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Regional Occupations Under Pressure Lists updatedSource: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)The lists of Occupations Under Pressure have been updated for BC and Alberta (and new lists added for Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec). The new lists are even longer and lengthier. Check the lists for positions on your recruitment list and take note - the Recruitment Efforts you're required to demonstrate are reduced for these positions. New: E-LMO (Expedited Labour Market Opinions)Source: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)HRSDC announced a new pilot program for employers hiring in 12 specific occupations. It is a two step process: 1) Employers apply to the pilot program to ensure they are eligible to participate and then 2) Make the LMO applications for these particular occupations. HRSDC/Service Canada estimate a 3 - 5 day turnaround time for these LMO applications. This should reduce the number of applications in the overall queue and make it faster for everyone. U.S. Consulate in Vancouver - updated proceduresSource: U.S. Consulate General VancouverThe U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver has changed their procedures for fee payments and visa pick-up. Fees are now paid through ScotiaBank and the deposit slips included in the visa application package. Visas are no longer available for pick-up at the Consulate; instead, the visas are mailed to the applicant within 3 days. Applicants must purchase a Canada Post Expresspost mailer at the Consulate or bring a pre-paid one of their own. Japan: New entry procedures for foreignersSource: Consulate General of JapanEffective November 20, 2007, foreigners entering Japan will be fingerprinted and photographed. Canada's Immigration system needs adjustingSource: Canadian BusinessThis article suggests that our immigration system needs to be prioritized to bring in the most necessary skills to Canada. Our selection process for Permanent Residents needs to be prioritized and our Temporary Foreign Worker process needs to be nimbler. Canada seems unable to adjust to Canada's needs and may be losing ground to other countries like the U.K. and Australia who are also actively seeking skilled workers. U.K. ImmigrationSource: The EconomistA look at the results of U.K. reports on Immigration. The table which breaks down the source countries by employment, education, income, home ownership and more is an interesting view into the country's immigrant population. Europe: Expansion of the Schengen areaSource: The EconomistThose familiar with "Schengen" visas will be interested in this planned expansion of the Schengen countries. These countries share many things, including shared administration of visa issuance. There is hesitancy amongst the countries, though, particularly on security. Talent exodus: British Columbians the highest source of expatsSource: The Vancouver SunCanadians are very mobile and British Columbians the most likely go work overseas. The global outlook is positive for Canada, as long as we can get these global expats to return and bring their talent back to BC (which many do). Vancouver's Report CardSource: Vancouver FoundationThe foundation's annual ratings for Metro Vancouver's livability and wellness is a mixed bag. The region continues to face plenty of growth and challenges, resulting in some good and poor grades. The grades include a B- for Safety and D for Gap between rich and poor. Perhaps a closer look at the report's findings will help us make this a better place to live.
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Think Ahead |
A Tale of Two Cities: An Intercultural Observation of the Olympic Games Preparation in Vancouver and BeijingHost: SFU David See-Chai Lam Centre for International CommunicationDate: November 16, 2007 This edition of the Pacific Region Forum looks at the impending Olympics from an intercultural perspective, comparing the communications, public reaction and cultures in Vancouver and Beijing. Employing International StudentsHost: SFU Career Management CentreDate: November 27, 2007 Think Relocation Consulting and Global Steps Relocation Consulting will co-present along with representatives from the BC Provincial Nominee Program on employing students throughout their university lives from co-op to part-time work, to post-graduate employment and beyond. Immigration BasicsHosts: Think Relocation Consulting and Global Steps Relocation ConsultingDates: January 29 or February 5, 2008 Get your brain back into shape this New Year with the Immigration Basics workshop. This workshop unravels the mysteries and intricacies of Canadian Immigration. The Immigration Basics workshop has been designed to cover the theoretical and the practical, giving you enough information to be knowledgeable, but not overwhelmed. The focus is enabling you to take control of your company’s immigration needs by building this expertise in-house. Relocation BasicsHosts: Think Relocation Consulting and Global Steps Relocation ConsultingDate: February 6, 2008 This workshop to tackles the complex and potentially mind-boggling world of Relocation. We’ll look at the 3 P’s of developing a killer relocation program – from Philosophy to Policy to how it works In Practice. And then we’ll turn the tables and look at it from the candidate’s perspective to make sure you’re prepared to answer their tough questions.
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