I'm a Canadian (non-immigrant) with a background in international affairs, and was curious as to what job opportunities there are in immigrant settlement, besides the obvious immigration lawyer and Citizenship & Immigration form processors and visa-stampers? I've read that the system is about to undergo a major overhaul under the Conservatives (change=opportunity), and with a demographically-driven worker shortage 'around the corner' (the next 5-15 years) immigration would seem to be one of the sure-bet growth industries.
Also, am I wrong to assume that the unspoken aim of the upcoming overhaul is to re-direct immigration away from China and India toward the struggling parts of the developed world? (the assumption being that younger, culturally-Western immigrants with an existing solid grasp of English/French and recognised skills will integrate much better?) Am I also wrong to assume that the government would very much like to 'clean up' the settlement industry by getting rid of shady 'ethnic' operators who bring people here by hook-and-crook with little employment prospects at the end? (how might it do this? stricter licensing? rejigged selection process?)
And what kind of demand is there for ESL training? For 'cultural' training? For job placement in Canada? Given your own experience immigrating, do you feel anything was missing or could have been done better somehow?
Thanks for your replies!
Also, am I wrong to assume that the unspoken aim of the upcoming overhaul is to re-direct immigration away from China and India toward the struggling parts of the developed world? (the assumption being that younger, culturally-Western immigrants with an existing solid grasp of English/French and recognised skills will integrate much better?) Am I also wrong to assume that the government would very much like to 'clean up' the settlement industry by getting rid of shady 'ethnic' operators who bring people here by hook-and-crook with little employment prospects at the end? (how might it do this? stricter licensing? rejigged selection process?)
And what kind of demand is there for ESL training? For 'cultural' training? For job placement in Canada? Given your own experience immigrating, do you feel anything was missing or could have been done better somehow?
Thanks for your replies!