finimits
05-03 09:55 AM
Hi Saji007,
Really? That is very encouraging indeed.
Even I have currently 5.5 years done on my H1B and looking to change soon.
BTW, I have my I-140, but I am not sure is there was ever a document they sent me with the PERM. Are these both the same thing?
I guess I don't have the PERM approval notice with me. Is this a hard requirement and if so do employers generally give the PERM approval notice to employees on request?
Really? That is very encouraging indeed.
Even I have currently 5.5 years done on my H1B and looking to change soon.
BTW, I have my I-140, but I am not sure is there was ever a document they sent me with the PERM. Are these both the same thing?
I guess I don't have the PERM approval notice with me. Is this a hard requirement and if so do employers generally give the PERM approval notice to employees on request?
wallpaper Wallpaper
nogc12
08-03 06:08 PM
I dont think the three year extension has anything to do with 485. If your 140 is approved you get 3 years if there is no visa number is available for you. No need to be U.
pmb76
07-14 12:42 AM
I sent a letter to Rep Zoe Lofgren on July 4 after she sent a letter to Chertoff and Rice on our behalf. Below is what I wrote:
Re: July Visa Bulletin revision
Dear Representative Lofgren,
Let me begin by Thanking you immensely for standing up for the cause of legal immigrants. Your response to the July Visa Bulletin fiasco made me very pleased and re-instilled the hope in me that I had lost as a result of the recent announcements by USCIS to stop accepting Adjustment of Status applications.
It is indeed appalling that the various problems faced by highly skilled legal immigrants get lost in the cracks of the system and do not get any media coverage.
I have been in the U.S for approximately 9 years now. I graduated with a Masters in Engineering from a highly ranked school here, always played by the rules and still am stuck in the backlog delays and the bureaucracies of the immigration process.
The July visa bulletin released on June 13th a gave me and others a ray of hope which was crushed after USCIS stopped accepting applications on July 2nd. I have spend huge amount time, effort and attorney's fees preparing all the paperwork and submitting it to USCIS on July 2nd.
Again I want you to know how much me and other skilled workers in the same situation as me, appreciate your taking up this issue with Dept of State and USCIS. Thank you so much for your help in this critical hour. Please help us in resolving this issue and also discuss this with your colleagues in congress so they may also take up this issue with the Federal government agencies.
Sincere Regards,
XYZ
Re: July Visa Bulletin revision
Dear Representative Lofgren,
Let me begin by Thanking you immensely for standing up for the cause of legal immigrants. Your response to the July Visa Bulletin fiasco made me very pleased and re-instilled the hope in me that I had lost as a result of the recent announcements by USCIS to stop accepting Adjustment of Status applications.
It is indeed appalling that the various problems faced by highly skilled legal immigrants get lost in the cracks of the system and do not get any media coverage.
I have been in the U.S for approximately 9 years now. I graduated with a Masters in Engineering from a highly ranked school here, always played by the rules and still am stuck in the backlog delays and the bureaucracies of the immigration process.
The July visa bulletin released on June 13th a gave me and others a ray of hope which was crushed after USCIS stopped accepting applications on July 2nd. I have spend huge amount time, effort and attorney's fees preparing all the paperwork and submitting it to USCIS on July 2nd.
Again I want you to know how much me and other skilled workers in the same situation as me, appreciate your taking up this issue with Dept of State and USCIS. Thank you so much for your help in this critical hour. Please help us in resolving this issue and also discuss this with your colleagues in congress so they may also take up this issue with the Federal government agencies.
Sincere Regards,
XYZ
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sekharan
10-14 11:51 AM
She already has the GC in hand.
She has been maintaining "permanent residence" for 2+ years since she got the GC in hand.
We are a little bit confused about the F4 category bit being about "unmarried and below 21 years of age".
In mosts texts we do not see "unmarried" the restriction - is it that the person for who GC has been filed needed to be bewlo 21 AND unmarried BEFORE she was issued the GC, but these restrictions do NOT matter ONCE she got the GC?
She has been maintaining "permanent residence" for 2+ years since she got the GC in hand.
We are a little bit confused about the F4 category bit being about "unmarried and below 21 years of age".
In mosts texts we do not see "unmarried" the restriction - is it that the person for who GC has been filed needed to be bewlo 21 AND unmarried BEFORE she was issued the GC, but these restrictions do NOT matter ONCE she got the GC?
more...
ajju
02-28 01:33 PM
Per RFE for I485 they want the proof of Employment Authorization in US starting 12th April 2004 to present.
I was going thru my all the I-797 approvals for myself and I found that there is a discontinuity in one of the old approval notice.
WAC-01-XXX-XXXXX 07/15/2001 - 04/05/2004
WAC-04- XXX-XXXXX 04/30/2004 - 01/18/2005 (This approval start after 25 days)
But the extension petition was filed prior to expiration of WAC-01-XXX-XXXXX on 17th Dec. 2003. Approval notice has the receive date of 17th Dec 2003.
Could this gap be a issue, That is why they are asking starting 12th April 2004?
Per my Lawyer, no need to worry because the extension petition was filed before the expiration of other.
Please advice.
VS
I had similar issue where H4 had 7 days of gap.. H1 had full continuity... I think it may be an issue if H1 has a gap...
Also, since the H4 in my case was applied & approved before the gap period.. per my lawyer its perfectly okay... This happens mostly as USCIS cannnot issue H4 with different start date from H1 if filed together...
Looks like yous is H1... So, probably you need to provide copy of 2nd H1 which was received/approved by USCIS before gap start date.. So you may be okay.. Or worst case it may be counted towards 180 days of out of status allowed...
But you must check with lawyer...
I was going thru my all the I-797 approvals for myself and I found that there is a discontinuity in one of the old approval notice.
WAC-01-XXX-XXXXX 07/15/2001 - 04/05/2004
WAC-04- XXX-XXXXX 04/30/2004 - 01/18/2005 (This approval start after 25 days)
But the extension petition was filed prior to expiration of WAC-01-XXX-XXXXX on 17th Dec. 2003. Approval notice has the receive date of 17th Dec 2003.
Could this gap be a issue, That is why they are asking starting 12th April 2004?
Per my Lawyer, no need to worry because the extension petition was filed before the expiration of other.
Please advice.
VS
I had similar issue where H4 had 7 days of gap.. H1 had full continuity... I think it may be an issue if H1 has a gap...
Also, since the H4 in my case was applied & approved before the gap period.. per my lawyer its perfectly okay... This happens mostly as USCIS cannnot issue H4 with different start date from H1 if filed together...
Looks like yous is H1... So, probably you need to provide copy of 2nd H1 which was received/approved by USCIS before gap start date.. So you may be okay.. Or worst case it may be counted towards 180 days of out of status allowed...
But you must check with lawyer...
skg
02-12 08:09 AM
No FP yet. July 2nd filer. Had Open SR and even took infoPass appointment.No luck so far.
more...
looneytunezez
07-31 06:47 PM
i see dead applications.....
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MONCYS
01-16 11:12 PM
casted my vote in change.gov
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reno_john
06-20 05:19 PM
Sam is rite, Leave it blank , USCIS will check the system and fill it. I have seen few cases in this forum where applicant wrote a A# and when they received the receipt it was different, SO leave blank there is no harm.
Even my attorney left it blank even though I have my I-140 approved before filing my I-485
Even my attorney left it blank even though I have my I-140 approved before filing my I-485
hair Lyric Evanescence Sharp Eyes
saimrathi
07-11 03:18 PM
What about Maria? She can speak for us..
"With a career in journalism spanning more than two decades, Shriver has served as reporter, correspondent and anchor for world news organizations such as CBS and NBC, and is currently on leave from NBC News."
http://gov.ca.gov/about/maria
She is not an immigrant like Arnie though..
"With a career in journalism spanning more than two decades, Shriver has served as reporter, correspondent and anchor for world news organizations such as CBS and NBC, and is currently on leave from NBC News."
http://gov.ca.gov/about/maria
She is not an immigrant like Arnie though..
more...
Ivyleaf
10-07 03:41 PM
my votes for bat. reflections are my fav :beam:
hot Evanescence wallpaper by ~vn37
chanduv23
09-12 04:40 PM
This is getting hilarious! Billa, Ranga...Whoz next? Rowdy Ranganna?:D
Next is Baasha :D:D
And your profile says you are not coming to rally, why so?
Next is Baasha :D:D
And your profile says you are not coming to rally, why so?
more...
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saketkapur
07-27 05:24 PM
ImmInfo Newsletter "Unlawful presence" myths and realities (http://imminfo.com/Newsletter/2009-7/unlawful_presence.html)
Unlawful Presence: Myths and Realities
Ron Gotcher
Recently, the USCIS released a new policy memorandum on the subject of �unlawful presence.� Because of its length and the poor quality of the writing, there has been a great deal of confusion resulting from it. We would like to clarify a few of the more egregious misunderstandings that have taken root as a result of this memorandum.
A person who applies for adjustment of status while in lawful status, and thereafter allows his or her nonimmigrant status to expire is not going to be deported.
The new memo makes it clear that when someone applies for adjustment of status, they are thereafter present with the permission of the Secretary of DHS. As such, they do not accrue unlawful presence even if their nonimmigrant status expires. While technically they may be subject to removal, the CIS does not attempt to remove them for a very practical reason. If the immigration service institutes removal proceedings against someone who is eligible for adjustment of status, that person will simply renew their application before the immigration judge. Immigration will have wasted a great deal of time and energy and accomplished nothing. There is no possible reason that would compel the immigration authorities to change their current policy and begin trying to remove people with valid pending adjustment of status applications.
Nonimmigrants are not required to maintain their status after filing for adjustment of status.
Some writers have said that AOS applicants must continue to maintain their nonimmigrant status after filing for adjustment of status. They are wrong. In many cases, attempting to do so would involve visa fraud and render the applicant ineligible to adjust status. Certain nonimmigrant categories, such as B, F, J, and M are �single intent� categories. If someone who is actively in the process of immigrating to the United States attempted to extend status in a category where they are required by law to have a good faith intent to leave the United States and return to their home country to resume their residence there, that would be an act of fraud. You can swear on the one hand that you intend to return to your home country immediately upon the expiration of your nonimmigrant status, while on the other continue to request permanent resident status in the United States. Filing this type of application would do positive harm to your case.
It is not necessary to maintain H1B status after filing for adjustment of status, and in many cases doing causes harm to the applicant.
There is really only one valid reason for an adjustment of status applicant to maintain H1B nonimmigrant status after filing for AOS. That is the situation where the H1B has a spouse or child who has not filed for AOS and requires an H4 visa in order to remain in the United States. Other than this situation, there is no valid reason for someone to try to maintain H1B status after filing for AOS.
Maintenance of H-1B status is not without cost. The CIS filing fees are $320, plus $500 for the anti-fraud fee it is a first filing (such as an employer transfer), and $750 to $1,500 for the ACWIA fee. This does not include attorney�s fees. There are two other �costs� that must be counted as well. If you travel, you must have a valid H-1B visa to re-enter. This means that you may have expend time and money renewing your H visa. Also, with an H visa, you may not accept work from anyone other than your petitioning employer. Otherwise, you are in violation of your H status.
Historically, I�ve heard three main arguments I�ve in favor of using H-1B. First, there is the �just in case� argument. To me, this falls into the �monsters under the bed� or fear of the dark kind of superstitious dread argument. �I don�t know what might happen, but I want to keep my H-1B just in case.� I�ve always felt that if you can�t articulate the reason for doing something, it isn�t a very good reason.
The second reason is a concern that if the applicant�s I-485 is denied, the applicant can revert to H-1B status. I believe this to be a specious argument also. Most I-485 denials result from I-140 denials. If your I-140 has been approved, the odds of your I-485 being denied drop to almost zero. The two remaining reasons for I-485 denials are status violations prior to filing and fraud. Both of these reasons impact H-1B validity as well and if an I-485 is denied for either reason, it is doubtful that the applicant would be allowed to resume H-1B status.
The third reason, and in my opinion the only valid reason, arises in unusual situations where the principal applicant has applied for adjustment of status but his or her spouse hasn�t. In such cases, it is essential that the principal applicant maintain H-1B status so that the spouse remains eligible for H-4 status.
There is one other important consideration with respect to maintaining H-1B status while applying for adjustment of status (AOS). I�ve seen situations involving individuals who elected to stay in H status while applying for AOS and traveled abroad using their H visas and were laid off unexpectedly while abroad, or other saw their H petitioner go out of business suddenly. All were left high and dry overseas with no way to return to the US. If they tried to use their H visas, they would be guilty of visa fraud at entry and thus ineligible for adjustment of status.
Finally, AOS applicants who have given up H status should understand that there is nothing to prevent them from re-applying for H classification should something go disastrously wrong with their AOS application. If the applicant is still eligible for H classification, there is nothing to prevent them from re-acquiring it later.
Employment authorization documents (EAD) are presently valid for one year at a time, unless you have an approved I-140, in which case they will issue them for two years. Advance parole (AP) documents are presently valid for only one year. The EAD/AP combination provides an applicant with a simple, inexpensive alternative to trying to maintain H status while applying for AOS. More importantly, EADs give an applicant job flexibility. With an EAD, an AOS applicant who wishes to exercise his or her right to job portability need only show an EAD card in order to accept new employment immediately. Similarly, an applicant who travels and uses AP as a re-entry document need never bother with having to make an appointment and apply for a new visa while abroad.
Finally, the CIS is now looking closely at the issue of unauthorized employment after filing for AOS. With an EAD, as long as you keep it current, it is impossible for you to engage in unauthorized employment. With an H1B, you are very strictly constrained by the LCA and H petition terms. If you or your employer deviate in any way, you risk violating your H status and thereafter engaging in unauthorized employment. The EAD path is far safer.
Ron Gotcher
Copyright � 2009 The Gotcher Law Group, PC - All Rights Reserved
Unlawful Presence: Myths and Realities
Ron Gotcher
Recently, the USCIS released a new policy memorandum on the subject of �unlawful presence.� Because of its length and the poor quality of the writing, there has been a great deal of confusion resulting from it. We would like to clarify a few of the more egregious misunderstandings that have taken root as a result of this memorandum.
A person who applies for adjustment of status while in lawful status, and thereafter allows his or her nonimmigrant status to expire is not going to be deported.
The new memo makes it clear that when someone applies for adjustment of status, they are thereafter present with the permission of the Secretary of DHS. As such, they do not accrue unlawful presence even if their nonimmigrant status expires. While technically they may be subject to removal, the CIS does not attempt to remove them for a very practical reason. If the immigration service institutes removal proceedings against someone who is eligible for adjustment of status, that person will simply renew their application before the immigration judge. Immigration will have wasted a great deal of time and energy and accomplished nothing. There is no possible reason that would compel the immigration authorities to change their current policy and begin trying to remove people with valid pending adjustment of status applications.
Nonimmigrants are not required to maintain their status after filing for adjustment of status.
Some writers have said that AOS applicants must continue to maintain their nonimmigrant status after filing for adjustment of status. They are wrong. In many cases, attempting to do so would involve visa fraud and render the applicant ineligible to adjust status. Certain nonimmigrant categories, such as B, F, J, and M are �single intent� categories. If someone who is actively in the process of immigrating to the United States attempted to extend status in a category where they are required by law to have a good faith intent to leave the United States and return to their home country to resume their residence there, that would be an act of fraud. You can swear on the one hand that you intend to return to your home country immediately upon the expiration of your nonimmigrant status, while on the other continue to request permanent resident status in the United States. Filing this type of application would do positive harm to your case.
It is not necessary to maintain H1B status after filing for adjustment of status, and in many cases doing causes harm to the applicant.
There is really only one valid reason for an adjustment of status applicant to maintain H1B nonimmigrant status after filing for AOS. That is the situation where the H1B has a spouse or child who has not filed for AOS and requires an H4 visa in order to remain in the United States. Other than this situation, there is no valid reason for someone to try to maintain H1B status after filing for AOS.
Maintenance of H-1B status is not without cost. The CIS filing fees are $320, plus $500 for the anti-fraud fee it is a first filing (such as an employer transfer), and $750 to $1,500 for the ACWIA fee. This does not include attorney�s fees. There are two other �costs� that must be counted as well. If you travel, you must have a valid H-1B visa to re-enter. This means that you may have expend time and money renewing your H visa. Also, with an H visa, you may not accept work from anyone other than your petitioning employer. Otherwise, you are in violation of your H status.
Historically, I�ve heard three main arguments I�ve in favor of using H-1B. First, there is the �just in case� argument. To me, this falls into the �monsters under the bed� or fear of the dark kind of superstitious dread argument. �I don�t know what might happen, but I want to keep my H-1B just in case.� I�ve always felt that if you can�t articulate the reason for doing something, it isn�t a very good reason.
The second reason is a concern that if the applicant�s I-485 is denied, the applicant can revert to H-1B status. I believe this to be a specious argument also. Most I-485 denials result from I-140 denials. If your I-140 has been approved, the odds of your I-485 being denied drop to almost zero. The two remaining reasons for I-485 denials are status violations prior to filing and fraud. Both of these reasons impact H-1B validity as well and if an I-485 is denied for either reason, it is doubtful that the applicant would be allowed to resume H-1B status.
The third reason, and in my opinion the only valid reason, arises in unusual situations where the principal applicant has applied for adjustment of status but his or her spouse hasn�t. In such cases, it is essential that the principal applicant maintain H-1B status so that the spouse remains eligible for H-4 status.
There is one other important consideration with respect to maintaining H-1B status while applying for adjustment of status (AOS). I�ve seen situations involving individuals who elected to stay in H status while applying for AOS and traveled abroad using their H visas and were laid off unexpectedly while abroad, or other saw their H petitioner go out of business suddenly. All were left high and dry overseas with no way to return to the US. If they tried to use their H visas, they would be guilty of visa fraud at entry and thus ineligible for adjustment of status.
Finally, AOS applicants who have given up H status should understand that there is nothing to prevent them from re-applying for H classification should something go disastrously wrong with their AOS application. If the applicant is still eligible for H classification, there is nothing to prevent them from re-acquiring it later.
Employment authorization documents (EAD) are presently valid for one year at a time, unless you have an approved I-140, in which case they will issue them for two years. Advance parole (AP) documents are presently valid for only one year. The EAD/AP combination provides an applicant with a simple, inexpensive alternative to trying to maintain H status while applying for AOS. More importantly, EADs give an applicant job flexibility. With an EAD, an AOS applicant who wishes to exercise his or her right to job portability need only show an EAD card in order to accept new employment immediately. Similarly, an applicant who travels and uses AP as a re-entry document need never bother with having to make an appointment and apply for a new visa while abroad.
Finally, the CIS is now looking closely at the issue of unauthorized employment after filing for AOS. With an EAD, as long as you keep it current, it is impossible for you to engage in unauthorized employment. With an H1B, you are very strictly constrained by the LCA and H petition terms. If you or your employer deviate in any way, you risk violating your H status and thereafter engaging in unauthorized employment. The EAD path is far safer.
Ron Gotcher
Copyright � 2009 The Gotcher Law Group, PC - All Rights Reserved
tattoo Evanescence Wallpaper
ramus
05-30 08:32 PM
While other members helping you can you also help IV and send some web-faxes..
Thanks.
Please help....I am in a little bit precarious situation here...
I am frustrated working for Company A and I have a job offer from Company B..
My question is if
1: my I140 is approved from company A and
2: have H1b extended for 3 years for company A
3: get the H1b transferred over to Company B and then
leave the Company A and join Company B
Now Company A revokes I140
Will by H1B with Company B still valid?
Thanks.
Please help....I am in a little bit precarious situation here...
I am frustrated working for Company A and I have a job offer from Company B..
My question is if
1: my I140 is approved from company A and
2: have H1b extended for 3 years for company A
3: get the H1b transferred over to Company B and then
leave the Company A and join Company B
Now Company A revokes I140
Will by H1B with Company B still valid?
more...
pictures Evanescence Wallpaper(Amy Lee
kamakya
05-14 09:48 AM
Urbana in Frederick county. The schools there are the best and lots of Indians and property tax is pretty low compared to other places.
dresses Evanescence Wallpaper
kk_123
09-25 03:07 PM
hi,
my brother is also seeing the same status for his case. he too really getting confused.
if you get your GC , pls update it.so it will help others too.
my brother is also seeing the same status for his case. he too really getting confused.
if you get your GC , pls update it.so it will help others too.
more...
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pappu
04-30 11:32 AM
Please be careful what you post on the forums.
Immigrationvoice strongly opposes anything that violates the laws of the country. I deleted one of the posts on this thread. Our forums are visited by all kinds of people. We even had lawmaker offices and reporters viewing our website. Senior members are requested to be vigilant and report any post that harms the interest of the organization and community. Senior members should also immediately respond to any such posts so that the discussion is not continued further. Thanks.
Immigrationvoice strongly opposes anything that violates the laws of the country. I deleted one of the posts on this thread. Our forums are visited by all kinds of people. We even had lawmaker offices and reporters viewing our website. Senior members are requested to be vigilant and report any post that harms the interest of the organization and community. Senior members should also immediately respond to any such posts so that the discussion is not continued further. Thanks.
girlfriend Evanescence(Amy Lee) Resimleri
lostinbeta
09-07 01:11 PM
Haha, thanks Hojo:)
hairstyles 925x768
optimystic
09-10 08:11 PM
Thanks for encouraging comments from everyone. I hope some one from core team also takes notice of this and gives it some consideration.
May be we could tie this campaign as part of gaining support for approval of 5882 (visa recapture)
May be we could tie this campaign as part of gaining support for approval of 5882 (visa recapture)
rahulpaper
08-03 08:32 AM
3 year extension is availabe only if your PD is not current and 140 is approved. 1 year extension is only available when you have GC process started 365 day prior. You can go between 1 year and 3 year extensions (depending on PD situation).
I am not sure about the change of employer part...because your 3 year extension is tied to 140 which is tied to an employer...I am not sure if one is able to maintain H1B status if one invokes ac21 or use EAD in 8/9/10/11 th etc year. The new employer can always start the process (before hiring you) from begining..and have PERM and 140 approved and then you can transfer H1b to new employer. (because you are able to tie it to new approved 140). BTW...you will still save the priority date too..
I am not an lawyer. The information provided here is my personal opinion.
I am not sure about the change of employer part...because your 3 year extension is tied to 140 which is tied to an employer...I am not sure if one is able to maintain H1B status if one invokes ac21 or use EAD in 8/9/10/11 th etc year. The new employer can always start the process (before hiring you) from begining..and have PERM and 140 approved and then you can transfer H1b to new employer. (because you are able to tie it to new approved 140). BTW...you will still save the priority date too..
I am not an lawyer. The information provided here is my personal opinion.
purgan
10-14 08:17 PM
Another recent story on Canadian Skilled Immigration...
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=752a2097-a21f-42d1-b9c4-d15bab949d9f&k=9534
Geoffrey Scotton, Calgary Herald
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
gscotton@theherald.canwest.com
CALGARY - Alberta and the rest of Canada need to move quickly to boost immigration and take better advantage of skills so many new Canadians bring to their chosen home or risk being left behind in a global race for talent, says the head of Canada's largest bank.
''We must significantly increase these efforts and others if Canada is going to have the necessary human resources to compete in today's global economy,'' Royal Bank of Canada president/chief executive Gordon Nixon said to a dinner of the Immigrant Access Fund in Calgary Tuesday evening.
''Make no mistake, Canada is in a global war for talent. We must be a destination of choice for skilled immigrants and professionals or we will not succeed ... If we do, we will have a unrivaled advantage. If we don't, we will face an uphill battle just to maintain our quality of life.''
David Baxter, a demographer and economist with the Vancouver-based Urban Futures Institute Society, agrees with Nixon's analysis, suggesting Canada faces a ''perfect storm'' of demographic labour force pressures. Those factors include a declining birthrate, a massive number of Canadians approaching retirement and relatively fewer Canadians entering the workforce as they reach working age.
''You don't need a robust economy to be able to say there's going to be a problem here. We're probably now at the point now that without immigration our labour force stops growing,'' he said. ''This is a long-term issue, let's regularize it. We've got to move away from this talk of temporary (workers).
''What I would look for is young, healthy, intelligent, honest energetic people, preferably with an entrepreneurial spirit - and more employee sponsorship.''
Nixon argued that nowhere is the potential of immigrant expertise and contribution more evident than in Calgary, which is suffering labour shortages across the board, in all industries, from the unskilled worker to the skilled professional.
''Calgary is facing a shortfall of as many as 90,000 workers over the next five years ... by 2025 the shortage across the province will be well through 300,000,'' said Nixon. ''Alberta is at the cusp of a trend we're seeing nationwide.''
Nixon argued that immigration must be viewed by policymakers as a strategic economic development tool that will help to define 21st century Canada. He noted the country has in the past used immigration as a tool of industrial policy, particularly around the settlement and development of the West.
That kind of approach is needed again, Nixon asserted, as is better utilization of under-employed immigrants already in Canada, a phenomenon that RBC economists has estimated costs Canada $13 billion annually.
''We can no longer view immigration as a temporary employment agency,'' said Nixon. ''We need to start looking at immigration as a blueprint for nation-building, and we must find the right balance between social justice and economic need.''
Baxter believes that Alberta is making the strongest effort of any of the Canadian provinces to attract and efficaciously absorb new Canadians. However, he noted that while immigration policy remains largely the purview of the federal government, questions of professional accreditation and other determinants limiting immigrants' entry into the Canadian workforce rest in provincial hands.
''Alberta is at the forefront of this. The provincial government recognizes this (the need for more workers) and so does industry,'' said Baxter, referring to Alberta's Labour Force Strategy, released in July.
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=752a2097-a21f-42d1-b9c4-d15bab949d9f&k=9534
Geoffrey Scotton, Calgary Herald
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
gscotton@theherald.canwest.com
CALGARY - Alberta and the rest of Canada need to move quickly to boost immigration and take better advantage of skills so many new Canadians bring to their chosen home or risk being left behind in a global race for talent, says the head of Canada's largest bank.
''We must significantly increase these efforts and others if Canada is going to have the necessary human resources to compete in today's global economy,'' Royal Bank of Canada president/chief executive Gordon Nixon said to a dinner of the Immigrant Access Fund in Calgary Tuesday evening.
''Make no mistake, Canada is in a global war for talent. We must be a destination of choice for skilled immigrants and professionals or we will not succeed ... If we do, we will have a unrivaled advantage. If we don't, we will face an uphill battle just to maintain our quality of life.''
David Baxter, a demographer and economist with the Vancouver-based Urban Futures Institute Society, agrees with Nixon's analysis, suggesting Canada faces a ''perfect storm'' of demographic labour force pressures. Those factors include a declining birthrate, a massive number of Canadians approaching retirement and relatively fewer Canadians entering the workforce as they reach working age.
''You don't need a robust economy to be able to say there's going to be a problem here. We're probably now at the point now that without immigration our labour force stops growing,'' he said. ''This is a long-term issue, let's regularize it. We've got to move away from this talk of temporary (workers).
''What I would look for is young, healthy, intelligent, honest energetic people, preferably with an entrepreneurial spirit - and more employee sponsorship.''
Nixon argued that nowhere is the potential of immigrant expertise and contribution more evident than in Calgary, which is suffering labour shortages across the board, in all industries, from the unskilled worker to the skilled professional.
''Calgary is facing a shortfall of as many as 90,000 workers over the next five years ... by 2025 the shortage across the province will be well through 300,000,'' said Nixon. ''Alberta is at the cusp of a trend we're seeing nationwide.''
Nixon argued that immigration must be viewed by policymakers as a strategic economic development tool that will help to define 21st century Canada. He noted the country has in the past used immigration as a tool of industrial policy, particularly around the settlement and development of the West.
That kind of approach is needed again, Nixon asserted, as is better utilization of under-employed immigrants already in Canada, a phenomenon that RBC economists has estimated costs Canada $13 billion annually.
''We can no longer view immigration as a temporary employment agency,'' said Nixon. ''We need to start looking at immigration as a blueprint for nation-building, and we must find the right balance between social justice and economic need.''
Baxter believes that Alberta is making the strongest effort of any of the Canadian provinces to attract and efficaciously absorb new Canadians. However, he noted that while immigration policy remains largely the purview of the federal government, questions of professional accreditation and other determinants limiting immigrants' entry into the Canadian workforce rest in provincial hands.
''Alberta is at the forefront of this. The provincial government recognizes this (the need for more workers) and so does industry,'' said Baxter, referring to Alberta's Labour Force Strategy, released in July.
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