Spousal immigration is an important aspect of Canadian immigration and thousands of people apply under this category every year. If you have a spouse who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, he/she can sponsor you to immigrate to Canada under certain conditions. This is a useful program for those people who cannot qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker or the Canadian Experience Class. Moreover, the applicant doesn't have to meet strict policies as it would have to meet under the skilled worker programs. However, the sponsor must meet the eligibility criteria to be able to sponsor the spouse.

Are There Any Complications In Spousal Sponsorship Programs?

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As with Federal Skilled Worker programs, spousal immigration program is also under heavy influx of applications. As a result, the applicants are experiencing long delays, and in some cases refusals. There are quite many reasons: Many sponsors don't qualify easily for the program as there are rigid eligibility criteria for the sponsor. Others find it difficult to prepare an appropriate application.

Changes to Spousal Sponsorship application in December 2016

• Points accumulated for a job offer has changed
• You can now earn total of 50 points if you have valid job offer in NOC 0 (management jobs), NOC A (professional jobs)or NOC B (technical jobs)
• You can get up to 200 points if you have valid job offer in NOC 00 occupations (Senior management occupations)
• Job offer duration has changed from permanent to a minimum of one year upon becoming a permanent resident
• You can now earn CRS points for education in Canada that is above high school
• You can receive 15 points for one or two year diploma or certificate program
• You can receive 30 points if you have degree, diploma/certificate (3 years or plus)
• You can receive 30 points for master's degree, professional or doctoral degree of at least one academic year
• Applicants have been given more time to complete application for PR upon getting invitation to apply. The extension is now 90 days from 60 days.
• If you are on a specific LMIA-Exempt Work Permit and thinking of changing your temporary status to permanent status you don't need to go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to earn points for your job offer by CRS. These include individuals that fall under North American Free Trade Agreement, Federal-Provincial Agreement, Mobilite Francophone and Intra Company Transferees. To be eligible as the candidates you need to have at least one year of work experience from the same employer who has provided the job offer

IS EVERYONE AFFECTED BY THE EXPRESS ENTRY CHANGES?

• You are not affected by the Express Entry changes if you have already received invitation to apply (ITA). Your application will be processed based on the rules in place when you received your ITA
• If you think you are affected by the change you can simply go on your Express Entry profile by answering any new questions added to the system. Upon completion CRS will update your points on the system

WHO CAN GET POINT FOR A JOB OFFER?

Yes you can get Points for Job Offer	No, you cannot get Points for Job Offer
NAFTA	Post-Graduation Work Permits
Intra Company Transferee	International Experience Canada (IEC)
LMIA Work Based Work Permits	Work Permits issued to Spouses/Common-Law Partners of foreign workers and international students in Canada
Canada-Provincial/Territorial issued Work Permits	All other Open Work Permits
Other Work Permits issued under the significant benefit to Canada initiative

ARE APPLICATIONS UNDER PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS AFFECTED BY THE EXPRESS ENTRY CHANGES?

If you have applied through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) you will continue to get 600 points. Also, new plans have been set for 2017 by the government of Canada that is aiming to welcome 51,000 immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Programs. There is good news for applicants that want to apply under the PNP, new plans have been set by the government of Canada to welcome 51,000 immigrants through Provincial Nominee Program. Many changes are taking place so keep yourself updated to avoid missing out on great opportunities to Canada.

COMPREHENSIVE RANKING SYSTEM CALCULATOR UPDATED

The Comprehensive Ranking System Calculator has been updated and easier to use for applicants that want to create an Express Entry profile. The new and improved CRS calculator helps you calculate your points and help you determine what your points will be under the new point system.

Express Entry will allow Citizenship and Immigration Canada to actively recruit, assess and select immigrants under the following economic programs:s

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program
• The Canadian Experience Class

The Express Entry category is divided into two stages.

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How We Can Help with Express Entry 2015

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The Express Entry program is a new method of obtaining permanent residence. It is the hope of Citizenship and Immigration Canada that this new methodology will prevent backlogs and ensure quick processing times.

Regardless of the new method of applying for the economic classes, the qualifications of each of them remain fundamentally the same and focus on:

• Intended occupation
• Your experience
• Your skills and credentials; and
• Your adaptability to life in Canada.

These are the key elements to any application and will need to be sufficiently demonstrated should you hope to be invited for permanent residence. Providing the right documentation goes far beyond the minimum requirements of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Prepare your application in advance, assess the merits of your situation and have your supporting documents prepared so that when January 2015 hits – your application is ready for submission.

Contact us and we would be happy to help you get a head start on Express Entry!