Citizenship Changes: What Does It Mean?

As you may have heard, there have been many recent changes to the Canadian citizenship application requirements, released by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in February 2014. Because of the amount of changes being implemented, many people feel confused or overwhelmed and need clarification.

Below is a brief explanation of how the new changes affect the average immigrant wishing to apply for Canadian citizenship: 

• The current application decision wait-time is 36 months, however by 2015-2016, the wait-time will be reduced to less than 12 months. 

• Applicants now have to wait longer before submitting a valid application. Now, applicants must be in Canada for 183 days each year for 4 out of 6 years before applying for citizenship.

• Applicants could have to make a declaration stating their "intent to reside" in Canada. 

• Proof of language and the successful completion of the Canadian knowledge test has expanded to applicants ages 14-64 rather than those aged 18-54 (previously).

• Fees for the application have increased to accommodate increased processing fees. The application cost for adults has already increased from $100 to $300. However, there is also the $100 Right of Citizenship fee which remains the same, making the total amount for the adult application = $400. 

• Rather than a 3-step approval process, applications will now have to go through a 1-step approval process where they will be approved or denied by an immigration officer only, instead of both an immigration officer and a citizenship judge. Citizenship judges will continue to conduct ceremonies. 

Some of the above changes have already been implemented,  with others coming along in the near future.

We hope that this clearly outlines the amendments to Citizenship Applications. 

What do you think about these changes? Leave a comment below. 

NCP Settlement Department

The Express Entry Program

The New 'Express Entry' program is being implemented by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) by January 1st, 2015.  The purpose of this new system is to help fill Canadian labour market needs. This is new electronic, online system will accept Permanent Resident Applications for those wanting to apply under the Federal Economic Immigration program which include: the Federal Skilled Worker program, the Federal Skilled Trades program and the Canadian Experience Class program.

Here are a couple of features of the Express Entry system:

• If individual applicants meet the criteria of one of the above mentioned programs, they will be placed into a pool online.  The Canadian Government, Provincial and Territory governments, as well as employers will have access to this online system to select candidates from this pool.

• Express Entry will allow employers in Canada to connect with qualified international skilled workers to help to fill vacant positions.

• Candidates can accumulate points by: obtaining a job offer and/or receiving a provincial nomination, and by having skills and experience that the Canadian job market is seeking.

• Those with the highest scores will be sent an 'Invitation to Apply' (ITA), which invites those candidates to apply for Permanent Resident status. Applications will be processed within 6 months.

Canadian companies must first try to fill their employment positions by hiring Canadians or existing permanent residents; however, if they are unable to do so, they will qualify to use the Express Entry system. 

It is believed that if newcomers are connected with job opportunities before they arrive to Canada, this will assist them in integrating into the Canadian Job Market more quickly.

NCP's services will continue to provide support to employers as well as internationally trained professionals in Canada to help newcomers understand the dynamics of Canadian workplace cultures, as well as learn how to retain their employment in Canada.

If you would like more detailed information about the program, feel free to visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at: Express Entry Information.

Please share your thoughts and comments about the program.  If you have any other resources about the program, please feel free to post them here!



NCP Settlement Department

Welcome to the New Settlement at NCP Blog!

Welcome to the new "Settlement at NCP" blog! This is a new online initiative led by the Newcomer Centre of Peel's Settlement Department. This blog will feature discussions on various topics including immigration, citizenship, integration and settlement, health and wellness, employment, income and finances, schooling and education, housing, parenting, seniors issues and more! 

Here, you can find news articles regarding changes within Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), health, and employment issues, etc., all of which are related to newcomers. You can also find tips and tricks, updates on events and workshops happening within our department, and summaries of what took place throughout the month. 

We hope that our clients will use this blog as a safe space to share their ideas and opinions on the various topics discussed. We want to facilitate an online home where our clients can access important and relevant information, which will keep them informed about what is happening within the government, within the community and right here, at the Newcomer Centre of Peel! 

So please, take the time to check it out and remember to come back regularly to see what is going on. 

Thanks! 

NCP Settlement Department