BIOMETRICS - A New Feature of "Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act"

Biomeotrics will be utilized to further strengthen Canada's immigration system via the Harper Government's Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act.

Biometrics will make it harder for unscrupulous people to get to migrate to Canada by taking other identities, most notably criminals attempting to get away for their crimes in another country.

On the part of legitimate aspiring migrants, this would definitely entail additional cost in pursuing that Canadian dream.

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Latest Citizenship and Immigration Canada Info Right at Your OWN Web Presence via CIC Widget

Two questions.

Are you interested to work or migrate to Canada now or in the future?

Do you have your own blog, website or social media page?

If you answer YES to both questions, then the recently launched Citizenship and Immigration Canada Widget is right for you.

You can just copy & paste the widget code in your blog, website or social media page and voila! You get the latest information about working or migrating to Canada.

Get the CIC widget code here and paste it on your blog or website template/theme or social media page.

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Live-in Caregivers in Canada Now Enjoys Faster Issuance of Open Work Permits Among Other Advantages

Canada's Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is one of easier for for foreign workers to obtain a permanent residence in Canada. I've used the word "easier", in the sense, that foreign workers hired as caregiver in Canada can become eligible for permanent residency after completing two years of work or 3,900 hours.

Plus, recent policy changes provides for faster issuance of open work permits for Live-in Caregivers.

LCP allows Canadian families to employ foreign workers to provide care to their child/children, elderly or member of their families with disabilities, provided that there is a proof of shortage of Canadians or permanent residents to fill that need.

In 2008, about 10,400 individuals (spouses & dependents included) became permanent residents from the 7,200 caregivers in 2005.

Canada deeply recognizes the role of live-in caregivers in their society that it has taken significant actions in protecting them from abuse and exploitation. Improvements made on the Live-in Caregiver Program in 2010 and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in 2011 greatly increases the protection of caregivers. They are:

• allowing live-in caregivers to apply for permanent residence after 3,900 work hours, rather than two years of work, to ensure overtime is appropriately recognized;
• the elimination of the need for a second medical examination when the caregiver applies for permanent residence;
• increasing the amount of time a caregiver has to complete their work bligations, from three years to four;
• the adoption of a standardized employment contract that ensures both parties agree to the salary, hours of work, vacation time, overtime, holidays, sick leave, and the terms of termination and resignation;
• defining the costs the employer is obliged to pay, including the caregiver’s travel expenses in coming to Canada, medical insurance, workplace safety insurance and third-party representative fees;
• emergency processing of work permits and employer authorizations to hire live-in caregivers who have been abused and need to leave their employment immediately;
• a dedicated phone service for live-in caregivers through the department’s Call Centre;
• an assessment of the genuineness of the job offer, including confirmation that the caregiver would be residing in a private residence and providing child care, senior home support care or care of a disabled person in that household without supervision, as well as whether the employer has sufficient financial resources to pay the wages of the caregiver and whether the accommodations being provided are adequate;
• and a two-year period of ineligibility from hiring foreign workers, including live-in caregivers, for employers who have failed to live up to the terms of past job contracts.

More good news for Live-in Caregivers in Canada as they can now be issued open work permits once they completed their obligation and submitted an application for permanent residence.

Previously, they have to wait first for the approval of their permanent resident application before being eligible to an open work permit. An open work permit allows the caregiver to move out of their employer's home and seek jobs in other fields if they so desire.

There may be a decline on the demand for live-in caregivers in Canada nowadays but that is a path worth exploring for those who dreamed of working, and eventually settling, in Canada.

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Prove Your English or French Language Ability, New Proposal of CIC to Canada Citizenship Applicants

How's your English? Comment est votre français?

Are you dreaming of becoming a Canadian citizen someday? It is best to start becoming fluent or at least be conversant in either French or English.

Applicants for citizenship are required to communicate in either of Canada's official languages. Makes sense because how can you adjust well in working or living in Canada if you couldn't understand the people around you or be understood in return?

There is a new proposal from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) tha aims to change the way citizenship applicants prove their language ability.

How's your English? Comment est votre français?
Bilingual Signage courtesy of Dreamstime Free Photos

CIC currently uses the citizenship knowledge test as well as the applicant’s interaction with CIC staff to assess language ability. If it appears an applicant does not meet language requirements, they are invited for an interview with a citizenship judge. There can be a significant time delay between the submission of the application and the subsequent hearing for language.

The proposed new rule that applicants must provide objective evidence that they meet the language requirement when they file their application would give citizenship judges better evidence on which to base their decision. CIC would also be able to return applications of those who do not provide evidence they meet the requirements more quickly, thus improving application processing.

[... Applicants would be able to demonstrate language ability by submitting a variety of evidence, including:

the results of a third party test; evidence of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French; or evidence of achieving CLB/NCLC 4 in certain government funded language training programs.]

Read more about it here.

Thankfully, the proposal does not mention increasing the language level required or increasing the number of tests or evaluation.

This proposal is already published in the Canada Gazzete. The Notice of Intent, requesting comments from the public on the proposed change, will be posted for 30 days.

Language fluency on either English or French do not only help CIC to evaluate citizenship applicants. The applicants themselves will greatly benefit in doing so.

Pardon my french but Que pensez-vous?

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Check out the Come-to-Canada Wizard Tool

Once a lady friend approached me on her chances of going to Canada. Since, I am not an immigration consultant, I referred her to another friend who actually is. And she immediately shot down my suggestion.

I'm sure there a lot of visitors of this blog that are similarly curious about their chances of going to work or live in Canada but are not yet sold to the idea of approaching an an immigration consultant.

Well, they ought to try the Come-to-Canada Wizard just like my lady friend.

This image is taken from and leads to the Come-to-Canada Wizard webpage.

The Come to Canada Wizard is a tool that presents users with a series of questions and, based on their answers, matches them with the federal immigration option that best suits their specific circumstances. It then leads them to a page that breaks down the application steps and provides instructions and forms. [Source]

However, getting approved for an issuance of a visa to work or live in Canada depends on the assessment of the immigration officer that wil be assigned to your application, in accordance with the existing Canada immigration laws and procedures. Faring well with the questionnaire of the wizard tool doesn't mean you are a shoo in. [Read Full Notice]

The wizard offers a great headstart towards achieving anyone's Canadian dream. As for me, I would like increase my chances of getting a visa to work or live in Canada by getting the services of an experienced, highy competent and more importantly authorized immigration consultant.

So, why don't you give the Come-to-Canada wizard a try?

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Family Members of Temporary Foreign Workers Can Now Be Eligible to Get Employed in British Columbia CA

Starting today, a pilot project is launched allowing temporary foreign workers to bring along family members and work too in British Columbia, Canada.

Read it in full here.

In a pilot project in British Columbia, Canada will be exploring the benefits of allowing family members of temporary foreign workers to also work in the province together.
Before this project, only spouses and common-law partners of temporary foreign workers employed in a managerial, professional or skilled trades job have been eligible to obtain an open work permit in British Columbia.

But through this pilot project, up to 1,800 working permits will be available for spouses, common-law partners and working-age dependants of temporary foreign workers and will be offered only until February 15, 2013.

Find more information about being a temporary foreign worker in Canada here. It is also important to take note of the New Rules of Canada's Temporary Foreign Workers Program that took effect last April 1, 2011.

Getting hired to work temporarily in Canada not only allows foreigners to earn a living for a short period of time. Being so gives them the Canadian Experience that will open more doors of opportunities.

If this pilot project proves to be successful and expanded to the entire country, skilled working families of foreigners like Filipinos stands a good chance in finding greener pastures in a developed country like Canada.

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Canada Plans to Admit 40, 000 Immigrants via Provincial Nominee Program

Jason Kenney, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration & Multiculturalism, announced Canada's plan to admit about 40,000 immigrants under Canada's Provincial Nominee Program in 2011.

Image from Dreamstime Free Photo

The press released named Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan as the top three provinces for provincial nominees. Here are the relevant links to information about this 3 provinces' respective immigrant nominee programs. Remember that knowing is half the battle.

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program


• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for Skilled Workers


• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)

Those interested to live and work in Canada under the provincial nominee program should also explore the province of Newfoundland & Labrador which enjoys a very positive labour market outlook in the next 10 years.

Know more about Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Nominee Program here.

Nominee programs of provinces ensure that the benefits of immigration are felt throughout Canada. Skilled immigrants often prefer go to Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver. Looking for opportunities in provinces might increase a migrant worker's chance of achieving his/her Canada dreams.

This kind of immigration program also affords the provinces to get the skilled workers they need more quickly as application under this program are processed within 12 monts on average.

Think about Canada's Provincial Nominee Program.

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70,000 Jobs in Canada Province Newfoundland & Labrador Projected in the Coming Decade

For those people dreaming of getting a job in Canada, you might want to have a closer eye on the province of Newfoundland & Labrador.

The province is expected to have 70, 000 job openings in the next 10 years as reported in thetelegram.com and based on the recent release of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market: Outlook 2020.

Image from Dreamstime Free Photos

The government, businesses, job seekers and even students in this province and in Canada, in general, can refer to these projections in making plans for the future.

The projections revealed that hiring will peak at about 2015 with the highest need coming from utilities, health care and trade sector followed closely by manufacturing, accomodations, food service, transportation & warehousing and mining. Workers of all skill and education levels will be needed to address the employment demands of these sectors.

The decline of working age people in this province poses a great challenge to meet these future employment demands.

The priority will still be given to Newfoundland and Labrador residents. Afterwhich, other Canadian citizens or residents will be considered. And lastly, foreign workers via immigration.

Newfoundland and Labrador has an estimated population of 509,200 as of October 2010. Nine years from now, 65 years old or older is projected to comprise 45% of the province population.

Workers from within the province will not suffice to answer the 70,000 job demand projected in that time span. Migrant workers may want to have look at the labour market in Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada for better career opportunities in the future .

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Updated Federal Skilled Workers Program

Starting today, July 1, 2011 the slight but impactful changes to Canada's Federal Skilled Workers Immigration program will be implemented.

The reduction of the number of applications to be considered plus the cap set for each of the 29 priority occupations would be tough to applicants. But at least, the list weren't trimmed down further. There was a time the high demand jobs to migrate to Canada under the same program stood at 38.

It also important to note which occupations reached the cap limit under the previous set of requirements. They were:

0631 Restaurant and Food Service Managers
1122 Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management
2121 Biologists and Related Scientists
2151 Architects
3111 Specialist Physicians
3112 General Practitioners and Family Physicians
3113 Dentists
3131 Pharmacists
3152 Registered Nurses

It is best to act fast to be eligible and be able to submit their applications as soon as possible especially those falling under the 9 occupations listed above.

Remember that to be eligible:

• one must have at least one continuous year of full-time, paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment. The experience must be within the last ten (10) years.
• one need to submit the results of his/her language proficiency test
• pass the 6 selection criteria points system
  

Notes:

1. This does not apply to applicants intending to live in the province of Quebec.
2. The set limits to the number of applications & cap to each occupations do not apply to applications with an offer of arranged employment.

I am not an immigration consultant. It would be best to consult only with those authorized ones, avoiding crooked immigration consultants when applying to migrate to Canada. I personally know a very experienced and authorized one who offers free assessment. Check him out here.

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Is your Immigration Consultant Authorized? Canada Immigration Going After Crooked Immigration Consultants

Crooked immigration consultants days are numbered or, at the very least, will be tougher.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is going after shady and unacceptable practices of immigration consultants that will protect applicants from immigration fraud and boost confidence in the integrity of Canada's immigration program.

Crooked immigration consultants may take advantage of the changes in the Canada immigration program - limiting the number of application to be accepted from certain categories of federal economic immigration stream - and lure many applicants.

Part of this initiative is naming of Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) as the new regulatory body to oversee immigration consultants, taking over from the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC). Members of CSIC can start to register with ICCRC on June 30, 2011. Transition to ICCRC from CSIC ends on October 28, 2011.

Immigration consultants or representatives are authorized to offer paid professional service if they are a member of good standing with ICCRC, provincial/territorial law society, including paralegals or members of Chambre des notaires du Québec.

CIC and the ICCRC will implement Bill C-35 to weed out crooked immigration consultants.

Bill C-35 [Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act]

makes it an offence for anyone other than an authorized representative to conduct business, for a fee or other consideration, at any stage of an application or proceeding. This includes the period before a proceeding begins or an application is submitted and means that anyone who provides paid immigration advice at the pre-application stage will need to be an authorized representative, as identified in section 91 of the Act.

Unpaid third parties, such as family members and friends, can still act on behalf of an applicant.

Know more about Bill C-35 here.

It is one's right to seek a better way of life for one's self and his/her family like migrating to a country like Canada. Hiring and paying for an immigration consultant can facilitate one's immigration application.

But not all immmigration consultants can help an applicant. Getting the help of unauthorized or incompetent consultant can delay the application, cost unnecessary fees or worse get the application denied.

By seeking professional advice only from legally authorized immigration consultants, applicants stand to have a better chance of migrating to Canada, realizing their dream for a better life.

At the same, doing so lessens the opportunity of crooked immigration consultants to victimize migrant-hopefuls. To me, it is a contribution in itself to curtailing immigration fraud and human trafficking.

Here's an authorized and experienced Canada Immigration Consultant.

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Changes on Canada Immigration Policies

Canada announced changes to its immigration policies. Basically, a reduce intake of immigration applications.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is limiting the number of new applications it will consider in certain categories of the federal economic immigration stream. Effective July 1, 2011, the changes will affect new applicants to the federal Skilled Worker, federal Immigrant Investor and federal Entrepreneur programs.

Read the entire CIC News Release about these changes here.

Federal skilled workers applications will be limited to 10, 000 a year. And within that limit, a maximum of only 500 new applications in each of the 29 priority/high demand occupations will be considered starting July 1, 2011.

In addition, a cap of 700 on new federal investor applications and a temporary moratorium on new federal entrepreneur applications will be introduced.

The 500 new application limit does not augur well for new applicants. I would advise them to seek the help of authorized immigration consultants immediately to explore their opportunities in migrating and working in Canada.

For those with pending applications, it is hoped that with these changes on Canada Immigration Policies, their applications can finally move forward.

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Paramedics And Ambulance Attendants [NOC 3234]

Paramedics and Ambulance Attendants are group of workers who administer pre-hospital emergency medical care to patients with injuries or medical illnesses and transport them to hospitals or other medical facilities for further medical care.

Talking about paramedics, Peter Petrelli comes to mind. He is a major character in the successful TV series, Heroes. Aside from having extraordinary powers, he is a paramedic in that show. In the opening episode of its final season, Peter was using his powers in his paramedic duties, abling him to save so many lives.

Other than in that show, Paramedics and Ambulance attendants are not a glamorous job. Emergency services are on call 24/7 so they have irregular working hours. And every situation is almost always a matter of life and death.

Paramedics & Ambulance Attendants in Action
Image from ambulancevisibility.com

Paramedics and Ambulance Attendants perform some or all of the following duties:

• Assess extent of injuries or medical illnesses of trauma victims, patients with respiratory disease and stress, overdose and poisoning victims, industrial accident victims and other ill or injured individuals to determine emergency medical treatment
• Administer pre-hospital emergency care, such as oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), spinal immobilization, bandaging and splinting, to patients
  Establish and maintain intravenous treatment (IV), apply adjunctive equipment for ventilation and circulation complications, administer medications and provide other advanced emergency treatment to patients
• Transport patients by air, land or water to hospital or other medical facility for further medical care
• Document and record nature of injuries and illnesses and treatment provided
• Assist hospital personnel with provision of medical treatment, if necessary
• Maintain ambulances and emergency care equipment and supplies
• May train and supervise other workers in this unit group
• May assist with triage of emergency patients.

Paramedics and Ambulance Attendants may also be called by any of the following titles;

advanced care paramedic
advanced emergency medical assistant
advanced life support attendant
advanced life support co-ordinator
advanced life support paramedic
ambulance attendant
ambulance attendant trainee
ambulance attendants supervisor
ambulance driver
ambulance driver-attendant
ambulance services field supervisor
ambulance services supervisor
ambulance services unit chief
ambulance technician
assistant paramedic
assistant, emergency medical care
attendant, advanced life support
attendant, ambulance
attendant, first aid – paramedical
attendant, infant transport
chief ambulance attendant
critical care paramedic
drilling rig medic
drilling rig medical technician
drilling rig medical warden
drilling rig medical worker
driver, ambulance
EMA (emergency medical attendant)
EMCA (emergency medical care attendant)
emergency medical assistant
emergency medical attendant (EMA)
emergency medical care assistant
emergency medical care attendant (EMCA)
emergency medical care technician, newborns
emergency medical responder
emergency medical technician (EMT)
emergency medical technician, paramedic (EMT – P)
emergency medical technologist, paramedic
emergency paramedic
EMT – P (emergency medical technician paramedic)
EMT (emergency medical technician)
field supervisor, ambulance services
first aid attendant – paramedical
infant transport attendant
intermediate care paramedic
medic, drilling rig
medical assistant (paramedic) – military
medical care technician, newborns
medical technician
medical technician, drilling rig
medical warden, drilling rig
newborn emergency medical care technician
newborn medical care technician
paramedic
paramedic worker
primary care paramedic
registered emergency medical aid
registered emergency paramedic
search and rescue technician – military
supervisor ambulance attendants
supervisor, ambulance services
technician, ambulance
unit chief, ambulance services

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Nurse Aides, Orderlies & Patient Service Associates [NOC 3413]

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates assist nurses, hospital staff and physicians in the basic care of patients. They are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates perform some or all of the following duties:

• Answer call signals; supply and empty bed pans; bathe, dress and groom patients; serve meal trays, feed or assist in feeding of patients and assist patients with menu selection; lift, turn or massage patients; shave patients prior to operations; supervise patients' exercise routines, set up and provide leisure activities for patients, and accompany patients on outside recreational activities; and perform other duties related to patient care
• Take patients' blood pressure, temperature and pulse; report or record fluid intake and output; observe or monitor patients' status and document patient care on charts; collect specimens such as urine, faeces or sputum; administer suppositories, colonic irrigations and enemas and perform other procedures as directed by nursing and hospital staff
• Transport patients by wheelchair or stretcher for treatment or surgery
• Carry messages, reports, requisitions and specimens from one department to another
• Make beds and maintain patients' rooms
• Maintain inventory of supplies
• May perform maintenance tasks such as assisting with the set-up and maintenance of traction equipment, cleaning or sterilizing equipment, maintaining and repairing equipment, and assembling, setting-up and operating job-related equipment.

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates may be called by any of the following sample titles:

aide, emergency room
aide, health care
aide, hospital
aide, hospital ward
aide, medical
aide, neuropsychiatric
aide, nursery – hospital
aide, operating room
aide, patient care
aide, psychiatric
aide, special care – nursing
aide, surgical
anesthetic attendant – hospital
attendant, hospital
attendant, nursing
attendant, nursing home
attendant, personal care – medical
attendant, special care facility
emergency room aide
environmental assistant – medical
environmental support person – medical
first aid attendant – emergency
geriatric aide
geriatric health care attendant
health care aide
health care assistant
hospice worker
hospital aide
hospital attendant
hospital orderly
hospital porter
hospital ward aide
hostel service aide – medical
institutional aide
long term care aide
medical aide
medical orderly
neuropsychiatric aide
nurse aide
nursery aide – hospital
nursing assistant (non-registered)
nursing attendant
nursing home attendant
nursing orderly
nursing services aide
operating room aide
orderly
patient care aide
patient care assistant
patient care associate
patient service aide
patient service assistant
patient service associate
patient service attendant
patient service worker
personal care aide – medical
personal care attendant – medical
personal care provider – medical
personal support aide – medical
psychiatric aide
registered care aide
resident care aide – medical
resident companion – medical
respite care aide
service assistant – medical
service associate – medical
service attendant – medical
special care aide – nursing
special care facility attendant
special care worker – medical
support services assistant – medical
surgical aide
unit aide – medical
unit assistant – medical
unit support technician – medical
ward aide – medical


Nurse Aide jobs overseas for Filipinos courtesy of approved job orders by POEA this April 2011.

It is noticeable that MEGA MANPOWER CORPORATION is deploying nurse aides to Saudi Arabia. Here are details about this agency from the POEA database.

MEGA MANPOWER CORPORATION
Landbased Agency
RM 401 & 502 GEDISCO TERRACE 1148 ROXAS BLVD MANILA
Tel No/s : 5246636/ 5220185/ 5220149/ 5220152/ 5246040
Email Address : megamanpower@hotmail.com
Website : None
Official Representative : MR MARIO S CHUA
Status : Good Standing
License Validity : 3/30/2008 to 3/29/2012


Important NOTES:

These job orders were taken from the POEA website on the day indicated.
Please verify with the agency if the job orders are still active or not.
Beware of illegal recruiters. Read about illegal recruitment here.
Report to the POEA anything that may involve illegal recruitment immediately.

Read more...

Opticians [NOC 3231]

Opticians fit clients with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist clients in the selection of eyeglass frames, arrange for the production of eyeglasses or contact lenses and mount lenses in eyeglass frames.

Opticians are the kind of medical professionals that I see at least once a year. They are the ones who help farsighted or nearsighted people see better and at the same time look better. Opticians themselves need an eye for what frame or eyeglasses would enhance the facial features of their clients.

They are employed in optical retail outlets or other establishments with optical dispensing departments, or they may be self-employed.

Opticians perform some or all of the following duties:

• Obtain specifications for eyeglasses or contact lenses from a prescription prepared by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or by analyzing the client's eyeglasses or contact lenses and by measuring client's eye curvature, pupillary distance and bridge width, using optical measuring devices
  
• Assist clients in selecting eyeglasses by advising on lens materials, frames, tints and anti-reflection coating
  
• Advise on use and care of contact lenses
  
• Arrange for grinding and polishing of lenses or grind and polish lenses
  
• Cut and edge lenses and fit lenses into frames
  
• Adjust finished eyeglasses to fit client
  
• May supervise or manage the activities of other opticians or student opticians.
  

A 2-3 years college program in ophthalmic dispensing, apprenticeship and licensing can greatly help an optician in his/her career.

Opticians may take any of the following sample titles:

apprentice optician
contact lens dispenser
contact lens fitter
contact lens practitioner
contact lens technician
dispenser, contact lens
dispenser, ophthalmic devices
dispenser, optical devices
dispensing optician
dispensing optician student
eyeglasses fitter
eyeglasses frame fitter
fitter, contact lens
fitter, eyeglasses
fitter, eyeglasses frame
licensed contact lens practitioner
licensed dispensing optician
licensed optician
licensed practitioner, contact lenses
ophthalmic device dispenser
ophthalmic dispenser
optical device dispenser
optical frame fitter
optician
optician, dispensing
optician, student
practitioner, contact lenses
spectacle frame fitter
student optician
technician, contact lenses
technician, visual ortheses
technician, visual orthotic devices
visual orthesis technician
visual orthotic device technician

Read more...

Chiropractors [NOC 3122]

Chiropractors diagnose and treat patients' neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spine and other body joints by adjusting the spinal column or through other corrective manipulation.

They are also known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians. Their medical practice is based on the principle that spinal joint misalignments interfere with the nervous system and can result in lower resistance to disease and many different conditions of diminished health.

Chiropractors perform some or all of the following duties:

• Take patient's case history, conduct examination, observe patient and perform X-rays and other tests to diagnose patient's condition
  
• Diagnose neuromuscular-skeletal disorders of the spinal column, pelvis, extremities and associated tissues
  
• Treat health disorders in a natural manner through adjustments or articular manipulations and complementary treatments such as electrotherapy, nutrition, light and massage with special attention given to the spine
  
• Advise patients on corrective exercises, posture, lifestyle and nutrition
  
• Refer patients for medical care when appropriate.
  

Chiropractors may take any of the following sample titles:

chiropractic doctor
chiropractor
DC (doctor of chiropractic)
doctor of chiropractic
doctor of chiropractic (DC)

Read more...

Sonographers

Sonographers are medical professionals that operate special equipment which directs high frequency sound waves into areas of a patient's body to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions.

A Sonographer performing ultrasound scan on a pregnant patient
Image from learnthat.com

We are all familiar with ultrasound scans that monitor pregnancies or determine the gender of the baby. It is just an specialized application of sonography dealing with obstetric and gynecology. Other uses of sonography and performed by sonographers are:

• abdominal sonography (images of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas)
  
• neurosonography (images of the brain and the nervous system)
  
• breast sonography
  
• vascular/cardiac sonography
  

Medical sonographers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate ultrasound imaging equipment that transmits high frequency sound pulses through the body to produce images of those parts of the body requiring examination
  
• Monitor examination by viewing images on video screen, to evaluate quality and consistency of diagnostic images, and make adjustments to equipment, as required
  
• Record, store and process scanned images by using camera unit connected to ultrasound equipment
  
• Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure patient safety and comfort
  
• Prepare examination reports for physicians to aid in the monitoring of pregnancies and the diagnosis of cardiac, abdominal, ophthalmic, vascular and other disorders
  
• Perform quality control checks on ultrasound equipment to ensure proper operation and perform minor repairs and adjustments as required
  
• May supervise and train student and other medical sonographers.
  
• Medical sonographers may specialize in abdominal, cardiac, cerebral, obstetrical and gynaecological, ophthalmic, intraluminal or peripheral vascular sonography. They may also specialize in adult or pediatric echocardiography or neurosonology.
  

Each country has its own policies regarding the practice of sonographers, usually implemented by accrediting institutions authorized by the government. It is best to consult with them when you are looking to practice as a sonographer in that country or looking to be hired as one.

Australia - Australasian Sonographers Accreditation Registry
Canada - Canadian Association of Registered Diagnostic Ultrasound Professionals
United States - American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) & Cardiovascular Credentialing International

Medical sonographers may take any of the following sample titles.

adult echocardiographer
cardiac sonographer
cardiac ultrasound technician
cardiac ultrasound technologist
chief diagnostic medical sonographer
diagnostic cardiac sonographer
diagnostic echography technician
diagnostic medical sonographer
diagnostic medical sonographer – military
diagnostic medical sonography instructor
diagnostic ultrasonography technician
diagnostic ultrasound supervisor
diagnostic ultrasound technician
diagnostic ultrasound technologist – medical
diagnostic ultrasound technologist – military
echocardiographer
echocardiography technician
echocardiography technologist
echocardiography technologist sonographer
echography technician
echography technologist
instructor, diagnostic medical sonography
medical sonographer
medical sonographer – military
medical sonographers supervisor
pediatric echocardiographer
RDMS (registered diagnostic medical sonographer)
registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer
registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS)
registered technologist, ultrasound
registered ultrasound technologist
sonographer – medical
sonography technologist
student medical sonographer
student sonographer – medical
supervisor, diagnostic ultrasound
supervisor, medical sonographers
technician, diagnostic echography
technician, diagnostic ultrasonography
technician, diagnostic ultrasound
technician, echography
technician, ultrasonography
technician, ultrasound
technologist, echography
technologist, ultrasonography
technologist, ultrasound
ultrasonographer – medical
ultrasonography technician
ultrasonography technologist
ultrasound supervisor
ultrasound technician
ultrasound technologist
vascular sonographer

Filipino sonographers can check out at these approved job orders taken from the POEA database for overseas opportunities as a sonographer.

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April 2011 Visa Bulletin | 6 to 12 months processing period is no April Fools Day Joke

The Ministerial Instruction mandating the 6-12 months processing for Federal Skilled Worker program applications wasn't dated April 1. It isn't one of those April Fools Day jokes. It is real! Unfortunately, the Canadian Visa Office in Manila seems to have problem keeping up with the mandated processing period.

April 2011 Visa Bulletin | 6 to 12 months processing period is no April Fools Day Joke

What we have noticed is that Canadian Visa Office in Manila is giving priority to applications filed under the 2nd Ministerial Instruction (29 occupations). These applications are receiving assessment result faster than those who filed prior to them, those who filed under the 1st Ministerial Instruction (38 occupations). The same thing is true with the visa stamping and issuance. In the past, it only takes them about two weeks. But now it takes them around 2 to 3 months. Problem is some of those who submitted passports for visa stamping way back October 2010 are still waiting for the release of their visa, while those who have just recently submitted passports are processed within a couple of months. Please be informed, however, that we are doing something about this Canadian Embassy Manila Processing Delay. We are making a follow up regularly within a reasonable period.

1,000 cap for Pharmacists has been reached
The 1,000 cap for Pharmacists was already reached last month. That means they will no longer new applications for that job classification, unless there's an arranged employment. IF you're a pharmacist and wasn't able to made it, you may still have a chance. Plan ahead, get your documents ready for the next Ministerial Instruction. While at that, prepare a Canadian resume format and start sending applications to employers in Canada. With a certifed job offer, you may then be eligible to apply for Temporary Foreign Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Program or FSW through Arranged Employment Opinion. There's a guide on how to do it at the last part of this April 2011 Visa Bulletin.

New AINP Strategic Recruitment Stream
Temporary Foreign Workers in Alberta may now apply for permanent residence in Canada through Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) Strategic Recruitment Stream even without sponsorship from their employers. This will only apply to workers whose occupations classified under compulsary and optional trades. To qualify under the program, applicant must be presently working in Alberta.

May 2011 Canadian Election
There is a scheduled Federal Election in Canada on May 2, 2011. The result of this election may mean changes in the regulations again. That is if the Liberals win this time. The Conservatives introduced on 2008 a measure to modernize the immigration system. It's that bill giving the Immigration Minister the power to decide who will be prioritized under the Federal Skilled Worker program. The Liberals opposed it, arguing that such measure will be be shutting the door to immigrants. But the Conservatives managed to pass the bill and as a result, we now have 6-12 months processing period for selected occupations. As a consequence, however, those who filed before Feb 2008 are now being processed longer, about 6 years! The Liberals vowed to reverse the said measure if they win.

Visa Processing Status Monitor
For applications filed before February 2008, more patience is needed. The Canadian Visa Office in Manila has been stuck on November 2004 for several months now. Unfortunately, the only way to expedite the process is to find and Arranged Employment in Canada. Another option is to file your application to Centralized Intake Office once your occupation is included in the new priority list. If you are planning to take this option, it is best if you start preparing for the IELTS Examination and updating your documents.

Cetified Job Offer is the key
With a certified job offer from Canada, be it an Arranged Employment Opinion or a Labor Market Opinion, it will definitely speed up the process for you to legally live and work in Canada. But the question is, how to find an employer who will process a job offer for you? Here's a few tips:

1. In sending applications to Canadian Employers, be suse to send a Canada Resume format. Here's a Canada resume preparation guide.

2. Now that you already have a Canada resume format, the next step is to find job vacancies. But where? There are many job posting sites on the world wide web but there's also a number of scammers out there. So here's a a few list of Canada Jobs Portal that could be helpful.

3. More info on how to find jobs in Canada:

It is of course not easy to find jobs in Canada specially if you're just using the Internet. But this is an option that I know for a fact works. Here's a couple of proof:

Mr. Zedfrey Salazar - He attended one of our seminar schedules in Angeles City. He wasn't eligible at that time, due to lack in work experience. My suggestion was to look for employer in Canada. He did and is now working in Canada.

Mr. Mark Hernandez. He sent his resume for assessment. He wasn't eligible so I just told him to look for employer. He is now in Vancouver.

It is always a numbers game, the result will be determined by your efforts. Dreaming of a better quality life is one thing. Doing something to make it happen is another thing.

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Dental Assistants [NOC 3411]

Dental assistants assist dentists during the examination and treatment of patients and perform clerical functions. Dental assistants work primarily in dentists' offices, or they may be employed by government and educational institutions.

Many dental assistants learn their skills on the job, although an increasing number are trained in dental-assisting programs; most programs take 1 year or less to complete.

Dental Assistants
Image taken from dentalassistantjob.org

Dental assistants perform some or all of the following duties:

• Prepare patients for dental examination and assist the dentist during the examination
  
• Sterilize and maintain instruments and equipment
  
• Prepare dental instruments and filling materials
  
• Educate patients concerning oral hygiene
  
• Schedule patient appointments and record dental procedures performed
  
• Invoice patients for dental services
  
• Order dental and office supplies
  
• Take and develop X-rays
  
• Polish teeth and clinical crowns and apply fluoride and sealant
  
• Take preliminary impressions for diagnostic casts
  
• Fabricate temporary crowns and restorations.
  

Dental assistants may take any of the following sample titles:

certified dental assistant
certified intra-oral dental assistant
dental assistant
dental clinical assistant
dental clinical assistant – military
intra-oral dental assistant
licensed dental assistant
preventive dental assistant
registered dental assistant

In most provinces in Canada, there are two levels of dental assistants: Level I – chair-side assistant and Level II – intra-oral assistant. Progression from Level I to Level II is possible with appropriate training and licensure.

Dental assistants in USA

In the United States, most states do not require formal education or training to become entry-level dental assistants. But there is the Commission on Dental Accreditation which approved 281 dental-assisting training programs in 2009 for those who wish to pursue further education related to being a dental assistant.

Licensure of dental assistants greatly vary among states. The Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential, administered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), is recognized or required in more than 37 States.

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Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists [NOC 3141]

Speech-language Pathologists and Audiologists diagnose, evaluate and treat human communication disorders including hearing, speech, language and voice disorders.

Speech-language pathologists and Audiologists are employed in hospitals, community and public health centres, extended care facilities, day clinics, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions, or may work in private practice.

Interestingly, one licensed speech pathologist, the late Sam Chwat, used the knowledge he gained to become a famous accent trainer in Hollywood.

Image from mysomeday.com

Speech-language pathologists perform some or all of the following duties:

• Administer tests and examinations and observe patients to diagnose and evaluate speech, voice, resonance, language, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing disorders
  
• Plan and implement remedial programs to correct speech, language and voice disorders
  
• Establish group and personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
  
• Conduct research on speech and other communication disorders and on the development and design of diagnostic procedures and devices
  
• May instruct students and other health care personnel.
  

Audiologists perform some or all of the following duties:

• Administer audiometric tests and examinations to diagnose and evaluate the degree and type of patients' hearing impairment
  
• Plan and implement habilitation/rehabilitation programs for patients, including selection, fitting and adjustment of hearing aid devices, teaching speech (lip) reading and providing counselling
  
• Establish personalized care plans working as a member of an interdisciplinary team
  
• Conduct research related to hearing
  
• May instruct students and other health care personnel.
  

Speech-language Pathologists and Audiologists may take any of the following sample titles:

amplification audiologist
audiologist
audiologist, research
audiology clinician
audiology specialist
certified audiologist
certified hearing aid audiologist
clinical audiologist
community audiologist
community speech-language pathologist
diagnostic audiologist
dispensing audiologist
educational audiologist
educational speech-language pathologist
industrial audiologist
logopedist
pathologist, speech
pathologist, speech-language
pediatric audiologist
research audiologist
specialist, audiology
speech and hearing therapist
speech pathologist
speech therapist
speech-language clinician
speech-language pathologist
speech-language pathologist clinician
speech-language pathologist researcher
therapist, speech
therapist, speech and hearing

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New Rules of Canada's Temporary Foreign Workers Program Take Effect this April 1, 2011

The new rules to strengthen Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program will take effect this April 1, 2011.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is driven by employer demand and aimed at filling identified labour shortages where no suitable Canadian workers or permanent residents are available. Changes in the rules of this program were introduced last year to better safeguard the foreign workers.

The three significant rule changes in Canada's Temporary Foreign Workers Program were:

• a more rigorous assessment of the genuineness of the job offer;
• a two-year period of ineligibility for hiring temporary foreign workers for employers who fail to meet their commitments with respect to wages, working conditions and occupation;
• a four-year limit on the length of time some temporary foreign workers may work in Canada before returning home

Temporary foreign workers to employers in certain industries like workers under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program are exempt from the four-year limit because of the critical role of their positions.

For more details on the regulatory improvements, please see Protecting Temporary Foreign Workers and Four-Year Limit for Foreign Nationals Working in Canada.

Landing a temporary working position in Canada is good, not just because of these recent improvements. A temporary job also increases a foreigner's chance to be a permanent resident in Canada or even become a citizen.

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