People who are considering living in Canada can now benefit from a new interactive website that allows would-be immigrants to the country to determine their eligibility for visas.
In a press release last week, the Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister, Jason Kenney, announced the launch of the new tool, which has been named the Come to Canada Wizard. Describing the decision to provide an online site, Kenney revealed that the immigration department hoped to make the visa application process more straightforward for those interested in living in Canada: “We understand that our application processes can be complex, but this new tool is a major service improvement. The Wizard will make it easier for potential immigrants and visitors to navigate the application process,” he said.
“The Wizard should also reduce applicants’ reliance on immigration consultants and hopefully will make the Department more efficient by decreasing calls to our call centre.”
The wizard works by matching information that applicants provide with the available immigration options and, by asking users a series of questions, it provides details of the best immigration opportunities available to candidates according to their unique circumstances. The tool then presents the user with all the information they need to make an application, including detailed instructions of how to complete all the application forms that will be required for the process.
Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister have launched the new tool amid news that immigration to Canada is rapidly falling. According to figures issued by the Citizenship and Immigration department, there was a 25% fall in the number of immigrants entering the country in the first quarter of 2011 when compared with the same period of last year, with the number of permanent visas being issued falling by from 84,083 in 2010 to 63,224 this year. However, despite reports that the figures are concerning for Canada’s aging population, officials in the country dispute claims that they are on track to meet immigration quotas: “The department is confident that irrespective of lower visas/authorizations issuance and admissions in the first quarter, it will meet its annual target of visas,” a spokeswoman said.
If you’re interested in living in Canada and would like to use the tool you can find it on the Come to Canada site. You will also find comprehensive information about visa requirements and the application process in our guide to living in Torontoand our guide to living in Vancouver.
