Difference between revisions of "Immigrating to British Columbia"

Yes—BC and several other provinces have provincial nominee programs (under the economic class). These provinces can speed up, or fast track, an immigration application so it takes less than one year. They can also have a work permit issued in 2 to 3 months. One of the fastest ways to immigrate to BC is under [http://www.welcomebc.ca/pnp BC’s Provincial Nominee Program], which lets BC select immigrants based on their specific ability to contribute to the BC economy. For example, applicants for jobs in BC where there is a shortage of workers—such as high-tech positions and rural postings—qualify here. But an applicant must first have a job offer to apply under this program.

Canada has had a long tradition of helping people in need. Until recently, it has accepted between 20,000 and 30,000 people a year as refugees. They are people unable or unwilling to return to their own country for fear of being persecuted because of their race, religion, political opinion, nationality or membership in a particular social group, or people who might face risk to their lives, cruel and unusual treatment, punishment, or torture if they went home. In the last year, the Canadian government has restricted access to the refugee process by designating some countries as “safe” and requiring special procedures for refugee claimants from these countries.

Some financial and other help is available to immigrants through various programs and services, including counseling and cultural orientation, loans to help with transportation to Canada, language training, and job-related services.