Welcome - Hanwood Emigration Services

News & Announcements

What is a RSS Feed?

How to view RSS?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually.

RSS content can be read using software called an "RSS reader," "feed reader" or an "aggregator." The user subscribes to a feed by entering the feed's link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. The reader checks the user's subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading any updates that it finds.

The initials "RSS" are used to refer to the following formats:

* Really Simple Syndication (RSS 2.0)
* RDF Site Summary (RSS 1.0 and RSS 0.90)
* Rich Site Summary (RSS 0.91)

RSS formats are specified using XML, a generic specification for the creation of data formats.

Quick RSS Link
(for: All Browsers):
View RSS Feed
Browser RSS Link
You will find the RSS Icon at the top of your browser.
- (for: IE):
  The RSS Icon ( ) is found on the browser between Home and Print.
  
  note: RSS Feeds do not work on browsers older than IE 7.
- (for: Safari):
  The RSS Icon ( ) is found in the end of the address bar.
- (for: Netscape, FireFox, and Opera):
  The RSS Icon ( ) is found in the end of the address bar.
- (for: Google Chrome):
  RSS is not yet available.
RSS Icons are links to the Feed. By clicking on the icon, you will be able to view the Feed. To return to the site, click on the back button of your browser.

Shortage of skilled workers has businesses worried View Full Story Minimize

Posted: December 12, 2011 |

Canada's small business owners are feeling a little more than the usual stress about global economic conditions, but the thing that's really keeping them up nights is the trouble they're having finding qualified staff, according to the quarterly American Express Small Business Monitor, released Monday. Canada's small business owners are feeling a little more than the usual stress about global economic conditions, but the thing that's really keeping them up nights is the trouble they're having finding qualified staff, according to the quarterly American Express Small Business Monitor, released Monday.

Respondents to the survey are confident their financial position is improving, and while they're concerned about market volatility, stress is second nature to small business owners, says Abhijeet Rege, director of small business service at American Express Canada.

More relevant to their day-to-day operations is the fact 74 per cent of owners say it's becoming harder to find good employees. Two-fifths say they worry about being able to replace retiring employees in the next five years, with a looming shortage of skilled tradespeople causing most concern.

"They are very much in demand; 38 per cent of business owners are reporting that they're looking to fill skilled trade positions, but two-thirds are finding those are the most difficult jobs to fill as well," says Rege. The problem is only expected to get worse as baby boomers retire.

Finding candidates with the appropriate work ethic was the next most-cited impediment to hiring, at 12 per cent, and finding experienced personnel was third, at 11 per cent.

Coming up against salary expectations they can't meet was a challenge for seven per cent of respondents -- but "the demands of today's job applicants exceed their qualifications" was the complaint of 64 per cent of respondents.

When it comes to finding qualified candidates, respondents said working their own networks is most effective, followed by online job boards and employee referrals. The number leveraging other new technologies, such as social media, is still small, says Rege.

"We find that only nine per cent of business owners are actually leveraging social media channels to find talent, but when they do, 42 per cent of them find it to be highly effective," says Rege.

"There seems to be an opportunity there for them to venture into some of the newer channels for finding talent."

Nearly three-quarters of small business owners said offering flexible hours was just as important as money when it comes to attracting and retaining high-quality staff, along with a dynamic business culture (62 per cent), share and/or stock options (61 per cent) and better health benefits (54 per cent).

The Small Business Monitor is based on results of an online survey of 520 small business owners conducted by Rogers Connect Market Research for American Express between Oct. 21 and 29. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.3 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

-- Postmedia News

Canada’s broken promise View Full Story Minimize

Posted: November 16, 2011 |

A new report by Deloitte is calling on Canadian employers to focus on an employee’s core skill set and qualifications -- instead of on their accent and cultural background. A more diverse work force is not only better for society, it fosters creativity and innovation. A new report by Deloitte is calling on Canadian employers to focus on an employee’s core skill set and qualifications -- instead of on their accent and cultural background. A more diverse work force is not only better for society, it fosters creativity and innovation. Two good examples in Canada are Xerox and Toronto’s Steam Whistle Brewery, which have broadened their markets, thanks to a diverse work force.

While lingering biases in recruitment may not be intentional, they definitely persist. A recent study by University of Toronto researcher Philip Oreopoulos showed that job seekers with anglophone names in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are 47% more likely to receive callbacks than those with Indian or Chinese names -- even if their work experience, education and language proficiency are the same. Employers perceive that it will take more time to train foreign-born workers, or that they won’t fit into the company’s culture. But group think isn’t good for business, and differences can strengthen an organization.

Canada needs immigrants to fuel economic growth. But this goal won’t be achieved if newcomers can only get “survival jobs”. Canada’s immigration model is recognized for its excellence, both in selecting the best and brightest, and for making the path to citizenship painless. However, the model will lose its credibility if employers cannot address the challenge of immigrants’ persistent under-employment.

Employers must broaden their thinking, and integrate skilled people who may not have Canadian experience, but who offer something even more valuable: global experience.
Globe and Mail, Nov. 01, 2011

Find Out More

News Release – Government of Canada to cut backlog and wait times for family reunification – Phase I of Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification View Full Story Minimize

Posted: November 07, 2011 |

Ottawa, November 4, 2011 — The Government of Canada is taking immediate action to cut the backlog and wait times for sponsored parents and grandparents, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today Ottawa, November 4, 2011 — The Government of Canada is taking immediate action to cut the backlog and wait times for sponsored parents and grandparents, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today. Currently, more than 165,000 parents and grandparents who have applied to become permanent residents of Canada are still waiting for a final decision. Each year, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) receives applications for sponsorship of nearly 38,000 parents and grandparents, a number that will only continue to expand if no action is taken. “Wait times for Family Class sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents now exceed seven years, and without taking action, those times will continue to grow, and that is unacceptable,” said Minister Kenney. “Action must be taken to cut the backlog, reduce the wait times, and ensure that the parents and grandparents program is sustainable over the long run.” To deal with the large backlog and lengthy wait times, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is announcing Phase I of the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification. First – The Government of Canada will increase by over 60 percent the number of sponsored parents and grandparents Canada will admit next year, from nearly 15,500 in 2010 to 25,000 in 2012 – the highest level in nearly two decades. Second – The government is introducing the new “Parent and Grandparent Super Visa,” which will be valid for up to 10 years. The multiple-entry visa will allow an applicant to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without the need for renewal of their status. The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa will come into effect on December 1, 2011, and CIC will be able to issue the visas, on average, within eight weeks of the application. This means that instead of waiting for eight years, a parent or a grandparent can come to Canada within eight weeks. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa applicants will be required to obtain private Canadian health-care insurance for their stay in Canada. Third – The government will consult Canadians on how to redesign the parents and grandparents program to ensure that it is sustainable in the future. The redesigned program must avoid future large backlogs and be sensitive to fiscal constraints. Fourth – To prevent the build-up of an unmanageable number of new applications during these consultations and to further reduce the 165,000-strong backlog of parent and grandparent applicants, CIC is putting in place a temporary pause of up to 24 months on the acceptance of new sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents. The pause comes into effect on November 5, 2011

Find Out More

Attracting and retaining international PhD students the focus of new initiative View Full Story Minimize

Posted: November 03, 2011 |

Canada intends to accept up to 1,000 international PhD students per year as permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear announced today, on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney Canada intends to accept up to 1,000 international PhD students per year as permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear announced today, on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. “Doctoral graduates play a unique role in the economy. They drive research, encourage innovation and pass on their knowledge through teaching,” said Minister Goodyear. “And quite simply, Canada needs more of them.” Starting November 5, 2011, many international PhD students will be eligible to submit applications for processing as federal skilled workers. To be eligible, they must have completed at least two years of study toward the attainment of a PhD and remain in good academic standing at a provincially recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada.

Find Out More

Hanwood obtained Foreign Worker Recruitment Agency License in Manitoba View Full Story Minimize

Posted: October 18, 2011 |

Effective on September 2011, Hanwood Emigration Services has been licensed as a Foreign Worker Recruitment Agency in Manitoba. Effective on September 2011, Hanwood Emigration Services has been licensed as a Foreign Worker Recruitment Agency in Manitoba.

As of April 1, 2009, anyone engaged in foreign worker recruitment in Manitoba is required to have a license from the Employment Standards Branch. The offence of recruiting without a license is subject to fines as high as $50,000.00.

Licensees must be either a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial bar association, the Chambre des notaires du Québec, or the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants.

Also, according to The Worker Recruitment and Protection Act, neither a recruiter nor an employer can ever charge or collect a fee (directly or indirectly) from a foreign worker. The Employment Standards Branch conducts inspections and investigations to ensure fees are not connected to seeking or finding work.

Find Out More

Tougher rules governing immigration consultants enacted and new regulator announced View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 10, 2011 |

Legislation cracking down on crooked immigration consultants came into force on June 30, 2011.
At the same time, oversight of the consultant community is being turned over to the newly created Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). Legislation cracking down on crooked immigration consultants came into force on June 30, 2011, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced.
At the same time, oversight of the consultant community is being turned over to the newly created Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). “The Government of Canada has promised to crack down on crooked immigration consultants and their shady practices, and with Bill C-35, we now have the tools,” said the Minister.
Bill C-35 strengthens the rules governing those who charge their clients for immigration advice or representation, making it an offence for anyone other than an accredited immigration representative to conduct business, for a fee or other consideration, at any stage of an application or proceeding. It also increases penalties and fines for unauthorized representation and allows for more government oversight in order to improve the way in which immigration consultants are regulated.
With the designation of the ICCRC as the regulator of immigration consultants, consultants who are currently members in good standing of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) can begin to register with the ICCRC on June 30, 2011.
Immigration representatives must be either members in good standing of a provincial or territorial law society, including paralegals; members of the Chambre des notaires du Québec; or members of the governing body for immigration consultants.
A 120-day transitional period will be put in place to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of service for both CSIC members currently in good standing and their clients during the transition to the ICCRC. The transition period will end on October 28, 2011.

Find Out More

A Tale of Two Skilled Workers: Impact of Proposed Immigration Changes View Full Story Minimize

Posted: February 24, 2011 |

Under proposed new Federal Skilled Worker program, what impact will it make to actual immigration applicants? We introduced two contrastive cases here. Monisha :
• Physiotherapist
• Uncle in Canada, spouse has MA
• Basic English skills
Current Selection System: Monisha is selected
• Her professional knowledge is solid, but with only basic English proficiency she is unable to write Canadian certification exams and would be unable to practice her profession.
Proposed Selection System: Monisha is not ready and would not be selected
• Has same level of English as Józef, but not sufficient for her skill level. Monisha is ineligible until she can improve her language proficiency.

Józef :
• Carpenter
• Arranged employment in Canada
• Basic English skills
Current Selection System: Józef is not selected
• Even with a Canadian employer who wants to hire him, Józef falls short of the pass mark.
Proposed Selection System: Józef would be selected with the changes
• He has a job lined up. His basic English allows him to respect safety requirements and he will not be limited to employers who speak Polish.

Proposed Changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Programs View Full Story Minimize

Posted: February 24, 2011 |

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has published on their website proposed changes to the current Federal Skilled Worker Programs. While CIC states that the current system is working well, these changes are designed to make improvements on the current structure.   Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has published on their website proposed changes to the current Federal Skilled Worker Programs. While CIC states that the current system is working well, these changes are designed to make improvements on the current structure.
  Specifically, CIC is proposing changes to the selection system. These changes will not alter the selection criteria established in 2002 but would affect the number of points assigned to the criteria and the way they are assessed.
  The following criteria are subject to change under these proposals:
• Requiring a minimum level of language proficiency
• Placing greater emphasis on younger workers
• Making the program more accessible to skilled tradespeople
• Redirecting points from work experience to other factors
• Reducing the potential for fraudulent job offers

Find Out More

ICM program in UM View Full Story Minimize

Posted: February 07, 2011 |

If you want to study at the University of Manitoba, one of Western Canada's top universities, begin your degree with us, the International College of Manitoba (ICM). If you want to study at the University of Manitoba, one of Western Canada's top universities, begin your degree with us, the International College of Manitoba (ICM). At ICM, you will study the first year of your bachelor degree, then enter into second year at the University of Manitoba. We also offer pre-university courses for those requiring some preparation before undergraduate studies. For more detail, please contact us, or go to ICM website http://www.icmanitoba.ca/.

Find Out More

Seminar Invitation View Full Story Minimize

Posted: January 16, 2011 |

Hanwood opens Immigration Seminar for Chinese and Korean international students in Manitoba. All Chinese and Korean students are invited to come to the seminar. Message will be delivering both in Chinese and Korean. As Manitoba government recentely announced another frendly immigration program for international students, more and more, students in Manitoba can have better opportunity to immigrate to Canada. To provide detailed information about the program, Hanwood host a semianr as following schedule.

IMMIGRATION SEMIMAR
- for Chinese and Korean international students

*when: 3 ~ 5 pm Jan 21, 2011 (Friday)
*where: 521 University Centre, University of Manitoba
- How to immigrate to Canada
- Immigration programs
- Inviting your family
- Job Search tips
- Hanwood Services
- Questions and answers

At the end of the seminar, students may have time to get individual consulting in Chinese or Korean.

Find Out More

In Manitoba, 2010 could be called the Year of the Newcomer. View Full Story Minimize

Posted: January 03, 2011 |

An estimated 15,000 new permanent residents have arrived in Manitoba since the beginning of 2010 -- the highest number since records were first kept. By 2016, the annual immigration target is 20,000. In Manitoba, 2010 could be called the Year of the Newcomer. Syvelie Mesidor, from Haiti, was one of them. Her Winnipeg husband, Arisnel Mesidor, made headlines when he went to rescue her after the devastating earthquake. They're expecting their first child in two weeks. But it's Syvelie's arrival in 2010 that's helped Manitoba set a record. An estimated 15,000 new permanent residents have arrived in Manitoba since the beginning of 2010 -- the highest number since records were first kept. By 2016, the annual immigration target is 20,000. With an economic slowdown still in the air, can we afford to keep bringing more people? A better question, says the minister responsible, is how can we afford not to? "I think when you're facing economic challenges, it's not the time to decrease your population," Manitoba Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard said on the last day of 2010. "Having a stable, skilled workforce is what brings us work and opens up markets," she said. "It's the quality of immigrants through the provincial nominee program." "They're highly skilled and highly educated. They may need some English training and some help finding their first job. Then they're fairly quickly integrated into the economy and enrich us economically and culturally. That's why immigration is supported by business and employers." They're telling her the need for skilled labour is a priority for them, she said. The skilled labourers who've come here have helped the province expand its international trade, said Howard. "Having all those people is really opening up markets for Manitoba companies we might not have had access to otherwise," she said. "People from 'hot economies' like China and South America give you an added 'in' or advantage." Last year, Manitoba was initially allotted 4,600 federal certificates to bring people to Canada through the provincial nominee program. When Manitoba complained it was too few, the feds upped it to 5,000. That many certificates issued in 2010 will likely result in 12,000 to 15,000 new arrivals down the road once their family members are factored in, said Howard. Ottawa does listen and the province has a "good relationship" with the feds, Howard said. It will need Ottawa's ear and far more than 5,000 nomination certificates for Manitoba to reach its 2016 immigration target of 20,000 newcomers. "We're continuing to actively lobby the federal government and work with the business community and the cultural and immigrant communities to get the feds to lift that cap," said Howard. For 10 years, the provincial nominee program has shown it's a success, with three-quarters of participants employed and owning their own home within five years, said Howard, citing one study. It seems, though, Manitoba's immigration has been frozen to keep the province's population at about three per cent of Canada's population, she said. "We don't believe that's fair. Immigration should be based on provinces' needs and their success in settling people -- not just on the basis of population," said Howard. The foundation for welcoming more newcomers is strong and getting bigger, thanks to the immigrant community and hard-working, non-profit organizations, said Howard. "We're seeing 2,000 people every year for support," said Jorge Fernandez, manager of settlement services at the Immigrant Centre in Winnipeg. There's been a steady increase of clients of about 10 per cent per year in the last several years, he said, noting they've gone from a staff of 22 to 30. Arisnel Mesidor, who works at Accueil francophone du Manitoba helping French-speaking newcomers settle, said the agency started with one person seven years ago and now there is a staff of 11. They're seeing a growing number of newcomers who've left Quebec to raise kids in Manitoba, where it's easier to learn English. Agencies help folks settle but it's the newcomers themselves who make Manitoba's Labour and Immigration minister so optimistic. "They are inspiring, educated, skilled and want to work hard and make a good life in Manitoba," said Howard. "We are so lucky." -from Winnipeg Free Press, 01/03/11

Find Out More

Re-opening Federal Investor Program View Full Story Minimize

Posted: January 18, 2011 | Hanwood

Effective December 1, 2010, Canada opens once again accepting applications under the Federal Immigrant Investor Program. Under the new program criteria, ..... Effective December 1, 2010, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will once again accept applications under the federal Immigrant Investor Program. Under the new program criteria, investor applicants will need to have a personal net worth of $1.6 million, up from $800,000 under the old criteria, and make an investment of $800,000, up from the previous requirement of $400,000. “These changes were necessary,” said Minister Kenney. “The requirements had not been increased in more than a decade and we need to keep pace with the changing economy.” Canada’s old immigrant investor criteria were the lowest when compared to other countries with similar programs. The new criteria now align it more closely with other immigrant-receiving countries. The investor program was suspended in June, in part because the high volume of applications was leading to wait times that were too long. Raising the requirements will help reduce the flow of applications while ensuring we attract experienced businesspeople who can make a more substantial contribution to the economy. Higher personal net worth criteria mean the program is now better positioned to attract investors with valuable business links and the resources to make secondary investments in the Canadian economy. “Higher investment amounts mean provinces and territories will receive more investment capital to put toward job creation and economic development projects,” added the Minister. Canada’s Immigrant Investor Program offers several benefits to international investors, including permanent resident status up front and guaranteed repayment of the investment. Under Canada’s old criteria, the volume of applications submitted under the Program had grown exponentially and processing times had increased. By stopping applications between June 26, 2010, and December of this year, the government prevented further delays. Applications received on or after December 1 will be subject to the new criteria and will be processed alongside the old ones. In this way, Canada can begin to realize the benefits of the changes as soon as possible.

Find Out More

MPNP - Business View Full Story Minimize

Posted: January 18, 2011 | Hanwood

This Program is well known for its quick process and contribution to Manitoba. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Business is designed for individuals who can to contribute to Manitoba's economy by opening a business in the Province....

Find Out More

Manitoba makes it easier for international graduates to stay and work View Full Story Minimize

Posted: January 18, 2011 | Hanwood

Changes Give Manitoba competitive advantage to retain best, brightest: Selinger Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger today announced changes to Manitoba's successful provincial nominee program... Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger today announced changes to Manitoba's successful provincial nominee program that would make it faster and easier for international students to stay and work in the province. "International students bring many benefits to our economy and communities, and we want to ensure we can continue to attract and retain the best and the brightest," said Selinger. "We are making Manitoba a destination of choice for international students and meeting the needs of businesses by providing them with better access to highly skilled and well-trained employees." Beginning in 2011, international graduates from a post-secondary educational program of at least two academic years at a Manitoba institution will be able to apply immediately to the provincial nominee program in advance of receiving an offer of employment. Previously, international graduates could only apply to the provincial nominee program after working for a Manitoba employer for at least six months. As part of the changes, international students applying for the fast-track program will also enrol in an employment-readiness program upon completion of their studies. The program will include job readiness, career coaching and job-matching services. "By fast-tracking the immigration process for international graduates and helping them integrate into the job market, Manitoba will be well positioned to compete for and retain our highly skilled workers," said Selinger. In 2009, Manitoba welcomed 13,518 newcomers, 75 per cent of whom came through the provincial nominee program. Last year, 203 international students were accepted to the provincial nominee program, three times more than in 2005. The top source countries of International Students nominated to Manitoba are China (65 per cent), India (five per cent), Bangladesh (three per cent), Korea and Pakistan (two per cent each). The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has approved over 1,000 international students since 2005. Manitoba had 5,384 international students studying at Manitoba institutions in 2009.

Find Out More

Long-term Schooling Program View Full Story Minimize

Posted: January 18, 2011 | Hanwood

Total English immersion for young Korean students.
Hanwood starts receiving application for February 2011 placement. To guarantee perfect immersion settings for a student, Hanwood place only one Korean student in a classroom and arrange a Canadian home with in the same classroom...

Find Out More

Apprenticeship Course View Full Story Minimize

Posted: January 18, 2011 | Hanwood

Trades professionals are involved in every aspect of our day-to-day lives - from building homes and repairing vehicles to preparing food and adding a touch of beauty to your lifestyle. More and more in this world of business, industries and employers.....

Find Out More