Thursday, December 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Canada re-opens Immigrant Investor Program - Fast Track
Canada re-opens Immigrant Investor Program - Fast Track
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. It is expected that the new program will be fast track (12 months processing) and the applications under the program will be given priority over those already in processing queue.
“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.
Source: CIC
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. It is expected that the new program will be fast track (12 months processing) and the applications under the program will be given priority over those already in processing queue.
“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.
Source: CIC
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
New Immigration Progams added in Service Portfolio of Amir Ismail & Associates (AIA)
RE : NEW IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS ADDED IN SERVICE PORTFOLIO OF AMIR ISMAIL & ASSOCIATES (AIA)
Amir Ismail and Associates (AIA) is pleased to advise that we have added some more immigration programs to our service portfolio to cater to the needs of clients with different immigration goals and to provide them more choice of countries offering immigration options.
In addition to providing immigration consulting services for Canada, AIA looks forward to assisting its clients in immigrating to other first world countries. The programs added for skilled workers are as follows:
* Australia - General Skilled Migrant /State Nomination
* United Kingdom - Tier 1 Program for Professionals
* Denmark Green Card Scheme
* Hong Kong - Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
* Singapore - Landed Permanent Resident Visa
AIA is committed to provide competent immigration consulting services to all our clients. With our third generation in immigration business, the combined experience of our professionals exceed 60 years in immigration law.
If you feel interested in immigrating to Canada, Australia, UK, Denmark, Hong Kong or Singapore, please contact us in Toronto or Pakistan at info@amirismail.com
THE AIA TEAM, TORONTO, CANADA
--
Amir Ismail MBA, CCIC, FCMI
Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant
Member of Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (412319)
Member of Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants
Fellow of Canadian Migration Institute (CMI)
Email: info@amirismail.com
Web: http://www.amirismail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/canadaimmigration
Blog: http://aicic.blogspot.com
Immigration Interviews: http://aicic.blogspot.com/2010/01/listen-to-amir-ismails-interviews-on.html
Skype: amirismail73
Twitter: canadaimmigrate
Linkedin: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/amirismail
Amir Ismail & Associates (AIA)
Licensed Immigration Consultants
Canada:
First Canadian Place
100 King Street West, Suite 5700
Toronto, Ontario M5X 1C7
Tel: +1-416-913-0230 - +1-647-835-0660
Fax: +1-416-907-3338
Email: info@amirismail.com
Pakistan:
Suite # 706, 7th Floor, Kashif Centre
Sharah-e-Faisal, Karachi
Tel: +92-21-35652860-1-2,
Fax: +92-21-35221435, Cell: +92-300-2516207
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Live Immigration Chat from Toronto, Canada
Toronto-based licensed consultant Mr. Amir Ismail will be available live from Toronto at 12:00 p.m. Toronto time (9:00 p.m. Pakistan time) on August 18, 2010 to respond to questions related to the eligibility to immigrate to Canada under Fast Track Skilled Worker Program.
We will be reviewing assessment forms completed at our web site www.amirismail.com and advising the participant regarding their eligibility.
TO JOIN THE CHAT, VISIT
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/canadian-immigration
NOTE* If you wish to post your questions during the chat, you must create a FREE Ustreamtv account.
Since 1991, we take pride in offering reliable immigration advise through our well-trained and accredited immigration advisers.
Live Immigration Chat will take place on: August 18th at 12:00 PM Toronto time (9:00 p.m. Pakistan time)
To participate, please complete our online assessment form available at www.amirismail.com and have your questions ready for an immediate response.
We look forward to meeting with you online and to being of assistance to you in your plans to immigrate to Canada.
Yours faithfully,
THE AIA TEAM
Toronto, Canada
We will be reviewing assessment forms completed at our web site www.amirismail.com and advising the participant regarding their eligibility.
TO JOIN THE CHAT, VISIT
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/canadian-immigration
NOTE* If you wish to post your questions during the chat, you must create a FREE Ustreamtv account.
Since 1991, we take pride in offering reliable immigration advise through our well-trained and accredited immigration advisers.
Live Immigration Chat will take place on: August 18th at 12:00 PM Toronto time (9:00 p.m. Pakistan time)
To participate, please complete our online assessment form available at www.amirismail.com and have your questions ready for an immediate response.
We look forward to meeting with you online and to being of assistance to you in your plans to immigrate to Canada.
Yours faithfully,
THE AIA TEAM
Toronto, Canada
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Use of the term “guarantee” when describing immigration consulting services or fees
Immigration Consultants who are authorized by the government of Canada are supposed to go about their business according to a strict, enforceable Code of Conduct.
According to the Professional Rules of Conduct that we as Authorized Consultants are bound to adhere to, use of the term “guarantee” when describing services or fees is inappropriate, and must be avoided. Consumer of Immigration Consulting Services should be cautious and understand that the word "guarantee" is used by unauthorized ghost agents posing themselves as licensed consultants. They do so in an attempt to instill confidence in clients they are trying to fool. As such, when you see the word "guarantee" on a web site or any marketing material of a so called immigration consultant, ask for their identity and check if their name appears on the list of Authorized Representatives available on the web site of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants - https://www.csic-scci.ca/find/all.html
An Immigration Consultant has a positive duty to promote the Society and Rules, and to prevent unregulated practice, and is encouraged where appropriate to educate the public at large regarding the Society and the regulatory system and safeguards with respect to Immigration Consultants. Amir Ismail & Associates (AIA) will continue to follow this rule and will continue its efforts to inform and educate public to distinguish between Authorized Representatives and impostors plaguing the immigration industry worldwide, particularly in Pakistan.
According to the Professional Rules of Conduct that we as Authorized Consultants are bound to adhere to, use of the term “guarantee” when describing services or fees is inappropriate, and must be avoided. Consumer of Immigration Consulting Services should be cautious and understand that the word "guarantee" is used by unauthorized ghost agents posing themselves as licensed consultants. They do so in an attempt to instill confidence in clients they are trying to fool. As such, when you see the word "guarantee" on a web site or any marketing material of a so called immigration consultant, ask for their identity and check if their name appears on the list of Authorized Representatives available on the web site of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants - https://www.csic-scci.ca/find/all.html
An Immigration Consultant has a positive duty to promote the Society and Rules, and to prevent unregulated practice, and is encouraged where appropriate to educate the public at large regarding the Society and the regulatory system and safeguards with respect to Immigration Consultants. Amir Ismail & Associates (AIA) will continue to follow this rule and will continue its efforts to inform and educate public to distinguish between Authorized Representatives and impostors plaguing the immigration industry worldwide, particularly in Pakistan.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Authorized Consultant. But Authorized by who
They always have innovative ways to circumvent the law. They pose themselves as legitimate consultants. They deceive people by lying to them that they are "Authorized Representative". In doing so, they contravene the Canadian law. They are termed as "ghost agents" by those who are properly authorized and accredited by the government of Canada.
Beware and take extra caution when you deal with someone who uses the term "Authorized" to make you believe that they are "Authorized" by the government of Canada. Only and only those consultants who are Members in good standing with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants are "Authorized". There is a recent trend where unauthorized agents have secured authorization to promote Quebec's Investors program in Pakistan. They are merely promoters of Quebec's Investor Program for various financial institute while they pose themselves as if they are "authorized" by the government of Canada to represent clients in their immigration matters. This is certainly not the case.
In order to check the legitimacy of the claim of an individual being "authorized", one needs to check if the name of that individual is listed on the web site of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants available at http://www.csic-scci.ca/
I have noticed that some agents in Pakistan, specially those promoting investor program are conveniently advising clients that they are authorized to represent their immigration applications. Unlike Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants, these ghost agents have little or no training in Canadian immigration law, are not regulated and accountable and are not obliged to follow strict professional rules of conduct. With Bill C-35, the new Canadian proposed law to criminalize these ghost agents, on the verge of being implemented, soon these impostors and con artists will have no place to hide and play with the dreams of people.
If you have dealt with or have hired an individual or company claiming to be "authorized", you should check immediately with the CSIC to avoid any future disappointments. Check with the CSIC member directly if an individuals or company claims to be associated with a CSIC member in any way.
Amir Ismail & Associates has only one office in Karachi and in Toronto. The address of our offices can be checked on our web site www.amirismail.com We have not authorized any other office in Karachi or Pakistan to use our name or qoute any relationship with us without prior consent from us.
A public service message from Amir Ismail, Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant, recognized by the Government of Canada.
Beware and take extra caution when you deal with someone who uses the term "Authorized" to make you believe that they are "Authorized" by the government of Canada. Only and only those consultants who are Members in good standing with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants are "Authorized". There is a recent trend where unauthorized agents have secured authorization to promote Quebec's Investors program in Pakistan. They are merely promoters of Quebec's Investor Program for various financial institute while they pose themselves as if they are "authorized" by the government of Canada to represent clients in their immigration matters. This is certainly not the case.
In order to check the legitimacy of the claim of an individual being "authorized", one needs to check if the name of that individual is listed on the web site of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants available at http://www.csic-scci.ca/
I have noticed that some agents in Pakistan, specially those promoting investor program are conveniently advising clients that they are authorized to represent their immigration applications. Unlike Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants, these ghost agents have little or no training in Canadian immigration law, are not regulated and accountable and are not obliged to follow strict professional rules of conduct. With Bill C-35, the new Canadian proposed law to criminalize these ghost agents, on the verge of being implemented, soon these impostors and con artists will have no place to hide and play with the dreams of people.
If you have dealt with or have hired an individual or company claiming to be "authorized", you should check immediately with the CSIC to avoid any future disappointments. Check with the CSIC member directly if an individuals or company claims to be associated with a CSIC member in any way.
Amir Ismail & Associates has only one office in Karachi and in Toronto. The address of our offices can be checked on our web site www.amirismail.com We have not authorized any other office in Karachi or Pakistan to use our name or qoute any relationship with us without prior consent from us.
A public service message from Amir Ismail, Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant, recognized by the Government of Canada.
Ghost Agents plaguing Immigration Consulting industry in Pakistan
They always have innovative ways to circumvent the law. THey pose themselves as legitimate consultants. They deceive people by lying to them that they are "Authorized Representative". In doing so, they contervene the Canadian law. They are termed as "ghost agents" by those who are properly authorzied and accredited by the government of Canada.
Beware and take extra caution when you deal with someone who uses the term "Authorized" to make you believe that they are "Authorized" by the government of Canada. Only and only those consultants who are Members in good standing with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants are "Authorized". There is a recent trend where those who are "Authorized" by financial intermediaries to promote the Investors program
Beware and take extra caution when you deal with someone who uses the term "Authorized" to make you believe that they are "Authorized" by the government of Canada. Only and only those consultants who are Members in good standing with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants are "Authorized". There is a recent trend where those who are "Authorized" by financial intermediaries to promote the Investors program
Monday, May 31, 2010
Immigration Seminars in Pakistan in June 2010
Immigration Seminars in Pakistan - Answer 10 questions in our survey to attend one of the immigration seminars to be presented by Mr. Amir Ismail during his forthcoming trip to Pakistan
Click here to take survey
Click here to take survey
Friday, April 30, 2010
Time to exorcise ghost immigration consultants
PLEASE NOTE:
CANADIAN SOCIETY OF IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS OF CANADA REGULATORY COUNCIL
Many immigrants, leaving less than ideal circumstances in their own countries, choose to come to Canada in search of a better life. It's sad, then, that the first experience many of these vulnerable people have in Canada is one of exploitation.
The Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants drew attention to this problem last week, with the announcement of a $1-million advertising campaign. The campaign, which features the image of a shark attacking a seal, draws attention to the fact the unscrupulous, unaccredited immigration consultants -- known as "ghost" consultants -- treat prospective immigrants as prey. The ads will appear in a number of languages and will include a toll-free line to help immigrants find an accredited consultant.
The society, which was created in 2004, accredits and educates consultants, and by law, members are only allowed to take money in exchange for help in the immigration process. The problem, however, is that consultants need not be members of the society, and those who aren't frequently fleece prospective immigrants out of thousands of dollars.
For example, a Surrey woman recently claimed more than $50,000 had been illegally transferred from an account she had set up on the advice of Fereydoun Hadad, a West Vancouver immigration consultant. Hadad pleaded guilty in January to charges of fraud and uttering a forged document, and he will be sentenced in March.
And just last week it was revealed that the RCMP is investigating a case in which 300 people claimed to be living at the same address, This is not a unique situation, as shady agents often attempt to get around residency requirements by advising prospective immigrants to falsely claim they've been living in Canada.
In fact, these few examples don't convey the likely scope of this problem. The society notes that there are more ghost agents than there are accredited ones: While there are a total of 1,655 registered members, the society has identified some 1,920 ghost agents.
Not all of these ghosts are involved in illegal activities, but their sheer volume, and the fact that they operate in an entirely unregulated atmosphere, virtually guarantees that unscrupulous agents can quietly bilk people out of their life savings -- and put Canada's national security in jeopardy.
And this could become an even bigger problem, given that many Haitians are attempting to immigrate to Canada, particularly Quebec, where there are just 150 registered consultants.
Clearly, this is an area in need of significant reform.
The society was created in an effort to solve some problems associated with the immigration system, but given that membership in the society is entirely voluntary, the problems remain.
The society is calling on the federal government to crack down on ghost agents, something that has been promised for more than a year.
In response to the recent controversy, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said regulatory reforms will be announced this year.
It's about time to exorcise these ghosts. Our international reputation, and our national security, depend on it.
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun
Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Time+exorcise+ghost+immigration+consultants/2539946/story.html#ixzz0mfgC4ECc
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