Have you always wanted to move to Canada but constantly get weighed down by countless immigration forms, supporting documents, rules, regulations and deadlines? We don’t blame you. But we don’t see why this should keep you from joining those who are already enjoying the benefits of being a Canadian resident. 63,400 Express Entry candidates have already been invited to apply for permanent residence(PR) in Canada and the rate at which Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for PR are being distributed is not set to decrease.

Canada has set its goals high, by aiming to bring over 1 million skilled immigrants into the straining workforce by 2021. Due to retirement, resignations, employment growth and new job opportunities afforded to young Canadian professionals, a gaping hole has been left in the Canadian labour market, and the government is extending invitations to any skilled foreign workers who feel that they could add to the country’s booming economy.

In the draw held on September 18, Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score decreased by one point to 463, allowing applicants with CRS scores as low as 462 to apply to relocate to Canada permanently.

Canada’s thriving job market has offered skilled foreign immigrants a multitude of employment opportunities to choose from as well as 70+ immigration programs and visa options to get them there. Unfortunately, with these opportunities comes a multitude of paperwork and application deadlines. Tackling the Canadian immigration system can be a monumental task to undertake alone, as you run the risk of having your application denied due to incorrectly filled out forms or missing documents.

By using an accredited RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant), however, you not only improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada but fast track your Express Entry application, saving you valuable time and money.

The Express Entry System has been assisting with streamlining the application process, as well as playing an incremental role in making it more accessible to applicants the world over, since 2015, when it was first introduced to the Canadian Immigration System.

But what is the Express Entry system and how does one apply?

1. What is the Express Entry System?

The Express Entry system manages applications under the main federal economic immigration programs.

These programs include the following:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program;
• Federal Skilled Trades Program; and
• Canada Experience Class.(CEC)

Applicants are deemed eligible if they;

1. Meet the requirements of one of the three Federal Immigration Programs;

2. Have a valid travel document or passport;

3. Have an online Express Entry Profile; and

4. Score a minimum of 67 out of a possible 100 CRS points.

Applicants are scored according to their CRS score. The Comprehensive Ranking System is point based and candidates are ranked according to information supplied in their online Express Entry profile such as age, education and work experience. Once a profile has been created it will be valid for up to 1 year, which means that your profile will be entered into a draw every 2 weeks and once your profile is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply(ITA) for permanent residence.

2. How can I Apply?

Before you can start the process of applying for permanent residence in Canada, you will need to gather a number of application forms and supporting documents to complete your online Express Entry profile.

It is important that these forms are completed correctly as well as supported by documents to validate your education qualifications, employment history, language ability and that you have enough funds to support yourself as well as your dependents.

The Canadian immigration system, although widely accessible to most applicants, can still be a very complex and time consuming process, which is where we come in. Our accredited consultants are ready and waiting to take you to the next step in your journey to Canada.

For more tips on how to maneuver the Canadian Express Entry system successfully, visit our blog here.

3 How We Can Help You

With all these immigration options and information at your fingertips, it is understandable that you may feel overwhelmed by the visa application process. But with MDC, our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) know exactly what it takes to get your visa approved and are ready to assist on your journey. We take you through the process step by step and will not only verify all documentation but will submit them for you.

Join the thousands of Express Entry candidates who have already relocated and can now call Canada home. Simply contact us today for your assessment and take the first step in making your dreams of living in Canada a reality.

There is a multitude of Hong Kong citizens who are choosing Canada as their new home. This choice is often rooted in employment prospects, furthering education or simply enjoying the excellent quality of life that Canada has to offer. To find out why so many people are moving to Canada and how we can help you to do the same, see below.

What Makes Canada Such a Popular Choice?

1. A Society Rooted in Multiculturalism

Canada is one of the most accommodating countries in the world with regards to immigrants. In fact, immigrants make up as much as 40% of the population in cities like Toronto. If you are trying to move to Canada from Hong Kong, you would be pleased to know that Canada is home to, and embraces a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions. For this reason, the transition is a lot easier than if you were moving to a country that is less accommodating of immigrants.

Canada does not just talk a big game when it comes to being inclusive, but it has actually established policies such as multiculturalism to make inclusion part of the core aspects of Canada as a society. For instance, the Minister of Immigration in Canada is a Somali-born, Muslim man by the name of Mr. Ahmed Hussen. When making decisions about minorities, it is important to have someone on board who can provide context and allow informed decisions to be made from a position of empathy as opposed to sympathy. The way in which Canada values minorities such as Hussen is represented in their cabinet too, housing up to as much as 20 minority MP’s at a time.

2. A Wealth of Job Opportunities

Canada is a sparsely populated country which is the reason that they do not have enough skilled workers to supply their labor force with. To combat this problem, Canada has turned to immigration in the form of programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program. This has presented people from Hong Kong and other countries with a unique opportunity to nor only immigrate to Canada, but to have access to a multitude of job opportunities within the new and expanding industries in Canada.

In addition to having a multitude of industries with job opportunities for skilled immigrants, Canada also boasts an attractive minimum wage of 11 dollars per hour. This is significantly higher than the minimum wage in Hong Kong and a major contributing factor as to why so many people choose to immigrate to Canada each year.

3. Free Education and Healthcare

For people from Hong Kong who are moving to Canada with their children, the fact that education is subsidized by the Canadian government right through to secondary school is a big bonus. In addition, Canada is home to 4 of the top 20 Universities in the world, so this puts them in direct proximity with world-class tertiary institutions.

One of the biggest draws of moving to Canada is free healthcare subsidized by the Canadian government. This offers a certain peace of mind for citizens of Hong Kong who are in the process of moving to Canada because it is what they are accustomed to in their home country of Hong Kong.

Apply to Make the Move from Hong Kong to Canada

Express Entry

The Express Entry program was established to solve the problem Canada faces with regards to having a shortage of skilled workers. Express Entry is undoubtedly the most popular route (from the 70 plus available routes) immigrants choose to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Its popularity is rooted in being able to get you to Canada in as little as 6 months!

Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program was implemented to give power to the provinces of Canada which would enable them to establish their own processes with regards to immigration. For instance, if the province of Nova Scotia has a shortage of experienced teachers, they can tailor a Provincial Nominee Program aimed at bringing in teachers from other countries by streamlining the process of the application to live and work in Canada.

Where Do We Come In?

Moving to Canada from Hong Kong can seem like a scary process. However, with the assistance of our experienced and qualified RCIC’s at MDC, this process can be simplified for you. Sign up today to kickstart your journey to Canada!

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) following an Express Entry draw is the best result you could hope for as a person trying to move to Canada. You then have a period of 60 days to submit an application for permanent residence. It is important that everything stated in this application is correct and that you have included all required documentation. This is to try and avoid having an unsuccessful application because of missing documentation or incorrect information. See below for our top 7 tips that make up the ultimate Express Entry checklist!

1. Education Documentation

If you have claimed any sort of qualification or degree on your Express Entry profile, you need to provide proof thereof. Due to the fact that Canada has its own standards with regards to education, you may be subject to an Educational Credential Assessment(ECA) if you have obtained your qualification or degree outside of Canada. In addition, if your transcripts are not in either of the official languages of Canada (English and French) you will need to have it translated.

2.Civil Status and Identity Documentation

This is an essential component of your application for permanent residence to Canada. You need to provide a clear, legible copy of the biographical data page of your passport or travel document to confirm that you are who you say you are. In addition, you will need to provide proof of your marital status.

3.Proof of Relative

Having a relative who is a permanent resident in Canada is not a prerequisite for you to go forth with your application, but you do need to provide proof of your family member or relative in Canada if you have claimed points for this in your application. This proof needs to verify their Canadian permanent residence. If your relative is in Canada on any sort of temporary basis like a work or study visa, you cannot claim points for them on your Express Entry application.

4. Police Clearance

You and every one of your dependents over the age of 18 will need to acquire and provide proof of police clearance from any country they currently reside in or have resided in previously for a period of six months or more. It is important to note that police clearance is only valid for 12 months, so ensure that yours is valid within the time period you want to immigrate to Canada.

5. Language Test Results

The IRCC might request a copy of your language test results, even though they might have access to them. So just to be safe, make sure that you provide a copy of your test results which verifies your proficiency in either English or French. This is just to cover all your bases and to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.

6. Documents Relating to Work

You will need a reference letter from every employer you have worked for in the last ten years. This is so the IRCC can verify that the National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes you have claimed are in fact a true representation of your work experience. If you have claimed to have Canadian work experience, you need to provide proof of this and also prove that you have paid your taxes.

7. Proof of Funds

In order to be able to move to Canada, you will need to have a minimum amount of funds in your bank account. The specific amount fluctuates and is determined by the IRCC every year. This is to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and all of your dependent family members even if they are not moving with you.

Where We Come In

Trying to ensure your application for permanent residence is perfect, can be a very stressful process. However, with the help of our qualified and experienced RCIC’s at MDC, we can walk you through this process. Our services include double-checking your documents to ensure that everything is in order. Sign up today to start your journey to Canada!

Having the perfect resume is essential to landing your dream job, no matter what your qualifications, work experience or your field of expertise. According to Statistics Canada, August saw a major increase in available jobs, adding 81,000 new positions in August alone, most of which were in Ontario. This has been the second-largest spike in job growth in Canada since April this year. If you are hoping to work in Canada, this may be the most opportune time to start applying for jobs. Although some immigration programs do not require a job, having one not only opens up more programs available to you as well as increasing your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Many programs in Canada require a job offer and whether you’re applying from outside or within Canada, being successful can often come down to your first impression, which is essentially your CV or resume.

We have 3 easy steps and some extra tips that you can use to not only create the perfect resume but also to improve your CRS score.

1. Go Back to the Basics

The main purpose of your resume is to grab your recruiter or prospective employer’s attention and secure an interview.

When drafting your first version it is important to bear in mind that you should focus on what value you can bring to the company or in other words why they should hire you over the other applicants.

To do this, ensure that your resume has these basic elements:

• Contact information (Canadian residential address/mobile number/professional email address);
• Education/Skill-set summary (languages spoken, relevant software expertise etc.);
• Work Experience;
• Professional development/achievements;
• Volunteer experience/Community work if applicable

Top Tip Keep your resume short and concise - only list relevant information to the job you are applying for (stick to 2 pages maximum)

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Resume

Unless you are applying for a creative position and are attempting to demonstrate your skills, there is no reason why you should be creating your resume from scratch. Save yourself some time and energy and use a resume template which is available for free

To do this, ensure that your resume has these basic elements:

• Use point form/bullet form
• Choose a good font size (Titles size 14-16, text size 10-12 depending on the font)
• Avoid using the first person “I”
• Keep your sentences as short as possible
• Keep spacing consistent
• Convert all terms to their Canadian equivalent (if you’re from another country)
• Don’t write CV/Resume at the top of the page (it’s assumed and understood)
• No signature needed
• No photo needed (save that for LinkedIn)
• No references needed unless requested (“references can be made available upon request”)
• No information that is not relevant to the job ie. your gender, date of birth, marital status, religious beliefs, parents’ names or sexual orientation

Top TipLets face it, nobody likes a generic resume. Personalise your resume by creating a cover letter tailored to the job you are applying for. It will increase your chances of being hired.

3. Writing Your Cover Letter

First impressions are extremely important as it is the best representation of who you are as well as your education, skills and career experience. Your cover letter is the part of your resume that introduces you and clearly states your career history and future aspirations to your prospective employer or recruiter.

Be sure to implement the following for the perfect cover letter:

• Format must be clean and easy to read
• Start by stating your objective in a direct and understandable way.
• Describe your professional profile efficiently
• Mention your career goals briefly.
• Ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors

Include a Letter of Reference

This letter of reference is different from the one that you may be accustomed to. Your letter of reference used when wanting to immigrate to Canada needs to verify two things:

1. Your time worked for an employer

2. That your position matches your NOC(National Occupation Classification) code

This allows the visa officer to calculate how much work experience you have. Work experience is an important factor in the immigration process as it contributes to your CRS score. If your letter of reference seems disingenuous or to be missing information and may lead to your application being refused.

A letter of reference should include the following:

• Official job title
• Dates of your employment
• Salary per week
• Average hours per week
• Detailed list of employment duties(include daily tasks and responsibilities)

Top Tip 1 If you’ve had multiple positions within a company, separate reference letters for each position is most ideal or alternatively, make sure that each position is separated by period of employment.

Top Tip 2Also avoid industry-specific jargon that the immigration officer may not be familiar with.

Top Tip 3The list of employment duties is the most important part of your letter as it allows the officer to discern if your NOC code matches the job that you’re applying for. Your job title does not have to match, in fact, it gives the impression that your letter is fraudulent if they do and therefore may not be processed.

Should you not be able to obtain a letter of reference the following documentation will suffice as long as you have a signed letter stating why you do not have a letter of reference:

• Employment contracts
• Promotion letters
• Paystubs
• Pictures of you at work
• Sworn declarations from previous colleagues

How We Can Help

Navigating the Canadian immigration system can be a bit tedious, with copious amounts of forms and documents to work through and complete, along with strict submission dates. We wouldn’t blame you if you kept delaying applying for your visa. But with MDC on your side, you no longer have to stress about taking immigration on alone. Our accredited RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) are ready to evaluate your eligibility, review all your documentation and handle the submission on your behalf. Using an RCIC does not only optimize your chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency but will make the entire process simple and hassle-free. We take care of all the hard work, while you look for your dream job in Canada. It's just that simple.

Simply fill in the registration form and receive an eligibility assessment from one of our expert consultants today. Your journey starts here.

If you are a registered nurse and are looking to immigrate to Canada, we have good news for you. Nursing is one of the most in-demand occupations in Canada and is one of the ten highest-paying jobs in the country. In addition, New Brunswick has just launched the Nursing Resource Strategy.

Continue reading to find out more about this strategy, how you can currently move to Canada and what we can do to help you make it a reality.

Nursing Resource Strategy

Launched in August 2019, the ten-year strategy in New Brunswick is aimed at educated nurses, to address the issue Canada is currently facing with regards to its shortage of the profession. Over the course of the implementation of this strategy, an estimated 4,376 nurse jobs will need to be filled. A core component is to actively recruit nurses from other countries. This includes accommodating and training them to comfortably integrate into Canadian society.

Currently, nurses can immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker program, which is aimed at skilled immigrants. This program does not require a job offer, however, work experience, language proficiency in either English or French, and level of education affects the likelihood of a candidate obtaining permanent residency in Canada through this program.

Express Entry

The Express Entry was established in 2015 to address the issue Canada faces with regard to its shortage of skilled workers. Canada is the second-largest country in the world, but they do not have a population big enough to supply the labor force with enough skilled workers. Express Entry is made up of three components: The Federal Skilled Worker program, Federal Skilled Trades program and the Canadian Experience Class. For immigrants who want to move to Canada as a nurse, this can be done through the Federal Skilled Worker program.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria are subject to change and could depend on a candidate's specific situation. However, there exists a general list of eligibility criteria that all candidates in the Express Entry program will need to adhere to. This list includes, but is not limited to age, level of education, occupation, and level of experience in your designated profession, language proficiency in both English and French and your ability to adapt to life in Canada after immigration. How well you fare in these categories is tallied in the Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS). This leaves you with your CRS score, which determines whether you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Comprehensive Ranking System

The score you get from the Comprehensive Ranking System is very important. Those candidates with the highest CRS scores are the ones who receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence in Canada.

If you don't have a CRS score high enough to receive an ITA through an Express Entry draw, there is a range of things you can do to improve this score. This includes going back to study to add to your level of education or retaking your language tests to get a better score. The good thing about the Express Entry profile is that you can log back in at any time to update your details.

How We Can Help

With years of experience and a team of RCIC registered consultants to back it up, MDC can assist you with your Canadian immigration needs. With over 70 channels of applying for residency in Canada, we can help you choose the most suitable stream as a nurse, with, or without a job offer. Once you choose a stream, our dedicated consultants will walk you through every step of the application process, including ensuring that all the required documentation is in order. To make use of this service and to help you start your journey to Canada, sign up today!

Statistics show that 1 in every 3 Nigerian considers immigration but very few act on these aspirations. This could be due to the fact that many people aren't aware of their options or just how simple it can be to immigrate to Canada with the right assistance.

Canada offers over 70 immigration programs all geared toward making the immigration process as accessible to foreigners as possible. By using an RCIC you can not only optimize your chances of success but fast-track your visa application to. Canada needs immigrants, particularly skilled workers to fill the current labour gap that the country is facing.

Canada is not only the most popular destinations among Nigerians to immigrate to, but it is also the most lucrative and accessible option globally.

So why Canada you may ask? Well let's take a look at some of the benefits that Canada has to offer and ways to successfully start your new life abroad.

Quality of Life

Canada offers a number of benefits that ultimately gives immigrants a phenomenal quality of life. Housing is relatively inexpensive and cities are less crowded, especially in provinces such as Alberta, Yukon and Saskatchewan. The most popular destinations for foreign nationals are Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Canada also offers a world class education system, at no cost to permanent resident and locals up until Grade 12. There are also a wide variety of tertiary institutions to choose from, such as McGill University, the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. Free healthcare is another benefit afforded to Canadian citizens, however it is important to note that certain procedures and prescription medications are not covered. There is also considerably less pollution in Canada, which has been ranked 9th on the list of the world’s cleanest countries for overall air quality. Canada also offers a number of state welfare programs including social assistance, the Canada Child Tax Benefit, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, Employment Insurance, the Canada and Quebec Pension Plan, Workers Compensation, social housing and social services. Canada is also ranked 9th in the World Happiness Report and offers better job satisfaction, with 90% of Canadian reporting that they are content with their jobs. Canada is also one of the safest and most welcoming nations in the world, offering a diverse multicultural community that foreigners can easily adjust to while still retaining their own cultural characteristics.

For more reasons on why you should move to canada continue reading here.

Job Opportunities

35% of Nigerians are looking for job opportunities outside of their home county. Canada has a wide variety of jobs available to foreign immigrants, so much so that the government has dedicated specific programs and systems in order to make it easier for qualified skilled and unskilled foreign workers to relocate to the country. Many businesses are actively seeking foreign employees through programs such as the Provincial Nomination Program(PNP) and the Express Entry System, which are both aimed at encouraging growth and economic development in Canada. As an added bonus, most employees also give their employees the chance to further their education in their respective fields.

Some of the most in demand jobs in Canada include:

• Farmer and farm workers
• Truck drivers
• Accountant
• Engineering
• Teachers
• Tourism and hospitality
• Caregivers
• Cooks and chefs
• IT an Tech Sector
• Nurses; and
• Doctors

For more information on how to land a job offer in Canada click here.

Ways to Immigrate to Canada

The most common ways to immigrate to Canada are through the Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program, the Family Sponsorship Program or on a temporary basis as a student with the option of extending or applying for residence.

The Express Entry System is the most popular way to move to Canada as it streamlines the immigration process and offers permanent residence. You will need to create an online profile containing information such as your age, education and work experience. Based on this information, you will be ranked against other applicants based on points scored according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Applicants with the highest scores will receive an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. There are many ways to improve your score, including receiving a Provincial Nominee, which can be obtained by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or alternatively receiving a Notification of Interest (NOI) from your chosen province.

Another immigration option for those who do not qualify for the Express Entry system is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP is aimed at semi-skilled and unskilled workers who have qualifications and work experience that matches the skills in demand in a particular province. Applicants with a job offer in a particular Canadian province can apply via the province’s PNP. If successful, you will receive a provincial nomination which will grant you an extra 600 CRS point to add to your profile score, which ultimately guarantees that you will receive an ITA for permanent residence in Canada.

Another option for those who want to further their education is to apply for a student visa. The student visa allows you to live in Canada for the duration of your qualification. Students will be able to apply for work after they have completed their studies through the Postgraduate Worker Program or extend their student visa should they choose to continue their studies in Canada.

If you have a relative who is permanently living in Canada, they will be able to sponsor you and you can apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Family Sponsorship Program. This is perhaps the easiest way to receive a permanent resident status in Canada.

How Can We Help?

Applying for a visa can be time consuming and difficult to wrap your head around, especially with its strict deadlines, procedures and specifications, but with the guidance and assistance of one of our knowledgeable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC’s). the process will be simple and easy. Our service includes an eligibility assessment, guidance on which of 70+ immgration programs and visas to choose from, a strategy plan tailored to your individual needs as well as a review and submission of all application forms and documentation. All you have to do is fill out our application form to receive your assessment and let us sort out the rest. It’s just that simple! Your Canadian journey starts here.

When checking off destinations on your travel bucket list you may or may not have considered adding The Great White North, yet you have asked yourself “Why Canada?”

As the second largest country in the world, spanning over 6 time zones, Canada offers an array of activities and experiences that are simply unparalleled. Imagine bustling multicultural cities set against the backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains, bounteous lakes, endless landscapes and jagged coastlines. Ready to plan your trip to Canada but aren’t sure if you need a visa or how to go about applying for it? We’ve compiled an ultimate travel checklist to help make the process just a little easier.

But, before your book that flight, let's take a look at everything you’ll need in order to apply for your travel visa.

How Do I Know If I Need a Travel Visa?

Most countries require that you have a travel visa and Canada is no different. Anyone who enters Canada by land or sea will require a travel visa. This includes driving from the U.S., travelling by plane, bus, train or boat, as well as by cruise ship. Whether or not you need a travel visa depends on:

• the type of travel document you’ll be travelling with;
• the country that issued your travel document;
• your nationality; and
• your method of travel to Canada.

Certain travellers are exempt:

• Foreign nationals with official Canadian documents;
• Foreign nationals who are French citizens in Saint Pierre and Miquelon flying directly from these destinations;
• Foreign nationals flying to or from the U.S. and stops in Canada to refuel;
• Foreign nationals on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada;
• Foreign nationals in transit through a Canadian airport via the Transit Without Visa Program; and
• Travel or official representatives ie. flight crew, aviation inspectors, members of the Armed Forces or diplomats)

The easiest way to determine whether or not you require a travel visa is to speak to someone who is not only knowledgeable about the process but is certified by the Canadian government and the ICCRC to assist with visa applications.

These accredited agents are known as Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants or RCICs. You can easily find out if your consultant is registered with the ICCRC by requesting their RCIC code and visiting the website and inserting it on their “Find an Immigration Professional” page. We strongly recommend using an accredited service to avoid any disappointment of having your visa rejected due to error or using an unregistered agency who does not fulfill their end of the deal.

For tips on how to protect yourself against immigration and visa application fraud visit our blog here.

What Do I Need?

Besides having your flight tickets and travel itinerary sorted, it is important that you first check to see if you meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for a travel visa:

It is also important to note that the type of travel visa you will be requiring depends on how many times you plan on entering the country and for how long you will be staying in the country.

If you plan to enter Canada once you will need to apply for a single entry visa.

If you plan to enter Canada more than once on your upcoming trip, you will need to apply for a multiple entry visa. This visa allows you to enter and leave Canada as many times as you like for up to 6 months and is valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires.

Please note that if you are transiting through Canada and your layover is longer than 48hours you will need a travel/visitor visa.

If you are connecting between 2 international flights or your flight stops at a Canadian airport and your transit is less than 48 hours, you will only need a transit visa, which is free.

Next, you will need to ensure that you have the following ready for your application:

If your have been invited or are being sponsored by a Canadian citizen you will be required to supply the following documents:

Please note that, as per the Canadian government, Venezualans may have to complete extra steps when filling out the application form.

Why Use a Representative

With all of these forms and documentation that the Canadian government requires for your application to apply for a travel visa you may be asking yourself again, “Why Canada?” and is it actually worth the effort?

That's why we’re here - by using an accredited RCIC it will not only speed up the application process but you will significantly increase your chances of success. We make the visa application process effortless by reviewing all documentation to ensure that it is completed correctly. We are also authorized to submit your application to the Canadian government on your behalf. We take care of your application through every step of the process until you have received your visa, which means that you can rest assured that your application will be in good hands and focus on planning your itinerary or making your travel arrangements.

Using an RCIC not only saves you time but money too. The Canadian government has a no refund policy for travel visa applications, regardless of the final decision, which means that even if there is just one mistake on your application form or you are missing any documentation you will forfeit your application fee. So why take the risk when you use a knowledgeable service that will make sure that everything is completed as per the Canadian government’s specifications?

Our Service

Let's face it, your time could be better spent than fussing over visa applications and going back and forth between the Canadian government. Why risk having your application rejected due to a technicality. If you want to travel to Canada without the stress of visa applications, then look now further. Our 3 Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) are all experts in the field of Canadian visa policies and will assist you through the entire assessment and application process. A personalized package will then be created and tailored to meet your specific travel requirements. We also ensure that all administration is taken care of and that all documents are submitted in a timeous manner.

Contact us today and start your journey to Canada with MDC.

The latest Express Entry Draw took place on September 4th and resulted in 3,600 receiving Invitations to Apply (ITA’s) for permanent residence to Canada. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score for this draw was 463.

What is the Express Entry Program?

Canada is the second-largest country in the world but they simply do not have a population large enough to supply their labor force with enough skilled workers. To address this issue, they have turned to immigration in the form of the Express Entry Program. Express Entry fast-tracks the visa applications of candidates who possess the necessary skills, education and work experience to fill gaps in the Canadian labor market. A regular application for permanent residence to Canada can take up to 18 months and longer whereas Express Entry could get you to Canada in as little as 6 months.

Because of its accelerated turnaround time, Express Entry is the most popular route of applying for Canadian permanent residence. However, that does not mean that everyone is eligible to apply through this program. The eligibility criteria are subject to change and depends on your specific situation, but there is a general list of criteria that everyone is subject to. These criteria include but are not limited to your level of education, age, skills, occupation, and level of experience in your designated profession, language proficiency in both English and French, as well as your ability to adapt to life in Canada after immigration. These criteria are ranked in the Comprehensive Ranking System(CRS).

Comprehensive Ranking System

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) gives you a CRS score based on how well you fare in each category of the eligibility criteria. Those candidates with the highest scores are the ones who receive an Invitation to Apply(ITA) for permanent residence in Canada. For instance, the latest Express Entry draw candidates who received ITA’s all had a CRS score of 463 or higher. In other words, candidates with a CRS score lower than 463 would not have received an ITA in this draw.

If you have a CRS score which is not high enough to receive an ITA, there are things you can do to improve your score so you have a better chance of receiving an ITA in the next Express Entry Draw. You can retake your language tests and prepare so you get a better score. You can go back to school or better yet, apply to further your education in Canada. In addition, you can also gain some more work experience in your designated profession. The nice thing about the Express Entry profile is that you can log in at any time to update your details which automatically updates your CRS score.

What We Can do to Help

Express Entry is one of over 70 channels to apply for permanent residence in Canada. If you do not have access to the correct information, it could prove very difficult to decide which of these options is best suited to you. With the help of our regulated and experienced RCIC consultants at MDC, we can simplify this process for you. Sign up today to start your journey to Canada!

It is no secret that Canada is in need of more skilled workers and have turned to immigration in the form of programs such as Express Entry. To qualify for this program, your level of education is very important, which makes it quite difficult for people without a degree. However, all hope is not lost. It is indeed possible to move to Canada without a degree. Industries like construction, hospitality, and retail are also in dire need of people, and this creates the perfect opportunity for semi-skilled and unskilled workers to take the plunge and apply for permanent residency in Canada. If you are an unskilled or semi-skilled worker, applying for permanent residence the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is probably your best bet. Read below for more information about this program and how to use it to immigrate as an unskilled worker.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program?

The Provincial Nominee Program was established by the Canadian government to grant each province the authority to establish its own system to deal with immigration in a way that suited the individual needs of that province with regards to gaps in the labor market. Through this program, they are able to target specific candidates who possess the skills, education or work experience needed to satisfy the needs of the workforce. These candidates have their applications for permanent residence fast-tracked by receiving a Provincial Nomination, adding 600 points to their Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) and almost guaranteeing that they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next Express Entry Draw.

For Unskilled Workers, this program is particularly helpful as it allows you to make up for other basic eligibility criteria in which you may be lacking. This criterion includes your level of skills and education. Not meeting these criteria results in a lower CRS score and significantly reduces your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply. However, as stated before a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score. For context, the candidates who receive ITA’s in Express Entry Draws usually have an average of 430-490 CRS scores. The candidates with the highest CRS scores receive ITA’s and with a provincial nomination, you are placed in the top pool of candidates.

Which Provinces are in Need of Skilled Workers?

British Columbia

British Columbia is one of the prominent regions in Canada that are in urgent need of unskilled workers. If you are already employed in British Columbia in one of the eligible occupations, then this stream is perfectly suited for you to apply for permanent residence. The list of eligible industries and their respective occupations include food processing, travel, accommodation, tourism, long-haul truck drivers, food and beverage services, cleaners, and elemental services.

Saskatchewan

The Provincial Nominee Program in Saskatchewan allows for two industries aimed at unskilled workers, namely the Hospitality Sector Project and Long-haul Truck Driver Project.

The requirements for the Hospitality Sector Project are as follows: a high school education, be working in Saskatchewan on a (temporary) work permit for at least six months and be proficient in English. The occupation vacancies in these categories are aimed at food and beverage services, food counter attendant/kitchen helper and housekeeping/cleaning staff.

The criteria you need to meet in order to move to Saskatchewan as a Long-Haul Truckdriver is as follows: You need to have a Class 1A driver's license, have an offer of full-time employment from an approved trucking firm and have been working in Saskatchewan for six months. The wage of a long-haul truck driver can be up to $70,000 per year!

Alberta

The Provincial Nominee Program in Alberta is geared towards workers (both skilled and unskilled) who already work in the province on a temporary work permit. In addition, a high school diploma and a job offer from a company in Alberta are prerequisites in order to be eligible to apply through this stream. The eligible occupations include but are not limited to; Food and beverage, industrial butchers, meat cutters and poultry production workers. It is important to stay afloat of the occupations the province could add or remove from this list.

How We Can Help You

The Provincial Nominee Program is different for every province and with new occupations being added and removed every week, it could prove difficult to make the right choice.

With the help of our certified RCICs consultants at MDC, we can walk you through the application process to ensure you have the best chance of moving to Canada as an unskilled worker.