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Landing fee slashed to $490 |
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By Archie D'Cruz » The
Conservative government delivered on its election pledge, slashing the
landing fee to $490 from $975 in the 2006 federal budget. It also took
first baby steps towards creation of an agency to recognize foreign
work credentials.
The reduction in the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RRPF), as the landing fee is officially called, takes effect immediately. It applies to all applicants whose papers are still being processed, including those who have already paid the RRPF.
Prospective immigrants who have paid the fee but have not been granted permanent resident status as of May 3, 2006, will receive $485 each in refunds.
In two other separate measures aimed at helping newcomers to Canada, the budget provides $307 million over the next two years to enhance immigration settlement programs and services, and takes first steps to create a Canadian agency for assessment and recognition of foreign credentials.
The budget was however silent on efforts to reduce wait times for immigration applicants, which extends to five years and more in some centres,
Settlement and Integration Programs: The budget has recognized that newcomers to Canada often face challenges with integration into the community and with finding jobs.
The $307 in new funding will assist with services such as language instruction and employment-related support. The funding will be distributed across all provinces and territories except Quebec, which receives funding through a separate immigration agreement.
Foreign Credential Recognition: In a bid to move forward to resolve this long-standing grievance of newcomers, the government has announced it will create an agency to ensure foreign-trained immigrants meet Canadian standards, while getting those who are trained and ready to work in their fields of expertise into the workforce more quickly.
No timeline was announced, however, and it will likely be at least a couple of years, if not longer, before this initiative bears fruit. The problem is that credential recognition is decided by individual provinces, not the federal government.
Under the budget proposal, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development will launch consultations with the provinces and territories on the structure and set-up of the agency, and the government will proceed on the basis of the advice received.
To facilitate the consultation process, the budget set aside $18 million over two years.
In his budget speech, Finance Minister James Flaherty recognized the hopes and aspirations of immigrants.
"This country was built by people seeking a better life for themselves and their families. They come here for opportunity, and contribute their culture, skills and energy in return. This government will provide more help to new Canadians to get started," said Flaherty.
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