Opportunities for social worker and mechanic in Canada
Dear Miss Powell,
I have five years working experience as a social worker. I’m married and my husband is a mechanic and motor vehicle body repairman. Are there any opportunities for us to live in Canada? I was told that I have a half-sister living in Saskatchewan. I don’t know much about her, but my father is in touch with her. Can my family get to live in Canada based on our qualifications, or do we need a relative to sponsor us? How long will the process take? Thank you for your time. MW Dear MW,
Individuals who have a degree, work experience, and who are able to show that they are able to satisfy certain minimum criteria can apply to become permanent residents of Canada. In fact, there are many opportunities for social workers and other trained professionals, who can satisfy all the requirements, to become permanent residents via the Express Entry System. Once you have been granted permanent residence, you will be authorised to live and work in any province that you choose.
The Express Entry System is used to manage applications under the Federal Skilled Worker programme, Federal Skilled Trades programme, the Canadian experience class, and some provincial nominee programmes. There is no fee to submit an application under the Express Entry System. However, you will need to ensure that you will qualify before your application is submitted, to ensure the success of your application.
Once your application is placed in the pool of applicants, the Canadian Government or IRCC will evaluate whether or not you qualify, and a score is given based on your language skills, education work experience, among other factors. The Canadian Government will then conduct a draw, usually at least once a month, and qualified individuals are then granted an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
An ITA signifies the time to submit all the relevant supporting documents, do medical and security checks, provide your biometrics, pay the required application fee and a right of permanent residence fee. If you passed this second level, then you could be granted permanent residence within six months.
You mentioned that you have a sister in Saskatchewan. You should make contact with her and find out more about her status in Canada. If she is a citizen or permanent resident, then this could help you with your application under the Express Entry System, as additional points are granted to individuals who have a sibling residing in the country. You will need to provide proof of this relationship.
Also, if your sister does not have any other relative in Canada and able to satisfy the requirements, she might be able to sponsor you.
OTHER OPTIONS
If you are unable to qualify for sponsorship or the Express Entry System, you could consider the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Programme (SINP). Under the SINP, there is a list of ‘in-demand occupations’which are updated on a regular basis. This list includes occupations such as social worker, psychologist, motor vehicle body repairman, early-childhood teachers, medical monographers, welders, meat cutter, land surveyors, to name a few.
If you plan to submit an application under the SNIP, you will need to ensure that you obtain the correct professional licensure prior to applying under the programme. Your fee application will not be processed to completion without the required proof.
Since you have a bachelor’s degree, I assume in social work or related studies, you are therefore required to provide proof that your training will be acceptable in Canada. You will need to contact the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) to provide a letter of equivalency. You should also note that if your education is in a discipline other than social work, the CASW will not assess your credentials. However, you may submit an educational credential assessment from one of the approved organisations.
Since your husband’s profession is also an i n-demand one, you should obtain a Certificate of Qualification from the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). You may apply for a letter of approval from the SATCC. This letter must state that your husband has at least completed the trade qualifier assessment, or step one, and that he is eligible to write exams. This is not an absolute requirement, but something that may be necessary, depending on the finer details of your case.
There are many options available for individuals to live in Canada, provided that they have the education, training, work experience and ability to demonstrate that they have the potential to do well in Canada. I strongly recommend that you consult with an immigration lawyer, who will be able to advise you about the best option for you, based on your age and other critical factors.
Deidre S. Powell is an immigration lawyer, mediator and notary public. Submit your questions and comments to info@deidrepowell.com or call 613.695.8777/876.922.4092. You can also find her on facebook.com/ jamaicanlawyer.