Wednesday, January 30, 2013

240,000 illegal Indian immigrants could get US citizenship


Washington: Over 240,000 illegal Indian immigrants in the US could be soon on their path to obtaining citizenship under a "big deal" reached by a bi-partisan group of influential Senators but uncertainty remains for the tens of thousands of highly skilled Indians seeking a Green Card.

Described by the White House as a "big deal", the compromise announced by the group of top eight Senators proposes a path to citizenship for 11.5 million illegal immigrants of which more than three-fourths (77 per cent or 8.9 million) are from North America, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.

"We have come together on a set of bipartisan principles for comprehensive immigration reforms that we hope can pass the Senate in an overwhelming and bipartisan fashion," Senator Charles Schumer said after he and a bi-partisan group of seven influential Senators came up with set of principles for comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

Mexico alone accounts the maximum 6.8 million illegal immigrants.

The Department of Homeland Security in its report released in March 2012, estimated that there were 240,000 illegal immigrants from India in 2011, which are now going to benefit from this immigration reform.

Among the Asian countries, India is ranked third when it comes to illegal immigrants after China (280,000) and Philippines (270,000).

India has registered quite an increase in illegal immigrants, which was about 120,000 in 2000, said the report of the Department of Homeland Security.

It was way back in 1986 that the US had last come out with a path to citizenship for an estimated three million illegal immigrants.

However, neither the Senators nor President Barack Obama's blueprint posted on the White House mentioned lifting the country specific quota on Green Card, a major drawback in the current immigration system, which has resulted in an agonising long wait for permanent residency for tens of thousands of Indian Americans.


Reff:http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/240-000-illegal-indian-immigrants-could-get-us-citizenship-323873?fb

Friday, January 25, 2013

Language Skills in Canada


Canada has two official languages: English and French.

 Even if you have the language skills in English or French needed to immigrate to Canada, those skills may not be strong enough to work in your preferred profession.

 Language skills in English or French are essential to your integration into the labour market in Canada. Lacking these skills is one of the largest barriers to full integration.

The language requirements to work in your profession in Canada might be different from the language requirements for immigration to Canada.

most professions and trades require you to be fluent in English or French and to have a strong command of all work-related language. Being fluent in a language includes having the cultural knowledge to understand phrases or expressions used, some of which may be unique to Canada. In addition to continued language study and practice, look for bridging programs that offers both language training and work experience.

A language test given by your profession or the results from an internationally standardized language test will almost certainly be part of the assessment of your qualifications. Make sure that you understand the requirements you must meet.
There are a few internationally recognized language tests such as TOEFL, but the evaluating organization will sometimes accept only one specific test.
What you can do

Get a realistic assessment of your language skills before you come to Canada. If necessary, use the time before you come to Canada to improve your language skills.
Contact your regulatory body or go towww.language.ca to find out which language tests      are required.
Learn how to get your language skills assessed and how to identify opportunities for language training by following the steps outlined in Section B of Planning to Work in Canada: An Essential Workbook for Newcomers
Find out more about improving your English or French and about Canada’s Official Languages.
The Association of Canadian Community Colleges’ member institutions offer a wide range of English as a Second Language Programs. Find the institution nearest you.
Consult the following websites to learn more about language requirements and assessment in Canada:
·         Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment
·         Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses
·         Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks
·         Enhanced Language Training
·         Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
·         Recognition for Learning
·         Colleges Ontario’s Occupation-specific Language Training
Reff :http://www.credentials.gc.ca/jobs/challenges/language.asp