Understanding Driving Licenses in Ontario

What are the different types of driving license in Ontario?

To cover all the different types of the vehicle there are 12 different types of Ontario driving licenses. Having a G licence allows you to drive all vehicles except for motorcycles. With this license, you are also able to tow vehicles so long as the vehicle and anything being towed weigh no more than 11,000 kg. 

A G1 class license only allows you to drive with an accompanying person that has held their G license for a minimum of 4 years. On this license, you are not allowed to drive on a highway at all.

G2 allows you to drive without another person being present; however, it still doesn’t allow you to drive on highways unless you have an experienced driver present.

The other classifications of license for Ontario driving are for those who wish to drive a motorcycle, large truck, trail more than the 11,000 kg limit, to drive school buses, other types of bus, ambulances and vehicles that have air breaks.

In order to hold any other license, you must first have passed your Ontario driving exam for your G license and then take another exam for each of the other Ontario driving classes you wish to be added to your license.

What are the minimum requirements?

Any new driver that wants to get their first Ontario driving license will have to first enter the graduated system. To do this, new drivers must go through two steps. The whole process takes at least 20 months to complete.

Ontario driving license applicants must be at 16 years of age, have passed a sight test as well as a road knowledge and road sign test. Once they have done so they can get a G1 license. To get a full license you have to first undergo and pass two driving exams. The first if passed moves you to a G2 class, while the second gives you a full G license.

What are the documents needed?

To make an application for an Ontario driving license you must be able to prove your legal name, date of birth and signature. Documentation has to be valid, in date and original. You can use the following documents:

1. Passport
2. Canadian photo citizenship card
3. Documents proving permanent immigration has been granted
4. PRC card
5. Form 1000
6. Temporary immigration documentation
7. Student IMM 1422
8. Employment IMM1422
9. Permit for temporary residence
10. MM 1422 with a photograph

I    

      Report Pursuant to the Immigration Act (IMM 1442 with photo)

Where to apply

If you have an out of state license that meets with the terms and conditions of the state this will be valid for up to 60 days after which period an Ontario driving license must be applied for. To change your license you will have to go to either a DriveTest Centre or alternatively Service Ontario College Park to take an eye examination. Your identification should be taken with you.

How much does it cost?

G1 license package – C$158.25 plus C$15.75 for any additional attempts at the knowledge test

G2 road test for license - C$52.50

Road test for G license - $89.25

Foreign license applications with 2 years prior expertise in their country of origin - C$105.75

A Brief Overview on Project Management

What is project management?

Project management, abbreviated to PM is taking control of a specific project within a certain time constraint. Managing a project means you are able to plan, start, control and then close to meet the criteria given at the beginning of the project. As a project manager, a budget is set to cover the set objectives. This could be a repetitive, temporary or permanent role with one or numerous companies.

What is the job of a project manager?

The main role of a project manager is communication. This means they must possess high skills in communicating with different people from different backgrounds. Leadership skills are of course just as important as a PM. As a number of people are likely to rely on project management from different companies or job sectors team management is essential. Negotiation skills and risk management are also necessary qualities that a project manager must possess. In short project management involves being able to keep everyone on target and at times changing the plans should problems arise.

What is the average salary of a project manager in Canada according to glassdoor?

The average wage for project management in Canada is C$83,940 according to Glassdoor.

What are the different professional exams in the field of project management?

The professional exams needed for project management is Canada are as follows:

1. Agile Project Management certification- this is an entry-level certification that shows that you possess certain skills at the base level.

2. Senior Agile Project Management certification – a certification that shows you have advanced knowledge and experience in managing projects

3. Advances certification in structured and critical thinking – this certification shows the holder has amazing knowledge in techniques for problem-solving, risk assessment, making decisions and putting plans into action.

4. PMAC certification – this certificate shows that the project manager is able to manage construction and engineering projects.

5. Virtual team management certification – practical and theoretical techniques that are necessary for the project management of virtual teams.

What is the Project Management Institute (PMI)?

Being a member of the Project management institute shows potential employers that you are serious about project management in Canada. Members are joining a community of others in the project management field who receive regular updates in person and through the mail to ensure education and certification is kept up to date. For students who become members advantages included being able to learn from experts in the field. Members of the PMI are seen as dedicated PM thus increasing your chances of employment.

It’s also a place to network through other contacts you meet as a member whether to help you manage a specific project, find contractors or employees. The resources provided to members can help them to excel in their field and be recognized as someone that is up to date with the latest methods, ethical and dedicated. You can also save money on certain exams increasing your appeal to potential employers as well as discounted materials to help you to study such as books, papers and more.

Understanding Provincial Nominee Program - What is PNP?

What is Provincial Nominee Program?

The PNP program is a way that individuals that want to settle in Canada can fast-track their application. All provinces within Canada except for Quebec have varying selection programs which allow them to sign special agreements that confirm certain immigrants are able to meet their requirements. With the provincial nominee program, these individuals can get residency permanently a lot faster than those without.

Why was this program introduced?

The reason for the express entry for those wishing to become permanent citizens is so that each territory/province is able to select certain individuals and families that are likely to be an asset to the community to skip many of the hurdles they would usually need to jump. Having the necessary education, skills and expertise allow them to contribute to the community as well as the province's economy which of course is advantageous to have them live in Canada on a permanent basis. In order for the provincial nominee program applicant to be accepted.

How prospective immigrants can benefit from this program?

There are two reasons why getting a provincial nominal certificate is beneficial for immigrants. The first is that they will be deemed beneficial to the area’s economy because they have the necessary skills to fill a specific job role that may have a shortage of qualifying applicants making permanent residency in Canada in the areas best interests. This allows them to get express entry over others. In some cases, applicants who would be refused residency if they had applied under the Federal Immigration Program are able to gain permanent residency through the PNP program. The process is a lot shorter taking a maximum of 9 months whereas without it could take up to 30!

What are its eligibility requirements?

To apply for a provincial nominal certificate applicant must meet specific eligibility criteria. This criterion can differ depending on what the province you wish to reside in requires. For example, to meet the requirements for Saskatchewan express entry you would need to have a job seeker validation code and an entry profile number. There is a specific score system whereby applicants taking the PNP program for permanent residency in Canada need to score 60 out of a possible 100. Applicants must also be able to provide language test results that will show you are able to communicate effectively enough to work and settle in Canada. Your education will need to at least match the education system provided in Canada. Work experience in the area that matches in-demand job roles is also advantageous for making you an asset to the country and province. Finally, being able to provide proof and a plausible plan that will be put into action should you be granted a provincial nominal certificate including a proof that you have enough money to support yourself and where applicable family members.

As all provinces have varied needs it’s a good idea to check these before applying to avoid refusal as in some cases only one application is allowed. Others request you meet the requirements before you are allowed to reapply for permanent residency in Canada. If you have started a business in the province that is beneficial to the province's economy or have invested money this is of course also seen as beneficial making you eligible to apply for the provincial nominee program.

How they can apply for it?

To apply for the PNP program you must complete the provinces express entry profile showing that you are able to meet their criteria. The second thing to do is to check the processing times.  If you find you need to make any changes to the application, you should get in touch as soon as possible to avoid the application being delayed. Changes include getting married/divorced, a new child joining the family whether through birth or adoption, your immigration representative changes, you change your contact details, you have decided you wish to live in a different province.

The next step of the express entry Canada immigration process is the assessment which involves checking that all requirements are met and that the application processing fee has been paid. If the PNP program application has been filled in incorrectly or you have not submitted all requested documents your application will be rejected. A medical exam is part of the process ensuring that you do not have any conditions or disabilities or have any family members with health problems that could be a danger to health and safety of the general public or will cause a huge demand on the health services. A police certificate will also be required to ensure you do not post a public security risk. These should be from all countries that you have lived in for more than 6 months since your 18^th birthday.

If all information is correct and you meet the provincial nominal certificate eligibility criteria a decision will be made. Once approved you will be asked to provide either your passport or a copy of it and be requested to pay a Right of Permanent Residence fee. Once you have done so you will then receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence and certification to prove this. When you arrive for permanent residency in Canada this documentation will be needed.  The final step is to get ready to settle.

For more information, check out: 

http://www.canadaexpressentry.org/provincial-nominee-program/ontario.php

http://www.canadaexpressentry.org/provincial-nominee-program/

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/permanent-residence/express-entry/provincial-nominee-program.html

https://thevisa.ca/immigration-blogs/what-is-the-provincial-nominee-program-pnp-and-what-provinces-take-part-in-pnp.html