Canada to admit 265,000 new immigrants in 2008
Ottawa - Canada is set to admit thousands of new immigrants from different parts of the world in 2008. Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, The Honourable Diane Finley, announced that the country expects to welcome between 240,000 and 265,000 newcomers in 2008.
In a scheme somehow similar to the USA Green Card lottery system, Canada, will begin accepting applications from qualified individuals based on a very successful point system. According to the immigration minister, the Canadian government believes that immigration plays an important role in building communities and growing the economy.
The initiative known as the Canadian Experience Class, is a key element of the government’s long-term immigration plan, and will be implemented in 2008 for certain skilled temporary workers and international students with Canadian degrees and Canadian work experience. Once the class is established and for the first time, individuals meeting specific criteria will be able to apply for permanent resident status from within Canada.
Other initiatives includes the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO), the Temporary Foreign Worker program, and the Provincial Nominee Program.
The FCRO is working with the provinces and territories to help internationally trained individuals get their skills assessed and recognized. The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to identify and nominate immigrants who will address their labour market needs.
The Canadian federal government has also committed an additional $1.3 billion in settlement funding over five years, and $342 million per year ongoing, to help newcomers succeed.
Unconfirmed data currently estimates that there are over 200,000 nigerians permanently living in various canadian provinces.
Information about applying to become a legal canadian permanent resident can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.aspÂ
Leave a Reply