Month: March 2019

Canada Immigration

Canada is emerging as the top choice for immigrants in North America. Skilled professionals are able to apply online and get Permanent Resident status in less than a year. Within three years of moving, immigrants can get Canadian citizenship. The immigrant-friendly policies of Canada open up another way for skilled professionals apart from going back to their own country.

Canadian immigration is based on the points in a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Skilled professionals are eligible for Express Entry if they meet certain criteria. Users can create a profile in the Express Entry system. If they are targeting a particular province, they can create a profile for that Province. Canada Job Bank is the main source for searching jobs in Canada.  Wage search option lets the users get the low, medium, and high wages for their occupation.

Points and Ranking

Prospective employees are ranked based on their age, job category, IELTS score, highest degree, years of foreign work experience, job offer, provincial nomination, and other aspects. Spouse are also given points for their qualifications and experience. If a sibling or immediate relative is present, points exist. You will be scored out of 1200 points. Professionals with low scores are also admitted but it depends on the rounds of invitation in the Express Entry lottery pool.

Profile

Creating a profile in the Express Entry system is the first step in the Canadian immigration process. Candidates need to have a qualifying test score ready for applying. IELTS test costs $240 which can be written in the nearest test centers. Other language tests are also accepted based on your profile. Applicants are required to submit the Express Entry Profile details while registering for the IELTS test.

If you have traveled to Canada in the past for business or pleasure that will also add up to demonstrate your intent to immigration. Uploading the required documents are required during the online application. Filing fees (around CAD 1000) must be paid at the end of the application process. Express Entry is the open pool for employers to seek candidates. You will be notified if you are selected and an Invitation to Apply is sent.

You will be subjected to background checks, medical examination, and biometrics during the process. Candidates will be allotted the Permanent Resident status which allows them to move to Canada and work. Within three years, you will be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Advantages

Canadian immigrants are able to work in the Province they initially applied. They are free to move within Canada and work for any employer. Spouse and eligible kids are also able to study or seek employment immediately. Traveling to other parts of the world is also hassle-free once you get the Permanent Residence or citizenship. Canadian citizens are also able to work in the USA with a special visa and take up full-time employment.

Canada remains as a top choice for immigrants due to the current anti-immigrant policies in the USA and the UK. Growth and opportunities are abundant for both highly skilled and entry-level professionals alike. Cost of living is similar to the United States although housing, clothing, and food cost higher. Hospital visits and basic medical care is free, but you need to spend on prescriptions. Driving a car can be a costly affair due to high vehicle insurance and traffic tickets. Severe winters and weather may create havoc on your health. Canadian dollars is thirty percent lesser than United States Dollar but it doesn’t matter much if you aren’t traveling out of the country. Security and long-term family settlement are the plus points if you move to Canada.

Bienvenue Au Canada

Traveling to Canada from the United States is just a drive across the border. Toronto and Niagara Falls in the Ontario province are the top destinations in Canada. Visitors can get a complete look of the Niagara Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian side. The Toronto CityPass will get you through the top attractions of Toronto. You can find the attractions similar to the United States but with the ‘Queen’s Style’.

Top Attractions

Walk through downtown Toronto will get you to the most attractions and unique experiences. Here are the top attractions in Canada.

  1. The Canadian National Tower (CN Tower) is the 1815 feet tall structure in Toronto that gives a good view of the city. The high-speed elevator ride takes to the SkyPod, Lookout level, EdgeWalk, and the glass floor. The 360-degree restaurant in the CN Tower is a good experience to enjoy the view while having food. I think Chicago’s Willis Tower Skydeck has a better glass deck than the CN Tower’s Glass look out. If you are adventurous, you can try the EdgeWalk for a thrilling experience in the CN Tower.
  2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has a good collection of fish and of course sharks! Rare species are on display including the jellyfish, stingray, starfish, flying turtles, and sharks are some of the special kinds you can find in the galleries. It is amazing how the big sharks and small fish adapted to live in the same container and share their spaces! I think Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium has a larger collection than the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. The aquarium is right next to the CN Tower and you can plan your day accordingly. Rogers Center stadium and Steam Whistle Brewing are other attractions in the same area.
  3. CasaLoma is Toronto’s majestic castle that is a must-see attraction to understand the history of the city. Unique architecture and interiors of the castle make CasaLoma a popular destination for weddings. You will be surprised to see that many movies were shot in the castle including the X-Men! It is just a palace built by Sir Henry Pallett for his wife Mary Dodgson but involves the history of the city. The pictures along the tunnel to the sheds give you a glimpse of the times of the past. Galleries and Queen’s collection are also present in CasaLoma. Walk up the towers to get a complete view of Toronto. Let me know if you get to see the rumored ghosts of the haunted castle!
  4. Royal Ontario Museum is the largest museum in Canada and has unique galleries of art and natural history. A lot of kids activities are included throughout the day. You can find art and displays from Egypt, Asia, Africa, Italy, China, Japan, Greece, India, and so on. Of course, there are mummies and pyramids waiting for you in the galleries. Gold and silver coins are on display from different parts of the world. Galleries of dinosaurs, mammals, birds, fish, and other species are also open for visitors. Unique Lee-Chin crystal architecture of the building lets you walk through the bridges and self-supporting prismatic structures.
  5. Ontario Science Center is a few minutes drive away from Toronto. It has an Imax theater and planetarium. Special collection includes space centers, planetary motion, eclipses, rocks from moon and Mars. Fun exhibits are open for children such as 3d printer, rocket chair, living roof, radio collection, energy displays, and so on. Science center is a must-see for school children and has ‘hair-raising’ exhibits. Special displays for the human body and space are interactive.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls Ontario is a couple of hours drive from Toronto. It has exclusive and unique views of both the Niagara Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The city is very much active and has a range of activities for families and adults. Helicopter tours and zip lines are available at an affordable cost. If you have seen Niagara Falls from the United States, you will immediately notice that you have seen only a part of the falls. Canadian Niagara Falls are visible right from the road leading to it and during off-season, you can get a mind-blowing experience of the Niagara Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Friendly Canadians

Canadians are friendly and approachable even in their biggest cities. The population density is lower and I think they are happy just to see people. French is one of the official languages but their English is ‘English’ English. You can immediately notice the difference. Find Queen on the currency, expressways, and roadways. Most of the establishments accept Visa or Mastercard or Discover credit cards and currency exchange is available in the big hotels. Visitors will need a Canadian visa and the border patrol agents will enquire the basic questions about the travel. Public transportation or Uber is a better way to travel to avoid parking charges and traffic. You can find popular food joints such as McDonald’s or exclusive restaurants such as Tim Hortons everywhere. You can complete the top attractions in a day or two. During the warm seasons, you can also visit the Lion Safari, Lake cruises, and Niagara Ziplines. If time permits, you can drive to Ottawa for more attractions. Let me know what else you liked during your visit to Canada!