Atlantic immigration pilot (AIPP)

It's 2019 now! Almost 7 months have passed since we landed in Canada. Funny how time flies. We are still in touch with many of our friends in the US. The landscape in the US is getting more slippery for folks on visa like H1-B, L1-B with the immigration rules changing frequently. When we immigrated last year, we had enough points to get thru the Federal stream and didn't have to check out other avenues. But last week, a US friend called me and told me that he didn't have enough points. So I got to researching a solution to help him.

Living in Halifax for the last 7 months was really good. Although Halifax is the biggest city on the east coast of Canada, it hasn't really had too many big employers. It thrives on small businesses. The government has made some strides in the last few years though to build up infrastructure to attract new employers. The housing market in Toronto and Vancouver is getting saturated and the cost of living has only been going up in those cities. It therefore isn't a surprise that a lot of people are moving to the east coast. That is why, the east coast Atlantic provinces - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, New Foundland and Labrador & Prince Edward Island have partnered to come up with the Atlantic immigration pilot program i.e. AIPP. The goal being to attract immigrants to these provinces and grow the economy. Employers will hire foreign workers for positions that they haven't been able to fill locally.

Note that not all employers are part of the pilot. So, when you interview with the employer, ask them specifically if they are one of the designated employers in AIPP. There are 3 streams within this pilot - Highly skilled, intermediate skilled and international graduate. You can read thru the detailed requirements of these streams in the link given below. In a nutshell, you need a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an employer, participating in the AIPP program for at least 1 year.

Some tips -

1. Look at the job requirements in detail and apply for jobs that have a close match.

2. Write a great cover letter that clearly states your need of participating in AIPP and how your relevant experience makes you a suitable candidate. That will incline the recruiter to contact you. I got thru Federal stream of Express entry and got a job in Halifax from the US. Writing a detailed cover letter helped me get a good response from my employer.

3. You will need to research the designated employers for AIPP as there isn't a site dedicated for job searches. Go thru the list below and then look up for jobs for that employer.  But if you find the right job then perhaps you would be over the biggest hurdle!

Other requirements 

• You need to give a language test like IELTS, CELPIP and the results should not be more than 2 years old.
• You need to prove that you have the funds to support yourself/family (if applicable) in Canada.
• For the highly skilled/intermediate skilled streams you need to have work experience. Check out the detailed requirements in the links.

How does this work?

1. You have to get a job offer from an employer participating in the AIPP program. You can also apply for a temporary work permit if your employer wants you to start immediately.
2. Figure out your settlement plan with the help of several agencies. It works even if you are outside of Canada.Give a copy of the plan to your employer.
3. Your employer then needs to get the endorsement from the province with your job offer and settlement plan. The employer should handle this part.
4. Once you have the endorsement, you can submit your express entry profile for permanent residence. The online express entry application will have the steps for you to submit details. After this, it will follow the same steps of the express entry process. 
1. Note that if you have applied for a temporary work permit then you have to submit permanent residence application within 90 days.
2. If you are a highly skilled worker (NOC A, B or 0) then your spouse can also apply for an open work permit.
3. Best thing about this is that you don't have strict requirements for points like other streams. The gist is that if you have a job offer from an Atlantic employer and you satisfy other requirements like funds, language and education then you should get thru.

Disclaimer- This information is just based on a research that I did for a friend.  I would encourage you to look at the links on the official site below. 

Useful Links 

1. Atlantic immigration pilot -
1. Follow the links for each of the streams to find out eligibility for each.
2. Designated employers in AIPP
3. Settlement plan 

Winter in Canada

Winter in Canada is one of the things that people research most about. Many people immigrating to Canada don't have this experience. Personally,  we moved from India to US and now to Canada.  We spent a few years in the New England area and so it was not too hard on us because the experiences were similar!

What is winter like?

Winter lasts for 4-6 months in Canada.  Depending on where you live, it will vary. The temperatures range from 10 degree celsius to -40 degree Celsius. Some parts of Canada have it more severe than the rest. The 2 provinces that have it less severe are Nova Scotia and British Columbia.  If you have lived in the New England area in the US then you know what to expect.  These provinces are near the coast and so that makes it less severe. However Nova Scotia is a little chilly and so although it might be -5 degrees celcius it could feel like -10 degree celsius. Typically, you would have flurries by October and it would start snowing in most places by December.  Usually it snows couple of times a week and the snow would be deposited on the road. The government in all of Canada has infrastructure in place to clear the snow on roads. They deposit the snow on the side so that the roads can be driven. They salt the roads so that it is less slippery. Effectively you would see piles of snow on the side and it would melt if there isn't snowfall in the next few days.

What is black ice?

The color isn't black but this is a thin coating of glaze ice and is transparent.  You cannot see it and you might slip while walking on it. It is formed when temperatures fall below 0 degree celsius and there is light rain or drizzle. This is why your regular shoes will slip on this.

How can you prepare for this?

Although the above statistics seem very daunting,  you can effectively prepare for this season. Heater is a mandatory requirement for all buildings (apartments or independent houses or work places or malls etc.). That is why you can live the same way as you would in spring inside the house. Verify the heater status of your place. If it is faulty then get it fixed. With a good heater, you shouldn't feel any cold. Even public transportation buses and rail transit are heated. So you should not feel it within the transit.

Where will you feel the cold?

You will feel the cold when you get into your car, if it isn't heated. It takes a few minutes for the car to be heated. You could also start your car and wait for it to be heated before driving in it. Some cars have an additional feature of heated seats. So you get additional heating. But that too takes time.

If you take the public transit then there would be some time between you getting to the stop and into the bus. It may be a few minutes but very adverse if you don't  have the right gear.

What should be your winter gear?

Every family member needs to have the following- 

1.  Parka - This is a thick jacket that is knee length long. The jackets are very thick and usually are certified to withstand around -30 degree celsius. These are very durable too if you invest in a good one. If the country you are immigrating from doesn't get snow and the temperature is not comparable to Canada then I would suggest buying it in Canada instead of buying something that would be throwaway. 
2. Boots - Snow and black ice are dangerous.  Your regular footware like leather shoes or sneakers would make you slip. Snow boots give you the resistance when walking on snow or black ice.
3. Gloves - Your fingers can get numb if exposed to the cold temperatures. That is why gloves are very important.
4. Scarf - This protects your neck especially when it is windy.
5. A good lotion and lip balm - Skin breaks out due to the weather. Make sure that you have these at all times.

For car owners

What should you do for your car?

Winter tires are required so that the car doesn't skid on snow. The threads on the tire are designed for better traction. As a car owner, this isn't optional. Ask your car mechanic today about it.

You need purchase snow brushes and shovels to clean snow on car and even scrape off ice on it. We have these tools even if we have covered parking at home. At work, we don't have covered parking and that's why these accessories are useful.  Although occasionally needed,  it is a relief to have these. We use public transit most of the times. Very rarely we have to commute by car. Consider commuting by public transit in these months, if possible. 

Driving in snow is different than driving in the rest of the seasons.  So, definitely be careful.  Even with winter tires, you need to get used to driving cautiously and getting control of the car. It might take you a while to learn this.

What is the impact of not having covered parking at your place?

We have heated covered parking at our apartment complex and this is a great advantage. Without covered parking, every night you could have frost accumulated on the car because of under zero temperatures.  You might have to use de-icing liquid to melt the frost. The snow deposition in a few hours usually covers your car and so you would need to dust off the snow when there is snowfall.

Hope this helps with your winter preparation. Stay safe!!

CRS points - 2018 trends

As we draw to the end of the year 2018, we thought that it might be useful to layout the trends around CRS draws this year. If you are an express entry aspirant, understanding the trends around the score can help you with your probability of getting an invite and even understanding the gap that you may have to address if your score is not in the range.

What were trends around regular draws?

By regular draws, we mean that different express entry streams like Federal skilled worker, Canadian Experience Class, PNP etc. were considered. There were 23 draws held this year for express entry. Each of these were held almost bi-weekly. The cut off score ranged from 440 to 456. The number of invitations per draw ranged from 2750 to 3900.

Were there any stream specific draws conducted?

There were 2 draws for federal skilled trade stream in May and September with cut-off scores of 284 and 288 respectively. A PNP only draw was conducted in May with a cut off score of 902.

When will I get an invite?

This is one of the most important questions that you may have once you have submitted the profile is when you would get an invite. The CIC website shows you the status of the express entry pool until a few days ago. This is a table of the number of profiles within a given score range. For example, as of Nov 23rd 2018, there were 275 profiles with scores between 601 - 1200, 1334 profiles with scores between 451 to 600 and 1857 profiles between 441-450.  As we have seen from previous draws, typically the number of invites sent ranges from 2750 to 3900. By that calculation the cut off would probably be between 441 - 450. If you are within that range, you are likely to get your invite in the next few rounds. If not, try to work on your score!

Hope this gives you a better idea on how to plan your next steps once you have your express entry score!

You might be interested -

1. Get started with your express entry application today!
2. Submit your express entry profile today.

Express entry - 2018 - 2020 plans

Earlier this week on 1st November 2018, the immigration minister announced the plans for the next few years. The targets are to invite 310,000 new permanent residents in 2018, 330,000 in 2019 and 340,000 in 2020. Note that this covers all streams and not just the economic express entry program.

What are the PR targets specifically for Express entry program?

1. 2018 year - 177500 primary applicants and 86000 family members.
2. 2019 year - 191600 primary applicants and 88500 family members.
3. 2020 year - 195800 primary applicants and 91000 family members.

Overall thoughts

1. This is more than enough time to prepare yourself for your application.  It is very encouraging to see transparency from CIC. You have way more free resources (including my blog) for preparation.
2. 32% of invites in each year in 2018 and 2019 are for provincial nomination and Atlantic immigration programs. These programs are best suited for folks who are already working in Canada i.e. on work permits and have been staying in a province for 1-2 years.  So if you haven't evaluated your Express entry score, please do so now. Take advantage of the favorable plans. In 2020, 36% of invites is for provincial nomination program and Atlantic immigration program.
3. Almost 42% of invites each year is reserved for federal skilled workers i.e. skilled applicants residing outside Canada, skilled trades and Canadian experience class.
4. Interestingly,  the percentage of invites for caregivers is declining. From 17000 in 2018 the number of invites in 2020 is supposed to decline to 5000.

How about Canada's neighbor - USA?

It is an interesting time in November 2018 where the H1B visa regulations are getting very tough, especially for techies. It seems like Canada is milking the situation and is attracting the talent. As someone who was exactly on H1B until a few months ago, it has been a great move. Perhaps a blessing in disguise. If you were to move outside the US then Canada would definitely be the 1st choice. It is perhaps the easiest move and you have handy benefits due to your presence in US. With immigration rules changing in the US and the system perhaps getting more complex, you have favorable conditions for Express entry. Those familiar with the employment categories of green card backlog - There are around 600K people (including dependents) as of November 2018, who are awaiting green cards and will takes several years or even decades to get it. The increased numbers for Canadian program is a good sign that they are scouting talent from their neighbor. DO NOT wait until the last year!

Recommendations for less experienced people

You just need 1 year of skilled experience (1560 hours) in your primary NOC to apply.  Keep tabs on express entry draws and calculate your score. You have time to consider different options to improve your score!

You might want to read below -
1. Get started with express entry today!

Passport validity - Express entry

When we applied for Canadian express entry,  our passports had validity for multiple years and we didn't have to think about it. However when many people, whose passports were expiring in the next few months, asked us about the same, we had thought of writing up this post.

Importance of Passport

Even outside of Express entry,  this is a very important document that should be kept carefully. It is one's identity and so make sure that each of your immediate family members has one. For Express entry,  you submit your latest passport (i.e. if you have renewed your passport in the past) and don't have to submit old/canceled passport(s).

Express entry pre-requisites 

When you give IELTS exam, your test results has the passport number that you supply.  If you have requested a new passport after your exam, we recommend mentioning that in the letter of explanation and uploading the old passport (page with your picture with name and date of birth) when you submit your application post-ITA.

What complications can arise?

If your name has changed (i.e. first, middle and/or last name) or marital status or spouse name has changed then you need to get an affidavit and mention the same in thd letter of explanation.  This is important because the visa officer would want to ensure that you are indeed the same person. It is a very common scenario. Many nations have passports issued for 10 years and so it could be quite possible that your name/marital status/spouse name has changed.

Where is my passport number required?

1. When you create express entry profile. 
2. Post getting the invite to apply- 

• Security clearance - Most countries put in the passport number in the final police clearance certificate.  It has a validity of just 6 months. 
• Medical exam - The clinic that will do your exam will ask your passport number and it will have the same in your report. Like security, this is also important because health care is free. They would want to ensure that you are indeed the person that underwent the test.
• Travel history - When your travel history is verified, there is a background check done. Your latest passport number will be very useful.

3. Once you get the golden email

If you are from one of the countries that need a visa to enter Canada then you would have to send your passport to get a one-time stamp. If you have changed passports then you will have to explain the same. Send both passports and if there a change in the demographic page i.e. name, dob, marital status then you would have to submit an affidavit for the same. The visa officer might choose to contact you for clarification. 

You get a document called CoPR i.e. confirmation of permanent residence for every family member. This is a very important document that is needed for 1st time landing.

Landing 

If you renew your passport after you get the CoPR and your old passport then make sure that your carry the old passport too because it has the "one-time entry " stamp.

Final take

The express entry process has an official SLA of 6 months. You get usually couple of months to land in Canada.  Sometimes you could have delays further than 6 months. To avoid any questions from visa officials and backforth, please ensure that all family members have a passport that at least has a year's validity. This can save you a lot of headaches!

You might also be interested-

• Common mistakes you can make!

NOCs - Education

In 2017, 3% of the invites went to university professors and lecturers. Under the several 100 NOCs for the express entry program, it might be hard to find the ones for this industry. In 2018, some provinces such as British Columbia have reported shortages for teachers and that is why the NOC such as 4011 are considered as a "high-demand" occupation.

If you work at a university or college

• Lecturer/Professor - 4011
• You teach undergraduate or graduate school 
• Bachelors or Masters degrees
• College or vocational instructor - 4021
• Educational counselor - 4033
• Educational policy researchers, consultants, program officers - 4166
•  Faculty administrators and registrars - 0421
•  Registrars - Manage registration activities and academic records
• Faculty administrators - Manage the operations of vocational schools specializing in trades, technology, business or other vocational subjects. Includes deans as well
• Administrative officers - 1221
• Implement administrative procedures, establish work priorities, conduct analyses of administrative operations and co-ordinate acquisition of administrative services such as office space, supplies and security services

If you work in secondary or elementary school

• Early childhood educators - 4214
• Conduct programs for children until 12 years
• Secondary school teacher - 4031
• Elementary school or kindergarten teachers - 4032
• Educational counselor - 4033
• Educational policy researchers, consultants, program officers - 4166
• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants - 4413
• Support teachers & students 
• School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education - 4413
• Administrative officers - 1221
• Implement administrative procedures, establish work priorities, conduct analyses of administrative operations and co-ordinate acquisition of administrative services such as office space, supplies and security services
• Government managers - 0413
• Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the development and administration of elementary, secondary and post-secondary education policies and programs. 

Senior management for educational institutions

• Senior managers - 0014
• plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through middle managers, membership and other organizations or institutions that deliver health, education, social or community services.
• Government managers - education policy development and program administration - 0413

Conclusion - It might seem that a lot of the job duties might overlap. Read the job duties closely and not the titles. So the advice is that select the NOC that represents the majority of your duties. Let you letter reflect the truth. IRCC would want that else everyone would have the same proof of work. Hope this helps you find your NOC.

Next steps
1. Found your NOC? Get started with Express entry today!

NOCs - IT/Software industry

One of the industries that is popular for the express entry program is the IT software industry. The NOC code is important because your employer's letter needs to list job duties that match that of the NOC you select. The trouble is that you might not find the exact job title that are commonly used in the industry. The site doesn't group by industry. This makes it slightly difficult to find your NOC. Note that you just need a 50% match with the duties. Sometimes multiple job roles might be merged in 1 NOC. And that is fine. 

Senior Management - Senior Vice President,  Vice President,  Director, Sr Director

If you manage a department or departments, have the bottomline for the same and report the C-level folks then the NOC for you is 0013.

Program managers, project managers, scrum masters

Are you part of the PMO i.e. project management office? Do you support your product owner or business and basically your team to deliver successfully? Do you develop processes or enforce SDLC (eg. agile/waterfall) methodologies for your projects/program? Are you ultimately responsible for the successful delivery of your project/program? You might also have certifications (not mandatory) like PMP, CSM, PgMP etc. The NOC 0213 might be a good fit.

Are you a resource manager for systems/business analysts/software developers/software architects/quality analysts?

You are responsible for recruiting folks in your department. You also oversee their career progression and do their reviews. You decide their renumeration. The NOC 0213 might be a good fit.

Business system analyst/ system analyst/ business analyst / product owner/cyber security analyst / performance analyst/ quality analyst

As part of software development, if you are responsible for requirements? There are different types of analysts. Here are a few common examples. NOC code 2171 might be a good fit. This has been a very popular NOC and has the most invites.
1. You write software (business and functional) requirements document (waterfall methodology) or write stories (agile). You interact with stakeholders and clarify requirements for developers/testers OR
2. You write test cases to ensure software quality. OR
3. Your focus software security - find security vulnerabilities and responsible for security requirements OR
4. Your focus is performance of the software. Running and analyzing tests like capacity and longevity and ensuring that the software meets the SLAs.

Developers and architects

If you are a front end/API or backend developer or video game/media developer or software architect then look at NOCs 2173, 2174 and 2175.

Database analyst or Database administrator

If you create and or manage databases then try NOC 2172.

Software Tester 

If you are executing tests for software applications in order to sign off on a release then try NOC 2283. You might create automated tests, create defects and ultimately be responsible for quality.

Conclusion - This industry accounted for 17% of invites in 2017.  We are part of a very dynamic business industry where digital disruption is the norm. You might be cross-functional and your job profile may be a mix of both roles. So the advice is that select the NOC that represents the majority of your duties. Let you letter reflect the truth. IRCC would want that else everyone would have the same proof of work.

Hope this helps my friends in the software industry to find their NOC.

Next steps
1. Found your NOC? Get started with Express entry today!