New Neighbours Consulting

Time is the scarcest resource and unless it is managed nothing else can be managed. Peter Drucker

Family Class sponsorship at its best. Warning: tearjerking content.

Super proud of my client and new Canadian permanent resident, Idan Cohen. Idan and his partner are originally from Israel but because of his world class attitude and talents, they are both now immigrants to Canada. They made Canada home through the self employed persons program, which is a unique category that enriches the arts, culture, and athletic life of Canada. Check out his work if you get the chance.

Cool new app for people settling in Canada: Arrival Advisor is free to download via Apple App and Google Play stores. "Topics within the app can be accessed without a Wi-Fi connection, accommodating many newcomers who have phones but no data coverage. The app also connects to the phone’s Maps to help users navigate to service providers near them. The first version of the app is available in English, French, and Arabic, and PeaceGeeks is working to introduce it in Korean, Tag...alog, Punjabi, and Chinese (traditional and simplified) by summer 2019. Users do not need to create an account or disclose any personal information to use the app. By answering an optional and anonymous questionnaire about their circumstances, they receive tailored recommendations and step-by-step guidance on relevant topics." Source: straight.com

Institutions and practitioners should be mindful of this policy decision in the US. It will likely have future effects on how foreign skilled workers and their spouses engage Canadian employers and schools for the same benefits, which they are losing down south.

"The five-year Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot requires remote communities to submit a thorough plan identifying available middle-class job opportunities and developing social support infrastructure to help the newcomers settle."

"The new year has just started, but the Canadian province of Manitoba has already made its intentions clear: 2019 will be the year of international education, as its capital Winnipeg prepares to host three international education conferences over the next 12 months."

Do you have at least two years or recent self-employment experience as an artist, athlete, or professional in media, film or television? If so, you may be eligible to stay in Canada as a self-employed person. This 90 minute seminar and Q and A will help you self-assess to see if this is right pathway for you. It will also tell you how you can get your own business off the ground in Canada.

"Imagine a 19-year-old Canadian and a 19-year-old permanent resident.Both are attending university. One night, both students have one drink too many and make the terrible decision of getting behind the wheel of a car. They are stopped by police, given a breathalyzer test and blow over the legal limit. No one was injured or killed. But since they blew over the legal limit they are charged and then convicted. The young Canadian would have their licence suspended and pay a fine.... The young Canadian would be punished for their mistake but go back university, get an education, a job and become a productive member of society. However, for the 19-year-old permanent resident they not only lose their licence, pay the fine but now they are inadmissible into Canada and could be deported. This person that was doing all the right things by getting an education and bettering their life but made a terrible mistake and could be deported from Canada."

"The Montoyas, who were scheduled for removal by the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), received an email from the government Monday afternoon saying Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen had intervened on their behalf, granting them temporary residency and working permits in Canada for the next 18 months."

'Sesame Street' characters are helping refugee kids cope with trauma thanks to a $100 million investment from the LEGO Foundation

Hi everybody! I am setting up a community library in the lobby of my office with information and books all about Canada and Canadian culture. Wanted: Maps, Guidebooks, history, photography, music, fiction, really anything in good shape that can be passed on to others who are either in Canada for a short period - and could use them to get around - or for those making Canada home. Will buy at a reasonable price; PM me with photos and how much you want for them.

October 17, 2018 Cannabis is now legal in Canada, which means, from an immigration context, that foreign nationals, including international students, will not be snagged for inadmissibility for simple possession and use. However, there are offences in the Cannabis act (trafficking, production, importing) that could trigger inadmissibility, as well as driving offences (that because of the passage of bill C46) will now make residents (both temporary and permanent) inadmissible ...to Canada for serious criminality. Also bear in mind that changes to Canadian law do not affect the laws of other countries. Students who smoke and admit to use may still face prosecution back home. some countries may even initiate new screening measures for those who travel from Canada. Be safe!

To all my new permanent residents and Canadian citizen clients out there - and everyone else - Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, eh!

"The lower mainland’s tech industry is rapidly expanding, boasting a startup ecosystem ranked among the top 15 in the world. As a result, local businesses have to compete with an increasing talent shortage. Now America’s largest bookkeeping service for small businesses and a growing player in the Canadian market, Bench has set an ambitious target to hire 100 people by Christmas. Defying the city’s labour shortage, it’s well on the way to hitting that number, through initiatives such as the upcoming Startup Open House event." Looking for work in Sales, Marketing, Design, and of course, bookkeeping: Visit Bench's at https://bit.ly/2OuHT3i

11 Vancouver companies hiring like crazy right now. ! #makecanadahome

"Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced changes to the sponsorship program for parents and grandparents Monday, which will see the random selection process for sponsorship applications replaced with a first-come-first-served process. The government will also accept more parent and grandparent sponsorships in 2019. The current cap of 17,000 applications will be increased to 20,000 next year. The so-called lottery system for this program drew criticism when it was introduced last year after many potential sponsors said they felt it was unfair."

This brewery took on Ontario's buck-a-beer challenge in its own way - by inviting their customers to help refugees build a new life in Ottawa... That's pretty Canadian, eh?

This picture was taken by yours truly on Mount Seymour exactly a year ago. The spring melt signifies change, excitement, sometimes trepidation for better (or just different) things to come. Happy spring everyone!!! Make it count!

New Neighbours is located on West Broadway at Laurel Street. Here are some photos of the office.

Save hours on your travel history reports for Permanent Residency to Canada with this one simple tip. Comments and questions most welcome!

Did you know that both Federal and Provincial Governments are responsible for immigration to Canada? This allows for Canada's provinces and territories to nominate foreign individuals who are likely to make an economic contribution in specific labour markets. Here's a complete snapshot of BC's immigration program, the BCPNP. #makecanadahome

Get timely, productive help on nearly any issue or procedure under Canadian immigration law, with just a few clicks.

In order to survive the game of inches that is immigrating to Canada, you need to move slowly but steadily forward. It's not very edgy, but the ethos gets results. Give us a call to find out more.

Great guy and client Thomas Clohosey came by to pick up his work permit and left with a rustic British cottage. Congratulations!

Loving this new table from Rob Sampson at Sampson Antique Company. Rob was super helpful today. Turns out we met as teenagers over 25 years ago! https://m.facebook.com/sampsons.ca/

Hockey forward Sergina is one shining star around here, having received her permanent residency status in just 4 months. The key takeaways? Know which category you are applying under. Nail every requirement (or train until you can). Kill deadlines, and make yourself indispensable. Congratulations again Marina! You are truly a world class talent and I am so blessed to have worked with you through 2015-2016. Happy New Year!

This is great news. Now select clients who have been approved for Permanent Residency and are already in Canada can do their landing procedures by phone. While just a pilot project, this may eventually replace the traditional method of leaving the country and re-entering, simply to activate your PR status.

Unlicensed? Illegal.

Immigration Medical Exams can be so confusing and intimidating. Come prepared with these few key steps and get it done - while feeling confident - the first time round.

Ottawa is reviewing a provision of Canada's immigration act which bars those with disabilities - and their families - from becoming permanent residents to Canada.

Happy Campers! Welcome to Canada!

Be warned! The CRS calculator does not calculate basic eligibility for Canadian Immigration.

NNC is located on West Broadway and Laurel in Vancouver, right above Avis Rent a Car & Gina the Psychic. While we might not be able to predict the future or rent out a car to you, we do understand immigration law and regulations like the backs of our hands. The company has an easy to use method of booking appointments, and the office will also keep drop in hours Saturdays for pro-bono immigration surgery sessions for the public. Reach out to Dave Sage, RCIC, if you are interested in finding out more. at New Neighbours Consulting.