Are you currently working in the USA or have a relative currently residing in the USA on H-1B Visa? You or your relative maybe entitled to fast-track permanent residency to Canada through the Province of Alberta.

The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (PNP) has established a new pilot immigration program whereby people who are on temporary work permits in the USA on H-1B visas ( H1-B1, H-1C or E-3 visa holders may also be eligible) may qualify for fast-track immigration and permanent residency to Canada through this pilot program. Applicants need to have a current H1-B visa, a minimum of 1 year of work experience in the USA and that have an occupation that qualifies as an in demand occupation in Alberta. If you qualify, the Alberta government will nominate you for immigration without you being required to secure a job in Alberta before hand.

Please contact me via email or call (604) 675.9755 to determine whether you or a relative may qualify for this new immigration program.

On December 15, 2008 – Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced that Professionals seeking to work temporarily in Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are now eligible to apply for a work permits up to three years as opposed to the old rules whereby NAFTA workers in Canada had to renew their work permits every year.

NAFTA is a great option for workers from Canada, the United States and Mexico seeking to work in Canada.

The NAFTA Professional/TN Category lists over 60 professionals that can qualify for the program. To qualify for a work permit under the NAFTA program in Canada the applicant must be a Citizen of the USA or Mexico, have an occupation on the NAFTA Professional Occupation List and generally speaking have a university degree related to the professional occupation and be entering an occupation in Canada to apply the skills of that occupation.

If you require further information on this development or have questions on any other immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can help you obtain a work permit under NAFTA.

Top 5 Reasons to Incorporate Your Business:

There is no legal requirement to operate a business in British Columbia as a corporate entity no matter what the size of your business operations. However, there are many advantages to running your business through a corporate entity even if you are just a 1 person entity. Imagine if someone slipped on some ice outside your premises or was injured in your business premises. Would you want to be held personally liable for such events? A corporate entity would ensure that the business would be sued and not yourself personally.

The top 5 reasons for incorporating a business in British Columbia are:

1. Protection from personal liability;
2. Substantial tax advantages on income and on selling the business;
3. Advantages on survivorship ( A company survives on death of shareholder(s))
4. More prestige and credibility given to your business;
5. Easier to bring on outside investors or partners.

If you require any further information on incorporating a business in BC, please send me an email or call me.