Citizenship Expectation In Canada

Becoming a Canadian citizen is one of the defining  moment for Canada’s immigrants, because It marks the end of their newcomer journey and the beginning of their journey as a Canadian with the same rights as those born in Canada.

These rights includes the right to vote, to run for political office, to be to apply for any government office, if they wish, to travel with a Canadian passport, and to travel outside of Canada whenever they want.

Policy changes made by Canada over the past decade have hurt naturalization rates, but recent reforms could change that, because presently, Canada expects a 40 per cent increase in citizenship among immigrants by 2024.

A recent study (Statistics Canada study) has shown, that fewer recent immigrants, are gaining Canadian citizenship and this is seen as a cause for concern, but improvements are on the horizon.

A study carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2018, reported that about 91 per cent of immigrants who had lived in Canada for at least 10 years has gotten their citizenship, compared with the OECD average of 63 per cent. Other top destinations for immigrants such as Australia (81 per cent) and the United States (62 per cent) lag behind Canada by a wide margin.

The country’s high rate of citizenship acquisition is an important indicator that Canada does a good job of facilitating integration and has also shown that Canada takes pride in supporting the citizenship journey of immigrants.

The Low possession of Citizenship

Statistics Canada’s new study finds that citizenship acquisition was 86 per cent at the time of the 2016 Census compared with 82 per cent during the 1991 Census.

However, this great insight has been overshadowed by the obvious decline in citizenship acquisition among more recent immigrant cohorts.

Statistics Canada’s analysis found that the citizenship rate for most immigrant cohorts fell in 2016 compared with the 2006 Census. Immigrants with low income, official language proficiency, and education have experienced the sharpest drop in naturalization.

In 1996, for example, 68 per cent of eligible immigrants who had been in Canada for five years were citizens, but this figure fell to 43 per cent in 2016.

Read Employment Increase and decrease in Canada


Decline in Citizenship possession among recent immigrants

The Statistics Canada’s study on this, suggests that the citizenship policy changes made by Canada over the past decade  massively affected the rate in naturalization.

In 2010, Canada introduced new language requirements and a new citizenship exam. Immigrants between the ages of 14 and 64 had to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency and obtain a pass mark of at least 75 per cent on their citizenship exam (the previous pass mark was 60 per cent). In 2017, these requirements were reversed to only apply to those aged between 18 and 54.

Strict language proficiency and citizenship test requirements have made it more difficult for immigrants with low education to become citizens and weak language proficiency skills.

The rationale for these changes was to ensure immigrants were integrating into Canadian society by demonstrating their language proficiency and understanding of Canada’s history, geography, politics, laws, and economy. The government also introduced multiple versions of the citizenship test to reduce cheating and ensure immigrants had a strong knowledge of the topics that it covered.

The fee hikes also played a role in affecting the acquisition of citizenship, the fees were said to help the government recover the costs of processing citizenship applications.

The citizenship acquisition currently costs a total of $630 per person to apply for citizenship. A family of four needs to pay $1,500,

these increase in citizenship fees made it to be less affordable for low-income earners and immigrants to apply for citizenship.

In addition, the federal government increased the citizenship application fee from $100 to $300 for adults in February 2014 and then raised it again to $530 in January 2015.

The fee for children remained the same at $100. Both adult and child applicants also had to pay an extra $100 for right of citizenship fee.

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U.S IMMIGRATION NEWS

US has increased the cost of tourism, student and business visa fees. The United States Embassy in Nigeria says effective from Thursday, August 29, 2019, Nigerians applying for student and business and student visas will not only pay the N59,200 fee but will have to pay an extra $110 (N40, 700) after the visa has been issued to them bringing the total cost to N99, 900.

Applicants seeking the L1 Visa (work permit) will pay an extra N112, 100 if given visas while those applying for H4 Visa (dependency/spousal) will pay an extra N66, 600.

Applicants who are denied visas are exempted from paying the said N40,700.
Before this new development, hundreds of Nigerian visa applicants has also complained that they had not been able to secure US visa appointment dates despite making payments for visas.

The US embassy released a statement blaming the Nigerian Federal Government, that the increment was done in order to get back to the Nigerian Government, for what they meted out on it's citizens.

The US Embassy adopts the rate of N370/$1 for Nigerians which is higher than both the official rate and the black market rate.

Read Questions, Answers, Advice and Insight on US Visiting Visa

US Embassy denies report on student visa ban

 A statement by the Embassy of the United States of America in Nigeria denying a report that it had stopped issuing student visa to Nigerians has drawn criticisms on social media.

The Embassy, had through it's verified Twitter handle @USEmbassyAbuja denied and described as false and fake, the report by an online medium that it had placed a ban on study visa for Nigerians until further notice.

FakeNews Alert! Be advised, reports of Student Visa ban for Nigerians is false. If you have seen such manufactured item on Facebook and Twitter or received it via WhatsApp, please communicate that it is false,” the tweet read.

President Donald Trump has suspended the entry of newcomers into the United States, if they are not covered by American health insurance within 30 days of entering the country, or do not have the financial means to pay for their own healthcare costs. 

This measure was set to come into effect on November 3rd, 2019.

The proclamation will apply to those seeking immigrant visas; a platform that has remained a known route for people seeking a green card from the U.S. The only group exempted from this rule are asylum seekers, refugees, children, or people who are already in the United States. 

The spouses and parents of the US citizens would likely be affected most, as immigration to the United States is majority-family-based.

The US Embassy has suspended the Interview Waiver

The Embassy and Consulate of the United States in Nigeria have suspended the interview waiver “Drop Box” application process effective May 14, 2019. All applicants are required to schedule regular appointments until further notice.

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QUEBEC NEEDS 80,000 IMMIGRANTS PER YEAR, NOT 50,000

Report has shown that Quebec needs 80,000 immigrants per year, not 50,000.

Quebec has Exercised its economic right and interest, under the Canada-Quebec Accord.

Quebec needs almost twice as many immigrants as it is currently targeting, in order to sustain a stable economy.

Canada’s second largest province has welcomed around 50,000 immigrants annually, in recent years. ranking second behind Ontario.

Quebec’s newcomer intake ranked sixth among Canada’s provinces and territories, on a per person bases.

The province’s decision to reduce its newcomer intake to a maximum of 41,800 in 2019, last year, in order to create programs that will help in improving and increasing the new comer integration made Quebec to lag even further behind.

A recent Conference Board of Canada study shows, that Quebec is aging faster than the national average, coupled with a a decrease in birth rate.

These characteristic realities could have a negative effect on the quality of life of people in the province of Quebec.

Because, due to that, there will be a decrease in economic growth and the tax revenues needed for funding the social services, the Quebecers enjoy such as, health care, subsidized daycare and education.

The study speculates that Quebec may have a higher death rate than birth rate by 2028. This is not expected to happen at the national level until 2034.

This means that Quebec will have to strategize and work on how to grow its population urgently than most other provinces, territories or regions.

Study has shown that Immigration is the most realistic solution to increase population growth.

Strategies to promote higher birth rates in western countries have not brought much success and Quebec is evidence of this.

Quebec’s birth rate remains as low as the national average, despite it's universal input on the daycare program.

The Conference Board of Canada study has stated that about 100 per cent of Quebec’s population growth will come through immigration by 2023, compared with the 2034 at the national level.

The province announced that it will increase its 2020 immigration target to a maximum of 44,500 newcomers, and could restore immigration to the 50,000 threshold by 2022.

The province has announced that it's working on ensuring that immigration is restored to the 50,000 threshold by 2022 and also to ensure, that the province's immigration target is increased to a maximum of 44,500 newcomers.

The lower levels may cause a little difficulty, in Quebec's ability to attract businesses and investment.

But these levels remain too low in light of the province’s characteristics circumstances.
If it continues on this level of immigration between now and 2040, its economy would only grow by about 1.4 per cent annually in real terms compared with the perceived Canadian average of 1.9 per cent.

Quebec’s lower immigration targets will now slow population growth and that could have negative economic consequences.

For instance, businesses could choose to invest in other provinces with stronger and higher population growth since those regions or territories will have more available workers to produce and consume goods and services.

Why invest in a province or region with a low population and slow economic growth when others, such as the neighbouring Ontario will enjoy higher rates of growth due to immigration..

Why Quebec Needs 80,000 Newcomers Annually

If Canada continues to increase its immigration level, and if Quebec exercised its prerogative under the Accord, the province would be on track to welcome over 80,000 newcomers annually moving
forward.

This number may sound high, but on a per person bases, most provinces are already welcoming Immigrants at this rate today.

Quebec’s economic growth would strengthen to an average of 1.7 per cent over the next two decades, if it welcomed its proportionate share of newcomers, as it is eligible to do under the Canada-Quebec Accord.

This federal-provincial agreement enables Quebec to admit a percentage share of immigrants in proportion to its demographic weight in Canada.

Given Quebec’s population size today, this means it can welcome at least 23 per cent of Canada’s immigrants each year, or around
75,000 newcomers.

Economic integration is improving Although Quebec’s decision to reduce levels was based on the rationale of improving the social and economic integration of newcomers,

Statistics Canada data shows that economic integration in the province has been improving in recent years.

Immigrant participation and employment rates, as well as their wages, have gone up, while their unemployment rates have gone
down.

Quebec’s demographic challenges should help to further these positive developments. The scarcity of labour in the province will likely benefit both Canadian-born and
immigrant workers.

Moreover, numerous reforms made by Quebec over the years such as the introduction of its online Arrima expression of interest system will likely result in continued positive economic integration outcomes.

Given its rapidly aging population and low birth rate, Quebec would serve the best interests of its citizens by exercising its right under the Canada-Quebec Accord to welcome immigrants into their provinces.

Every province pursues policies that it genuinely believes is in the best interests of promoting higher living standards and ensuring quality life for its citizens. 

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EMPLOYMENT INCREASE AND DECREASE IN CANADA

The new labour force survey has shown that Canada has added 443,000, new jobs in the 12months between October 2018, October 2019, led by gains in full time work, with a rise in employment in the province of British Columbia and New Foundland, last month.

Statistics Canada's new labour force Survey report states that Bristish Columbia and New Foundland leads Canada's other provinces in employment gains.

In October Canada shed 1,800 net jobs, leading to an overall drop in Employment, but the rate in National employment, remained steady at 5.5 per cent.
The small halt in net jobs in October, was followed by a large increase in employment gains in Aug and September.

Bristish Columbia led Canada's other provinces with a of 15,000 net jobs in October.
Statistics Canada's report states that this was driven by the increase in full time work for people aged 55 and over.

The province’s unemployment rate remained stable at 4.7 per cent, making it the lowest in Canada.

But the unemployment and employment rate in Canada's other provinces remained mostly unchanged in October.

Newfoundland and Labrador also posted a gain of 2,700 net jobs in October, the report was mostly of part time work among those between the core working ages of 24 and 54.

Employees who are over 55 make
gains.
Employment among working men and women aged 55 and above increased in
October by a total of 31,000 net
jobs.
The unemployment rate for this group stood at 4.7 per cent, down 0.2 percentage points.

Statistics Canada has reported that employment for this age group has increased by 187,000 net jobs between October 2018 and October 2019, or 4.6 per cent.

Employment among men aged 25 to 54 declined by 29,000 net jobs in October.

Statistics Canada's report has stated that there was a slight difference in employment among women aged 24 to 54 and no change was noticed in employment for people between the age of 15 to 24

However, employment in this group was up by 94,000 net jobs compared to October 2018.


Industrial Employment Increase and Decrease..

There has been a noticeable decrease in people employed in the manufacturing and construction sector in October, by 23,000 and 21,000 respectively.

A great part of the loss in the manufacturing
came from Ontario while the decline in construction was spread across five provinces led by Quebec and Ontario.

There was an increase in employment in public administration by 20,000 in October, with gains reported in British Columbia,

Employment in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.

Statistics Canada has reported that the 18,000 net job gains reported in this field was the second increase in three months. Compared to October 2018, employment was up by 64,000.

Employment was also up in October for people working in the real estate, insurance, finance, rental and leasing industry

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Everything you need to know about Provincial Nomination and various ways of applying for a Provincial or Regional Nomination

Tips and things you need to know about Provincial Nomination

By Nneka Odilichukwu

There are some countries that give foreign skilled workers, easy access to relocate to their country, to work and live in their country permanently and also help in developing and building the country's economy.

The provinces, territories or regions of most of these countries, also have their own immigration programs, through which they invite , select and nominate foreign skilled workers,  for provincial or regional nomination.

These provinces  also work hand in hand with their Federal governments to invite highly skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in their country.

Examples of such countries are - Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc.

Permanent residency is a status granting a foreign applicant the right work and live in a particular country, eg, like these countries mentioned above.

These applicants may not be citizens after they've been granted their permanent card, but they will have the same right and responsibilities that a citizen has, such as, to work, live and study anywhere in the country and also there's provision for them to apply for Citizenship in their chosen country, after living and working there for a certain number of years.

Canada welcomes immigrants twice a month through it's Provincial Nominee Program. Provincial Nominee offers a valuable route to Canadian Permanent Residence.

Canada PNP Stream is inviting applicants who have already applied through Express Entry for Canada PR.

These countries have several programs through which they accept applicants into there country, but the two (2) most popular programs that potential immigrants constantly apply for are...

• Express Entry
• Provincial or Regional Nomination

EXPRESS ENTRY

Express Entry is a straight forward application to the countries Federal Government. 
The successful applicants/skilled workers invited, will be given the freedom to live in any province of there choice in the said country and to move to another province at will.  

PROVINCIAL NOMINATION

The applicants will first research and choose a province of their choice, then seek for relocation and Permanent resident approval from these provinces or regions, who are looking for skilled workers to come, multiply, build and live in there province.

For instance, there are about 10 provinces in Canada and all these provinces has their own criteria and requirements that you as a foreign applicant is expected to fulfil, before you will be invited or accepted into their province, territories or region.

Each province has it's own criteria, requirements and target.
For example, a province may be in need of qualified medical practitioners, Tech experts or Teachers, while some will be targeting skilled workers, lawyers or business men and women.
Example, to apply for provincial nomination in Saskatchewan (a province in Canada), you're expected to have at least a minimum of one (1) year work experience in the course you studied in school, to be eligible.

It simply varies from province to province and the way you apply depends on the provincial nomination stream, you are applying for.

The province of Quebec has it's system of selecting immigrants, for it's province.
A foreign applicant who wants to reside in Quebec, will not be able to apply through the express entry system, they have their own rules, criteria and expectations from foreign applicants, who wants to work and live in their province.

There are two (2) ways you can apply for Provincial Nomination

• Direct Application to a Province or Region
• Application through the Express Entry Route

DIRECT APPLICATION TO A PROVINCE OR REGION

To put in an application for provincial nomination, you should first choose a province, from all the provinces and regions in your chosen country, check their application requirements and criteria and apply directly to them.

The province will review your application using their point system, if you're able to meet all the requirements, you will be given a nomination, which you will use to apply for permanent residence in their country.

For example, if your chosen country is Canada, your application will be received and reviewed by the IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada), your medicals, biometrics and character will also be verified by them.

APPLICATION THROUGH THE EXPRESS ENTRY ROUTE

To apply for Permanent residence to any province or region, through the express entry  route, you will first create an express entry profile, using your IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment) report.

Read List of Organizations that Evaluate Credentials


Then you will be assessed and verified by the Federal Government  of that country, if you have enough points and meets the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut off points and able to make the express entry pool, your profile will be reviewed by other provinces and territories in the country.

If you meet the criteria of any of the provinces or you have the qualifications and experiences, they were looking for, you will be invited by the province, to be considered for any of their programs.
This way, you will be sent an invitation to apply from the province.

After the provinces or regions has processed your Provincial Nomination application (the processing time is about 3 -4 months), you will be granted 600 points, which will be added to your Express Entry score, with this additional 600 points, you will be selected and invited to apply for Permanent Resident, in the very next draw, which occurs every 2 weeks.

Candidates are expected to be in the Express Entry pool first, before applying to these provinces for a Provincial Nomination, because they must be assessed and verified by Federal government, before they can be picked or nominated by any of these provinces.

Each province has the ability and permission to invite skill workers to apply for permanent residence, in their province, you will be accepted provided you have all the skills and qualifications they need. Example in Canada and other countries, each province or region has their own separate Provincial Nominee Program and also have one immigration stream that corresponds with the
Federal Express Entry Immigration Selection System.

There are are basically two (2) formats or process through which you can apply for provincial nomination and they are

• Express Entry Process
• Paper Based Process

EXPRESS ENTRY PROCESS

This process is for applicants who wants to apply for provincial nomination through Express entry.

A Provincial Nominee applicant can apply in 2 ways.

• By contacting the province and applying for a nomination under their express entry stream. If you are nominated by a province, you can now create an express entry profile or update your existing profile, if you have any. You will get a nomination through your account and accept it electronically.
• By creating an Express Entry profile and indicating the provinces, you're interested in. If you receive a notification of Interest from a province in your account, you can the contact them directly and apply to their Express Entry stream. If you're nominated by the province, it will be offered to you through your account and you will also accept it electronically.

In these 2 application processes, you are expected to create an Express Entry profile, so it's always good to create it, right from the beginning.

If you're nominated by a province or Express Entry stream. It will be listed on your nomination certificate and can be confirmed through the province or territory.

HOW TO APPLY FOR PROVINCIAL NOMINATION THROUGH EXPRESS ENTRY

PAPER BASED PROVINCIAL NOMINATION

The process for the paper based provincial nominee is of 2 types.

• The first thing you have to do is to chose a province or region you want to reside in and send them your application for nomination. When they receive your application, will be reviwed based on

1. Their application and immigration needs.
2. Whether you really plan to work and live there.

• After you've been nominated by a province, you must apply to the IRCC (immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada), your application will be reviwed and assessed by them, using the Canadian immigration Law.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A PAPER BASED PROVINCIAL NOMINATION.

To submit an application for a provincial nomination, you are expected to meet the minimum requirements of the province and be nominated under that stream.

To be nominated, you are expected to have followed all the rules of application and instructions on their websites..

Alberta

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Saskatchewan

North West Territories

Prince Edward Island

Yokun 

Provincial Nominee FAQS

If you have low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, then this is a great opportunity for you to get Permanent Residence Visa through Provincial Nominee Program.

If you are not selected after being in the pool for 12 months, make a new expression of interest by creating another profile for yourself.

BENEFITS OF APPLYING FOR A PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM (PNP)

Once a Provincial Nominee Certificate is granted, you receive 600 point that goes towards your Express Entry score.

You don't need a job offer, from a Canadian employer to apply.

Fast application processing

Accepts Low IELTS

Applicants with low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, are given the opportunity to apply and be nominated.

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