Free Online Assessment | Live and Work in Canada!

Interested to live and work in Canada?

Take our FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT to know which program is applicable for you. It will take only few minutes to complete the online assessment form. You will receive the assessment result via email after carefully evaluating the information you have provided. Be sure to provide a working email address.

For your convenience, please click the location more accessible to you and an Assigned Consultant will get in touch with you soon.

Pangasinan

Pampanga

Bicol

Laguna

Batangas

Cavite

Mall of Asia

Quezon City

Metro Manila

Filipinos Abroad

Please note that this online assessment form is for Filipino applicants only.

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6 - 12 months Processing for FSW | Is it for real?

Is the 6 - 12 months processing for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) real? How come the cousin of my brother's neighbor took him about 4 years? :-)

It is of course understandable that there are those who will doubt the processing period is now that fast. The funny thing there is that we used to say the FSW processing period is about 3-5 years and many are being discouraged. And now that we're saying it is 6-12 months, there are those who doubt it.

We just convey the information available. We don't make the rules. So what is our reference for the 6-12 months processing? Here it is:



The 6-12 months processing was mentioned in the 'Action Plan for Faster Immigration: Ministerial Instructions'. Click here to read the whole text from Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

While you are still in doubt and trying to prove us wrong, some others are now waiting for their visa. It is happening and we have the proof!

Always remember that immigration regulations change and the longer you delay your decision, the more you are risking your eligibility.

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Royal York Hotel Scam

If not for the email I received from one of my blog readers, I wouldn't have known that there's this Royal York Hotel Scam.

Dear Mr. Apuntar,

Good day.

As per your assessment, based on the resume I sent you that I have a slim chance to go to Canada since my occupation is not included in the Canadian High Demand Occupations. Then, I followed your advice thru the websites you indicated in your email for me to look directly to the job listings in Canada. I'm very grateful for your help but I came accross this job opening at Royal York Hotel, Ontario Canada. This company sent me job application form and pro-forma service agreement wherein as per their instruction fill it up and send back to them within 72 hrs.

It came to my knowledge that there's a fraud warning regarding this Royal York Hotel Job Hiring. So, I would to know if this is really a fraud or their job hiring is legitimate?

Please see the forms they sent me thru attachments.

Hope to hearing frrom you soon regarding this matter.

I pray for CIC's continouos success.

More power.

Sincerely,

(name withheld)

Here's the upper portion of the application form:



This is definitely a scam similar to that of Omni Hotel Scam, Marriot Hotel Scam and Linxus Royal Hotel Scam.

Read this to avoid these kinds of scam: Guaranteed Visas and Jobs in Canada.

Job search through internet works, but please be careful in sending your hard-earned money just to get a job.

Another modus operandi you will encounter are recruiters promising you to get you a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) in exchange for $1500 - $4000. The problem there is that they may get you an LMO but that is not a guarantee that you will be issued visa/work permit. But since your agreement is just to get you an LMO, you will not get any refund if your visa application is refused for whatever reasons. Worst, there are cases wherein employers withdraw the LMO while your visa application is in process.

Do not pay for LMO. That is not a good idea.

Fortunately for this blog reader, she asked me first about this Royal York Hotel Scam. Some others send their money first before verifying the offers.

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Hurricane Bill Heads to Canada

Hurricane Bill is leaving Massachusetts and now heads to Canada. Canadians are bracing for the hurricane Bill.

Though tropical storm warnings were lifted in the U.S., they remained in effect for parts of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, all in Canada.

A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 24 hours. A watch means conditions are expected to change within 36 hours.[Source]

I hope hurricane Bill will not cause much damages. Be safe everyone!

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Muslims in Canada

Here's a question I recently received from one of my blog readers.

"I just got married to a Palestinian nationality, is it possible for us to be in Canada even if he is Muslim?"

To answer that question, here's a video about Muslims in Canada.

Muslims in Canada can freely practice their religion. Here's a statement from Immigration Minister Kenney on the start of Ramadan 2009.

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Statement of Immigration Kenney on the Month of Ramadan (2009)

Here's the statement of Immigration Minister Jason Kenney recognizing the start of the month of Ramadan (2009):

“The holy month of Ramadan, which begins tomorrow, takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month in which the Qur’an is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

“It is a time of great reflection for Muslims as they are called upon to fast, worship, pray, and read the Qur’an. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is, in fact, one of the five pillars of Islam.

“Such observance is intended to foster generosity and understanding, as Ramadan is also a month of giving, sharing, and socializing.

“I encourage all Canadians to use this month as an opportunity to learn about Islam, and to reflect on the tremendous contributions that Muslims have made to this country’s rich and diverse heritage.

“As Prime Minister Harper has said, ‘Our government considers diversity one of this country’s greatest assets and we are committed to strengthening both our pluralism and our national unity.’

“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I wish a solemn and peaceful Ramadan to all Muslims.

“Ramadan Mubarak.”[Source]

Few months ago, Canadian Council of Muslim Women received financial support from the Government of Canada.

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Nike Canada to provide jersey for Canadian Hockey Team

Nike Canada will not only be an official supplier for the 2010 Winter Olympics, it will also ba a sponsor for Canadian Olympic hockey team.



According to this report, Nike will supply the 2010 Winter Games organizing committee with sporting goods, including the official jersey for the Canadian Olympic hockey team, as well as cash.

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Job Search Through Internet Works

There are those who say that job search through the internet to live and work in Canada is like shooting at the moon. But I beg to differ.



Job search through the internet works, but the result will be determined by your efforts.

Yesterday, one of my blog readers from Olongapo called me to ask about more information on what to do after an employer signified interest to hire him. He said through my Canada Jobs Portal, an employer emailed him asking about the processing period - how long will it take for him to go to Canada if the employer will process a job offer for him! And there is Mark, who shared a Guide for Filipino Nurses who want to live and work in Canada.

It is working.

Now, one of the problems you may encounter is that not all employers know how the process of hiring foreign workers. Make it easy for them, here's an Employer's Guide in Hiring Filipino Workers for Canada.

In sending your resume, make sure to submit a correct format. Here's Free Canada Resume Guide.

So go ahead, start sending your resume! When you find a job (trabaho) through your job search using the Canada Jobs Portal, pa-cheese burger ka ha?!

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Obama on Canada's Health Care System

Just how significant is Canada's Health Care System?

Well, when it comes to US Health Care System debate, Canada's Health Care System is often used as an example. US President Barack Obama is uncertain if Canada's Health Care System will work in the US, too, but he has good words about it.

"I don't find Canadians particularly scary, but I guess some of the opponents of reform think that they make a good bogeyman," he said.

Obama went on to say the Canadian system wouldn't work in the U.S., but many American doctors believe it does some things better.

"Our health care system delivers probably the highest specialty quality care in the world but our primary care infrastructure is not good," said Dr. Joseph Ross of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

Canadians have a longer life expectancy, lower infant mortality rates and lower rates of obesity and diabetes than people in the United States. Canadians' primary care doctors get paid more and spend more time with their patients than doctors across the border to the south.[Source]

Canada's Heath Care System is one the primary reasons why most of my clients want to live and work in CanadaHe.

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NTNP Guidelines for Critical Impact Worker Guidelines

The NTNP Critical Impact Worker program is intended to assist Northwest Territories (NWT) employers with critical labour shortages that cannot be filled by local residents. This category is designed to increase the labour pool for entry level jobs (NOC skill levels C & D) in the hospitality and service sector industry to address the critical need of semi-skilled workers in the NWT.

Employees must have worked in the position for six months under a temporary foreign worker permit. This category will be closely monitored and will remain in place until the labour market for semi-skilled workers within the NWT economy indicates this category is no longer required.

Application process and eligibility requirements under the Critical Impact Worker is almost similar to that of NTNP Skilled Worker Category. The only difference is that the Critical Impact Worker is applicable only to workers classified under NOC skill levels C & D and has been working in Canada for at least six months.

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NTNP Guidelines for Skilled Worker Category

Here's the Northwest Territories Nominee Program guidelines for Skilled Worker.

The NTNP Skilled Worker Category is an employer driven process that is intended for skilled occupations for which formal education and/or specialized training is required (NOC Skills Level O, A and B). It is designed to attract qualified individuals that will assist with shortages of skilled workers in the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Employer Eligibility:

Have a job vacancy;

Identify a potential nominee;

Be a registered business, industry association or a local, municipal, First
Nation or Territorial government in the NWT that has been registered and
operational for a minimum of one year;

Provide proof that they have tried to recruit locally and nationally to fill the
position using national advertising requirements; and,

Obtain a Labour Market Opinion (LMO)

A Human Resources Plan that verifies the need to fill the position with a nominee will be evaluated as an asset to the application. The employer is responsible for completion of the application form and for submission of all required documentation to ECE.

The Offer of Employment must:

Be for a permanent full-time position;

Be in an occupation that falls into NOC Matrix Skill Levels O, A or B

Not conflict with existing collective bargaining agreements;

Comply with the NWT Employment Standards Act; and,

Provide a comparable industry rate of pay.

Nominee Eligibility:

Have the required certification or accreditation for the specific trade or
occupation;

Be licensed or accepted by the Territorial body governing the occupation or trade, if applicable;

Be able to conduct basic communications in either English or French,
depending on the official language of the work place; and,

Not be a refugee claimant.

When submitting an application form, employers should be sure to include the
following documents:

Letter of offer of employment

Proof of attempted local and national recruitment for the position

Labour Market Opinion (LMO)

Original or certified true copy of nominee’s accreditation translated into
English or French

Original or certified true copy confirming nominee’s previous work experience, translated into English or French

Copy of nominee’s temporary work permit (if available or applicable).

Here's where you may get more information, application forms and where to send your NTNP Skilled Worker category application:

Canada/NWT Service Centre
North Slave Region
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the NWT
Greenstone Building
110, 5101 - 50TH AVE
BOX 1320
YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Ph: (867) 766-5100
Fx: (867) 873-0423

ECE Service Centre
Deh Cho Region
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the NWT
9802 – 98 Ave
BOX 740
FORT SIMPSON NT XOE ONO
Ph: (867) 695-7332
Fx: (867) 695-7351

ECE Service Centre
Sahtu Region
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the NWT
BOX 147
NORMAN WELLS NT XOE OVO
Ph: (867) 587-7163
Fx: (867) 587-2612

ECE Service Centre
Beaufort Delta Region
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the NWT
Mack Travel Building, 2nd Floor
BAG SERVICE #1
INUVIK NT XOE OTO
Ph: (867) 777-7137
Fx: (867) 777-7218

ECE Service Centre
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the NWT
Courthouse Building
8 CAPITAL DRIVE
HAY RIVER NT XOE 1G2
Ph: (867) 874-5050
Fx: (867) 874-5062

ECE Service Centre
South Slave Region
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the NWT
Sweetgrass Building
BOX 1406
FORT SMITH NT XOE OPO
Ph: (867) 872-7425
Fx: (867) 872-4507

I'll update this post once the application forms for NTNP Skilled Worker Category are made available online at GNWT Education, Culture and employment website, http://www.ece.gov.nt.ca.

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About Northwest Territories (NWT) | Tourism, Climate, Jobs and more

In line with the recently launched Northwest Territories Nominee Program, I think you will be interested to know more information about Northwest Territories - cost of living, job opportunities, climate, etc.

Image from http://www.suresoft.ca

Here are some information about Northwest Territories.

Tourism
The Northwest Territories is a land of contrasts. It is 1.17 million square kilometres of mountains, forests and tundra threaded by wild, clean rivers feeding thousands of pristine lakes. Over 40,000 people live amid this rugged natural beauty.

Nature is in balance here. You can view rare wildlife species, from white wolves to white whales, and see herds of bison, prowling bears, moose and caribou by the thousands.

This is the land where the world's best northern lights dance during the dark winter months and where the sun never sets during the summer. For more information about Northwest Tourism, visit Spectacular Northwest Territories (http://www.spectacularnwt.com)

Climate
Here's NWT Climate information from Wikipedia:

The Northwest Territories reaches for over 1,300,000 square kilometres (500,000 sq mi) so there is a large climate variant from south to north. The southern part of the Territory (most of the mainland portion) has a subarctic climate while the islands and northern coast have a polar climate. Summers in the south are short but warm with daytime high's reaching on average the low 20 °C (68 °F) with overnight lows around 10 °C (50 °F). Winters are long and cold with daytime high's in the −20 °C (−4.0 °F) and lows in the −30 °C (−22.0 °F). Summers in the north are short and cool with daytime highs in the mid teens and lows in the single degrees. Winters are long and harsh, daytime highs in the mid −20 °C (−4.0 °F) and lows around −40 °C (−40.0 °F). Extremes are common with summer highs in the south reaching 36 °C (97 °F) and lows reaching into the negatives. In winter in the south its not uncommon for the temperatures to reach the −40 °C (−40.0 °F)'s but can also reach the low teens during the day. In the north temperatures can reach the low 30 °C (86 °F), and lows can reach into the low negatives. In winter in the north its not uncommon for the temperatures to reach the −50 °C (−58.0 °F) but can also reach the single digits during the day. Thunderstorms are not rare in the south, but in the north they are very rare but do occur. Tornadoes are extremely rare but have happened with the most notable one happening just out side of Yellowknife that destroyed a communications tower. The Territory has a fairly dry climate due to the mountains in the west.

For a more information about NWT climate, visit NWT's Environment and Natural Resources website http://www.enr.gov.nt.ca

Jobs
Mining, government and tourism are the cornerstones of the Northwest Territories economy. http://www.jobsnorth.ca/ is where you will find job vacancies in the Northwest Territories.

Yellow Knife
Aside from being the Capital of Northwest Territories, Yellow Knife is known as the Diamond Capital of North America. The abundance of minerals, oil and gas in the NWT has had dramatic economic impacts on Yellowknife.

Filipinos in Northwest Territories
Based on 2001 Statistics Canada reports, Canadians of Filipino origin made up around 1% of the populations of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

For more information about Northwest Territories, visit http://www.gov.nt.ca

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NTNP | Entrepreneur and Self-Employed Business Category

By now, you must have already heard about Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP), the latest immigration program announced recently by Immigration Minister Jason Kenny. Here's additional information about NTNP, particularly about the Entrepreneur and Self-Employed Business categories.

The Entrepreneur category provides an opportunity for immigrants who start a business in the Northwest Territories (NWT) to receive permanent residency status.

The self-employed category of the NTNP is designed to attract professionals who can provide a service that is in demand in the NWT by establishing business outlets or professional practices.

The Government of Northwest Territories' Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment is responsible for the Entrepreneur and Self-Employed Business categories of NTNP. For more information about NTNP Entrepreneur and Self-Employed Business categories, you may contact (867) 873-7361 or visit http://www.iti.gov.nt.ca

Update (August 8, 2009): Eligibility Requirements

The Entrepreneur Business Category applicant must:

Invest:

A minimum of $300,000 CDN equity into starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT;

A minimum of $150,000 CDN equity into starting or buying a business outside of the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT;

Have a personal net worth of:

At least $500,000 CDN if starting or buying a business within the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT;

At least $250,000 CDN if starting or buying a business outside the corporate boundaries of Yellowknife, NWT;

Have an additional $75,000 kept in a trust account and released upon completion of a Performance Agreement based on a business proposal;

Demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of NWT and its economy;

Be able to demonstrate reasonable communication skills; and,

Have the necessary experience and education to successfully implement thebusiness plan.

The Self-Employed Business applicant must:

Have a profession that is identified as a professional skill shortage;

Satisfy any certification or accreditation requirements for the particular
profession or occupation;

Be licensed/accepted by the body governing the profession, if any;

Demonstrate reasonable communication skills appropriate to the NWT;

Demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the NWT and its
economy;

Demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to start and operate
the professional practice and to support themselves and any dependents for a
period of six months; and,

Submit a detailed business plan for the business or practice.

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Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)

The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) is the latest addition to Canada's Provincial Nominee Program which aims to address each provinces' labor market needs. This first-ever immigration agreement with Northwest Territories was just signed yesterday, August 5, 2009.

“I am very pleased to announce the very first nominee agreement with the Northwest Territories today,” Minister Kenney said. “This pilot initiative will better extend and strengthen the benefits of immigration for the Northwest Territories and allow it to bring in the immigrants it needs faster. Provincial nominee programs are an important part of our government’s focus on ensuring that our immigration system aligns with labour market needs.[Source]”

Applicants for Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) can be nominated for permanent residency under one of four program categories:

Skilled Worker

Critical Impact Worker (Service and Hospitality Sector Occupations)

Entrepreneur Business

Self-Employed Business

Considering that Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) does not include family stream like that of the AINP Family Stream and Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), you may only qualify under the new program if you will find an employer in Northwest Territories willing to sponsor you. Canada Jobs Portal would be of great help in searching for job vacancies in Northwest Territories.

I'll post the details about the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) once it becomes available.

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Employment Insurance (EI)

What do you do if you suddenly lost your job and is worrying about your bills? Those in Arizona are lucky to have their AZUI Weekly claim. Those in the Philippines are lucky to have Bombay in the neighborhood to turn to for a quick loan. In Canada, they have Employment Insurance (EI).

Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance for unemployed Canadians while they look for work or upgrade their skills.

Canadians who are sick, pregnant or caring for a newborn or adopted child, as well as those who must care for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death, may also be assisted by Employment Insurance.

Types of Employment Insurance Benefits

Employment Insurance Regular Benefits - available to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal layoffs, or mass layoffs) and who are available for and able to work, but can’t find a job.

Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits - provide support to individuals who are pregnant, have recently given birth, are adopting a child, or are caring for a newborn.

Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits - for individuals who are unable to work because of sickness, injury, or quarantine.

Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits - available to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death.

Employment Insurance Fishing Benefits - provide support to qualifying, self-employed fishers who are actively seeking work.

To be eligible to receive regular benefits, you must show that you have been without work and without pay for at least 7 consecutive days and that in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim (qualifying period), you have worked for the required number of insurable hours. If you voluntarily quit your job without just cause or if you are fired due to your own misconduct, you will not be paid regular benefits.

Employment Insurance is just one of the benefits of being a permanent resident of Canada. Click here more information on how to apply for EI.

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Is IELTS Exam Results Subject to Expiration?

IELTS Exam Results, per se, is not subject to expiration. So to answer the question, Is IELTS Exam Results Subject to Expiration?, that depends on where you will use the IELTS Exam Results and which institution requires it.

Here's what the British Council has to say about the IELTS Exam Results or the Test Report Form.

Do IELTS results expire?

No. The Test Report Form only shows the date when the test was taken. The institution requiring IELTS has the right to set up a period of time in which the results may be accepted. There is a general rule which recommends that any proficiency test should be accepted during two years of having passed the exam.

If you are submitting the IELTS Exam Results to Canadian Visa Office for your Federal Skilled Worker program immigrant visa application, you can use language test results for one year from the time you took the test according to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

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Kanata, Kanada, Canucks | What's in a name?

Here are some trivia about the name of Canada: Kanata, Kanada and Canucks.

Canucks
Canuck is a slang term for Canadians. According to the Random House Dictionary, the term Canuck is first recorded about 1835 as an Americanism, originally referring specifically to a French Canadian. This was probably the original meaning, though in Canada and other countries, Canuck now more often refers to any Canadian.


A hockey team in Vancouver is called Vancouver Canucks.

Kanata
The name Canada originated around 1535 from the Saint-Lawrence Iroquoian word kanata meaning village, settlement, or land. Read about the origin of the name of Canada here.

Kanada
Sometimes you will also encounter some materials or read in an online publications or forums where the name Kanada is used instead of Canada. Ever wonder why?. There are two possible reasons. The first reason could be a simple mistake on part of the writer and the second could be a sign of protest, a satiric misspelling.

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Manny Pacquiao May Train in Canada

Filipino fans of boxing champ, Manny Pacquio, may have a chance to finally meet him in person ahead of Pacquiao-Cotto showdown in November. According to this report, Team Pacquio considers Canada to be Manny Pacquiao's training camp because of the large number of Filipinos residing there, among other reasons.

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is luring Manny Pacquiao to the Bahamas for the first half of his training camp for the November 14 duel with Miguel Cotto but the Filipino fighter might end up going to Canada, Mexico — or even the Philippines.[Source]

Team Pacquiao is particularly considering Vancouver because it is near the US. Vancouver will also host the 2010 Winter Olympics.

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New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program | Immigrate to New Brunswick

Here's another alternative if you are not yet eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Immigrate to New Brunswick through New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program!

To be considered for nomination by New Brunswick, applicants must have a guaranteed job offer in their intended occupation or an approved plan to do business in New Brunswick. Currently, family stream program like that of AINP Family Stream and Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Requirements for Job Offer applicants

Guranteed Job Offer. To be considered for nomination as a skilled worker under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, you require a permanent, full-time job offer from an established New Brunswick company. The job must meet provincial employment standards and offer comparable industry rates of pay. In most cases, the skills offered by the potential immigrant are not readily available in New Brunswick and employers must demonstrate that they are having difficulty finding these skills in the local job market.

Points System. To be considered for immigration under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, you must obtain a minimum of 50 points using the selection criteria here. Greater consideration will be given to applicants whose employment fills a skill shortage in New Brunswick. Please note that the selection criteria used here is different to that of Six Selection Criteria Points System under the FSW PRogram.

If you artte interested to Immigrate to New Brunswick through the job applicants category, check out Canada Jobs Portal to look for job vacancies and How to Find Jobs in Canada for job hunting tips.

Business Plan Applicants
To be considered for nomination by New Brunswick, applicants must have a guaranteed job offer in their intended occupation or an approved plan to do business in New Brunswick .

To be considered as a business plan applicant:

you must have previous management experience with proven success as a senior executive and/or business owner;

your business skills must be relevant to the business you intend to pursue in New Brunswick;

you must have sufficient funds to finance the first phase of the planned business venture without third party assistance and to support your family for a period of up to two years (the personal net worth requirement will vary based on business venture proposed);

you are required to participate in the business in an active managerial role.

For more information on how to Immigrate to New Brunswick through New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, click here to visit New Brunswick Population Growth Secretariat official website.

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