Canadian Government Unveils Canadian Experience Class Visa

Temporary foreign workers and foreign student graduates can apply for citizenship under a new immigration class that rewards people for their Canadian experience, according to the government.

The program, known as the Canadian Experience Class, would also allow qualified applicants to seek permanent residency while continuing to work or study in Canada.
Under the old rules, they would have to leave the country and apply to immigrate.

Choosing newcomers based on knowledge of Canadian labour market and experience within Canadian society would make Canada a more attractive destination for skilled individuals from around the world, according to Diane Finley, Citizenship and Immigration Minister.

International students and skilled workers would be more likely to choose Canada if they knew their time in Canada and contribution to Canadian society would assist in their eligibility to apply to stay permanently.

Minister Finley said the program would be implemented in October.

Applicants would have to meet certain qualifications. Temporary workers would need at least two years of work experience in managerial, professional and technical occupations and skilled trades. They would also need moderate language skills.

Student qualifications would include having graduated from a Canadian college or university, having one year of skilled, professional or technical work experience, and moderate or basic language skills.

Critics call the program unfair because it excludes many temporary foreign workers such as unskilled labourers, factory workers and farmers.
Indo-Canadians demand Canadian visa office in Mumbai

Indo-Canadians have requested Prime Minister Stephen Harper to open a Canadian visa office in Mumbai, the financial capital of India, in the wake of expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

Opening up of visa office in Mumbai would reduce hardship and help in boosting trade and investment between the two countries as Canada was fast emerging as the most popular destination for Indian migrants and business companies for investment, according to Hemant Shah, Chairman, India Trade of the Winnipeg Chamber Of Commerce, in a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister.

Shah said that a number of Indian companies were expanding their operations in North America, and would like to set up their base in Canada as it was a picturesque country offering a wealth of new and exciting opportunities.

He welcomed Canadian government decision to open trade office in Ahmedabad saying that this move had been well received following Canadian trade offices recently opened in Calcutta and Hyderabad.

Harper had announced his government's decision to open trade office in Ahmedabad to accelerate trade and investment between the two countries at a function organised by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Canada.