Economic recession and the rising unemployment rates in Western countries have had great impacts on their immigration policies. Under political pressures and economic difficulties, the easiest and short-term solution is to cut immigration to protect the domestic labour market. This is particularly reflected in recent arguments and debates among the politicians in the U.S. Congress and the U.S. government. In Canada, however, after careful consideration and thorough studies with provinces on the demand for immigration in regional labor markets, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Kason Kenney reconfirmed at the CSIC 2009 National Conference that the need for immigration remains strong in Canada, and Canada will not reduce its immigration levels for 2009. He emphasized that the federal government is carrying out its immigration policy from a long-term perspective rather than a short-term one. Canada is facing a long-term labor shortage so the government is not going to turn off the immigration tap only to have to turn it back on later. Canada have to be fully prepared in human resources when the economy turns better. This positive message is obviously encouraging for Canadian immigration practitioners as well as prospective immigration applicants during the time of recession.
As the worldwide economic downturn evolves, Canadian immigration legislation and polices have undergone some significant changes. Since the immigration legislation was amended in September 2008, Canada’s Immigration Minister has been given more power to modify immigration regulations without notice so as to better respond to Canada’s labour market needs. The current list of 38 qualifying occupations for the Federal Skilled Worker category of immigration is just based on the needs of Canadian labour markets, and this list is subject to change according to the labour markets situations. Likewise, the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (AINP) has also been revisiting its list of qualifying occupation for its U.S Visa Holder category, which is a fast track for immigration application without requiring a job offer. In this situation, potential applicants who are qualifed under current programs, either federal or provincial, are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible in order to avoid being negatively affected by new government reguations.
In the increasingly competitive service market, clients and consumers have more choices to retain immigration consulting services. Why will a client hire you? How can you win clients’ trust and confidence? Among many elements, I think the following two are most important. First, you should be a qualified professional, competent in the area of business, knowing what you are doing and doing it right. In order to serve your clients well, you must keep updating your knowledge and skills, familiarizing yourselves with the latest changes and developments of immigration law and procedures. In this respect, CSIC’s continuing education and professional development program plays a crucial role. It requires the CSIC members to keep abreast the most up-to-date knowledge and skills in Canadian immigration and in ethical operation of consulting business. Secondly, and more importantly, you should have a high level of passion and responsibility towards the services you render to your clients. You should put customers’ interests above your own interests, giving each and every case adequate personal attention and duty of care. It is simply irresponsible if you just let your clients’ cases be handled by assistants or from an assistant to another. Each case’s situation is different, and it deserves careful strategic considerations and skilled preparation by an immigration professional before it is submitted. Immigration is such an important matter for those who have dreams to start their new life and career in Canada. We, as immigration professionals, have the duty to work heart and soul to achieve the best result possible for our clients following the professional standards and rules.
Ning Jin is the principal of JR Associates. Over the past 14 years, he has helped clients from around the world resolve numerous immigration-related issues. Ning has received comprehensive legal education from China, US and Canada, and has extensive law firm and corporation experience in immigration law.