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Jean Diestro Realtor
The Filipino Canadian Newspaper of choice in Alberta and Saskatchewan
APR 16 - MAY 15, 2017 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 12
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Canada’s Express Entry Changes in June w w w . a m d fi n a n c i a l i n c . c o m
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pakulo winner
Jack Lazaro with Elen of franchesa store (Rice prize)
Cheryl Posadas-Guinsatao EDITOR IN-CHIEF
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that, as of June 6, 2017 French speakers and candidates with a sibling in Canada will receive additional points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). While these may not alter the make-up of the pool in a radical way, the additional points may make a positive difference to candidates who may obtain the new additional points. In addition, registration in the Canada Job Bank will become voluntary. The CRS in its current form will continue to be used in order to rank and select candidates in the pool, and it is expected that IRCC will continue to conduct draws from the pool until June 6, as well as after that date. The most recent improvements to the CRS took place last November, when the number of CRS points awarded for a qualifying job offer was reduced from 600 to 50 or 200, depending on the position offered. At the same time, IRCC made a change to award additional points to candidates who had completed their education in Canada. Before November, 2016, the CRS had not been altered in any way since Express Entry first became operational in January, 2015. These changes taken together may been seen as part of the government of
Canada’s continued efforts to optimize the Express Entry system in order to invite more candidates with skills and experience that, according to Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen, “will help our economy and communities to grow.” In order to enter the Express Entry pool, eligible candidates must first prove proficiency in English or French by taking a standardized language test recognized by IRCC. Of the 1,200 points available in total under the CRS, 136 points may be awarded for a candidate’s first language, with a further 24 available for ability in a second language. Up to 100 more points are available for a candidate’s language skills within the combination (skills transferability) factors. A total of 15 additional points will be awarded to candidates who prove adequate intermediate (equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark 7) or better French ability, and English ability of CLB 4 or lower. A total of 30 additional points will be awarded to French speaking candidates who prove adequate intermediate or better French ability, and who also prove English ability of CLB 5 or better. Candidates who wish to be awarded CRS points for French ability must take the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF). In the case of this stream, a CLB of 7 in French and a CLB of 6 in English is required. As of June 6, as well, candidates with a sibling in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of at least 18 years of age may be awarded 15 addi-
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tional CRS points. These points may also be awarded if the candidate’s spouse or common-law partner has a sibling in Canada. The candidate or his or her spouse/ common-law partner must share a mother and/or father with the sibling in Canada. This relationship can be through blood, adoption, marriage, or common-law partnership. According to IRCC, ‘having a sibling in Canada has been shown to improve health and social outcomes by accelerating a newcomer’s integration into their new life in Canada.’ Job Bank registration will also become voluntary for all candidates. Candidates who do not have a job in Canada lined up and would like to start their job search will nevertheless be able to register for Job Bank, and this option is expected to continue to be available free of charge. Employers may use the Job Bank, as well as their own recruitment procedures, to search for and hire skilled workers.So far in 2017, IRCC has ramped up the number of candidates becontinued on page 8
Announcement
Schooling in Canada Parent Orientation This free session is for all immigrant parents with children in school, or who will be registering their children for school in 2017. The Canadian School System is different than many other countries and can be confusing for immigrant families. This session will prepare you and your children for a successful school year.
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*Parents who are planning to bring their children to Canada are required to attend. This session is part of the registration process for any school in Banff or Canmore. Banff Session (Banff Town Hall, 110 Bear Street) Wednesday, April 26 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Registration is required; call 403-762-1144