on new applications are being made in six to 12 months, compared with up to six years prior to the changes. But in the first quarter of 2010, the number of new applications rose significantly beyond the department's ability to process them in a timely way, leading to the recognition that a more refined approach is necessary.

"These changes bring Canada in line with the practices of the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, our main competitors for skilled immigrants," said Immigration Minister Kenney. "They help match the supply of applicants to our processing capacity and today's post-recession job market needs. This is the only responsible way to manage our immigration system."

 

Adjusting to life in Canada

A new and challenging experience

This section will explain a few of the challenges you can expect to face in your new life here. The more you learn about Canada, the easier your adjustment to your new home will be.

Respect differences

Canada's population of around 31 million people reflects a cultural, ethnic and linguistic mix that is unique in the world.

Canadian multiculturalism is based on the belief that all citizens are equal and that diversity makes us stronger as a country.

An immigrant-serving organization can help you find out about how Canadians greet people, what is considered polite behaviour, how business gets done and other social customs.

Adapting to a new culture and country

Moving to a new country may be hard for some people. It is common to feel the following emotions when you first arrive in Canada:

• Discomfort
• Helplessness
• Frustration
• Fear
• Insecurity
• Uncertainty about how to behave
• A sense that your cultural beliefs and values are being challenged
• A sense that things are not predictable

Feelings of stress are common

Your first months in Canada will be full of change. You will face many challenges, especially if you have to learn English or French, or improve your language skills. You may have to take a first job or live in a home that is different from what you expected. You may need to get more education or training to get a job and build your new life here. This can create some stress in your life.

You can get help if you need it.

Contact an immigrant-serving organization to find out what resources are available in your community to help you cope emotionally.

Learn more about:

• Adapting to culture shock
• Integrating
• Enjoying winter
• Shopping
• Carrying identification and traveling outside of Canada
   

 

 

Kaizad's Canadian Citizenship & Immigration News (KCCIN) is a public immigration blog covering topics relating to citizenship, immigration & settlement and much much more. "Kaizad's CCIN" provides the latest information pertinent to Immigration to Canada . 

http://news-citizenshipandimmigrationcanada.blogspot.com/

 

Canada Best Job site!

http://www.workopolis.com

Workopolis is a Canadian website offering online career solutions: allowing employers to post jobs and candidates to post resumes in order to connect online.

Workopolis also offers career management tools and advice and draws an audience of roughly three million visitors a month. Headquartered in Toronto, Workopolis has offices in eight Canadian cities, including Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver and provides its services in both English and French.

 

News Release

Minister Kenney announces new Citizenship Judge appointment

Ottawa, May 17, 2010 — Today the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, announced the appointment of Mr. Crist Geronikolos as a Citizenship Judge in Scarborough for a three-year part-time term.

Judge Geronikolos is active in the Greek community and serves concurrently as the President of the Canadian Hellenic Congress and Vice-President of the Greek Community of Toronto. Prior to his appointment, Judge Geronikolos worked for the past 20 years at a number of life insurance companies in southern Ontario. He also has a designation as an Elder Planning Counselor.

Citizenship judges are responsible for making decisions with regard to citizenship applications, presiding over citizenship ceremonies and administering the oath of citizenship to new citizens.
 

 

 

Kaizad's Canadian Citizenship & Immigration News (KCCIN) is a public immigration blog covering topics relating to citizenship, immigration & settlement and much much more. "Kaizad's CCIN" provides the latest information pertinent to Immigration to Canada . 

http://news-citizenshipandimmigrationcanada.blogspot.com/

 

News Release

Minister Kenney announces appointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Ottawa, May 18, 2010 — Today the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced two appointments to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

In the Toronto regional office, David J.T. Mungovan was appointed for a three-year term. In the Calgary regional office, Lynne Patricia Edith Cunningham was appointed for a three-year term.

These appointments were made in accordance with the IRB's merit-based appointment process.

Prior to her appointment to the IRB, Ms. Cunningham was a detective with the Sex Crimes Unit and, previously, supervisor of the Domestic Conflict Unit, both with the Calgary Police Service. She has been with the Calgary Police Service for the past 30 years.

Prior to his appointment to the IRB, Mr. Mungovan was most recently Counsel with Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP.

Minister Kenney is committed to delivering on the Government of Canada's promise to fill vacancies on the Board with qualified individuals as quickly as possible after vacancies arise. Since October 2008, the Minister has made 67 appointments and 34 reappointments to the IRB.

The IRB has not fallen below 80% of its full complement since January 2009, and has been above 95% of its full complement since November 2009. With today's announcement, the IRB is at 99% of its full complement.

Created in 1989, the IRB is an independent administrative tribunal that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. The Board has three divisions – the Refugee Protection Division, the Immigration Appeal Division and the Immigration Division. The IRB determines refugee protection claims made in Canada, hears immigration appeals, and conducts admissibility hearings and detention reviews
 

Quarterly Administrative Data Release

Quarterly Administrative Data Release The Quarterly Administrative Data Release provides up-to-date portraits of the immigration process, including both permanent and temporary streams, as well as an overview of the citizenship process. When using these tables, it is important to remember that: All current year data are preliminary estimates. In particular, there is a time lag associated with applications being entered into CIC systems, which may initially result in an underestimation of applications actually received. These numbers will stabilize over time. After an authorization/visa is issued, applicants can choose if and when they will enter Canada within a specified period of time up to 12 months. A successful applicant becomes either a temporary resident or a permanent resident upon arrival in Canada. An application for citizenship can only be made by a permanent resident after they have lived in Canada for at least three years of residence (1,095 days) in the four years immediately preceding the date that they apply. CIC Operational Network at a Glance   Calendar year Year to date   2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2008 (Jan‑Sep) 2009 (Jan‑Sep) Permanent Residence (Persons)               Applications Received 347,004 353,016 419,776 452,034 445,622 344,500 240,589 Network Outcomes               Positive 245,222 256,195 258,776 252,399 249,600 198,673 208,906 Negative 33,662 109,604 93,819 84,031 81,656 61,803 59,353 Withdrawn 28,447 33,922 30,947 23,090 26,681 17,345 31,555 Total Network Outcomes 307,331 399,721 383,542 359,520 357,937 277,821 299,814 Total Authorizations and Visas Issued 241,549 252,192 253,523 249,675 246,181 195,395 207,430 Temporary Residence (Persons)               Applications Received 1,317,027 1,400,551 1,477,133 1,545,518 1,557,283 1,252,266 1,215,097 Network Outcomes               Positive 1,107,679 1,164,717 1,221,752 1,275,141 1,259,745 1,017,789 993,518 Negative 185,463 209,870 225,581 243,245 264,030 206,166 208,993 Withdrawn 19,516 19,177 35,373 25,737 23,320 16,693 26,547 Total Network Outcomes 1,312,658 1,393,764 1,482,706 1,544,123 1,547,095 1,240,648 1,229,058 Source: CIC, Operational Databases, 3rd Quarter 2009 CIC Permanent Resident Applicants Awaiting a Decision   As of December 31 (unless otherwise indicated) Volumes (in persons) 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 (June 30) 2009 (Sep 30) Working inventory Federal Skilled Worker applications received on or after the priority processing date of February 27, 2008* n/a n/a n/a n/a 107,529 142,174 135,890 Backlog Federal Skilled Worker applications received before the priority processing date of February 27, 2008* 503,037 486,548 509,585 586,109 515,546 451,948 424,926 All Other Permanent Resident Applications** 264,814 336,370 333,849 339,608 373,985 391,305 408,730 Backlog Subtotal 767,851 822,918 843,434 925,717 889,531 843,253 833,656 Total Applicants Awaiting a Decision 767,851 822,918 843,434 925,717 997,060 985,427 969,546 * The date the Action Plan for Faster Immigration took effect. **Other permanent resident applicants include Family Class, Refugees, Humanitarian and Compassionate and others in the Economic Class. Source: CIC Operational Databases, 3rd Quarter 2009 Top of Page Application Processing Times Information on immigration and citizenship applications. Canada – Permanent and Temporary Residents   2008 2009 Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD Q4 Total Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD Permanent Residents by Category                     Family class 14,262 17,220 16,857 48,339 17,234 65,573 14,659 16,840 17,510 49,009 Economic immigrants 31,282 43,129 46,506 120,917 28,154 149,071 29,690 44,108 48,056 121,854 Refugees 4,897 5,892 5,375 16,164 5,696 21,860 4,058 5,928 7,370 17,356 Other immigrants 2,702 3,005 2,574 8,281 2,459 10,740 2,375 2,781 2,427 7,583 Category not stated 1 1 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 Total Permanent Residents 53,144 69,247 71,312 193,703 53,543 247,246 50,783 69,657 75,363 195,803 Temporary Residents by Yearly Status                     Foreign students 12,901 10,170 45,360 68,431 11,104 79,535 14,210 10,076 48,302 72,588 Foreign workers 43,744 60,788 49,712 154,244 38,166 192,410 45,106 57,570 43,030 145,706 Humanitarian population 8,742 8,702 10,505 27,949 9,954 37,903 9,479 9,659 7,795 26,933 Other 23,633 20,992 26,082 70,707 18,960 89,667 21,499 19,709 25,145 66,353 Total Entries Temporary Residents 89,020 100,652 131,659 321,331 78,184 399,515 90,294 97,014 124,272 311,580 Source: CIC, Research DataMart, 3rd Quarter 2009 Citizenship at a Glance   Calendar year Year to date   2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2008 (Jan‑Sep) 2009 (Jan‑Sep) Grants Applications Received 188,176 216,027 224,460 227,520 239,680 181,120 173,824 Ceremonies 2,996 3,425 3,898 3,029 2,701 2,023 1,651 New Canadian Citizens 193,610 198,482 260,743 199,842 176,467 127,982 118,662 Inventory n/a 245,870 195,385 189,886 222,574 219,227 245,548 Proofs Applications Received 54,346 79,682 59,094 60,107 55,729 43,297 44,909 Total Outcomes Approved 52,796 79,142 64,977 56,734 44,512 32,025 51,943 Refused n/a 381 388 90 59 43 181 Closed for other Reasons n/a 2,138 2,264 2,043 1,518 n/a* n/a* Total n/a 81,661 67,629 58,867 46,089 n/a* n/a* Inventory 40,819 22,459 29,575 35,917 54,076 49,507 54,990 *As of December 2, 2009 data for applications closed for other reasons could not be successfully downloaded. The download date for 2004-2008 is July 18, 2009 Source: CIC, Operational Databases, 3rd Quarter 2009 Quarterly Administrative Data Release – Additional Tables Additional statistical tables are available in CD format upon request to research-recherche@cic.gc.ca. These tables, on the permanent and temporary resident streams, provide more detailed information on applications received, application outcomes, visas issued, processing times, inventory at selection and final decision stages, entries of temporary residents and immigration of permanent residents. Glossary of Terms and Concepts – Canada – Permanent and Temporary Residents Glossary of Terms and Concepts – CIC Operational Network at a Glance; Application Processing Times; and Citizenship at a Glance For further information (media only), please contact: Media Relations Communications Branch Citizenship and Immigration Canada 613-952-1650 CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

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ATTN: Prospective Canadian Immigrants!

Kaizad's Canadian Citizenship & Immigration News (KCCIN) is a public immigration blog covering topics relating to citizenship, immigration & settlement and much much more.

"Kaizad's CCIN" provides the latest information pertinent to Immigration to Canada . This news blog is linked to the Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC Canada) website and any new posts and news are delivered directly to your email inbox. The website is:  http://news-citizenshipandimmigrationcanada.blogspot.com/

 

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Kaizad H. Chinoy

Halifax | Nova Scotia | Canada

Cell: + 1 (902) 448 8279  | Ê Fax: + 1 (902) 482 3547 | Email: kaizad@hchinoy.com

http://news-citizenshipandimmigrationcanada.blogspot.com/

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