Canadian immigration officials to verify immigrants’ skills

Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has said skilled immigrants arriving in Canada may soon have to have their credentials verified by a third part before being allowed into the country.

Canadian visa

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney says verifying skills and qualifications will ensure both Canada and migrants benefit.

Canadian immigration authorities currently process approximately 250,000 new arrivals every year yet, according to Mr Kenney, many find their skills and qualifications are either irrelevant or not recognised in Canada.

"We're saying: truth in advertising," said Mr Kenney. "Don't bother coming to Canada if you don't have at an even shot at having your education and your skills recognised."

"I think we're doing those people a favour and we're doing Canada a favour. There's no shortage of people who want to migrate here. Let’s invite those who have the best chance of success."

Mr Kenney says the new changes will ensure people considering applying for a Canada visa will have a better idea of how well their experience and qualifications will relate to the labour market in Canada.

Mr Kenney is currently trying to gain a better control on immigration in Canada with several changes to many different aspects of the process already having been updated and many more still to be implemented.

Some have welcomed the changes as ensuring Canada benefits the most from skilled migrants who can fill gaps in the labour market and fuel innovation. However, some have voiced concern that the immigration minister will be provided with too much power and arrivals will be subjected to checks which violate Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people make their application to the Canadian Embassy.