#How To Get Work Permit in Canada

[chdimmigration]

Work Permits for Businessmen: What You Need to Know

For businessmen, having a visa to work is essential in order to work in Canada. A Canada work permit enables people to enter the nation lawfully, support the economy, and get useful experience. Here's all the information business professionals need to obtain a visa to work in Canada.

How Many Types of Work Permits 1. Employer-specific work permit: This work permit is linked to a particular company. It contains information like the employer's name, the job's length, and the location. If you have a job offer from a Canadian company, you'll likely need this permit. 2. Open Work Permit: You can work for any employer in Canada with an open work permit as it is not job-specific. Certain candidates, such as the spouse or common-law partner of foreign students or skilled professionals, may be eligible for this kind of permission. Eligibility Requirements to get Canada Work Permit To qualify for a Canada work permit, you must meet several requirements: Job offer: For employer-specific permits, you need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Some job offers require an LMIA, a document that shows a foreign worker is needed to fill the job. Proof of funds: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and a family member while you are in Canada. Health and safety: You may need to undergo a medical exam and provide a police certificate to prove that you are not a risk to Canadian health or safety. Applying for a Canada work permit involves several steps: 1. Gather documents: Prepare all the required documents, including your job offer, LMIA (if applicable), proof of funds, and identity document. 2. Submit application: You can apply online or on paper. Online applications are usually processed faster. 3. Biometrics: You may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos) at a designated location. 4. Processing Time: Processing times vary depending on the type of permit and your country of residence. Check the current processing time on the official website. 5. Decision: Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision. If approved, you will receive a letter of introduction and your work permit will be issued upon arrival in Canada. Benefits of a Canada Work Permit Having a Canada work permit offers many benefits: Work experience: Gain valuable international work experience in a diverse and dynamic environment. Opportunities for networking: Form connections with Canadian companies and experts. Path to permanent residence: Through initiatives like Express Entry, work experience in Canada may help you become more eligible for permanent residency. Business professionals need to obtain a Canada Work Permit in order to work in Canada. It provides practical experience, legal employment opportunities, and a pathway to permanent residency. If you know the different kinds of work permits, the requirements for eligibility, and the application procedure, you may easily proceed with the process of obtaining a work permit in Canada. Start your journey now to go one step closer to building a successful career in Canada.

[expresswayimmigration]

How to get a work permit in Canada

[abhishekdigi-blog]

Navigating Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to Jobs in Canada from India

Canada has emerged as a prime destination for Indian professionals seeking better career opportunities and a high quality of life. The country's thriving economy, multicultural environment, and favorable immigration policies make it an attractive option for many. If you're an Indian professional considering making the leap, this guide will provide you with essential information on how to secure jobs in Canada from India.

Why Choose Canada?

1. Robust Job Market

Canada boasts a diverse and robust job market, with numerous opportunities across various sectors. Industries such as Information Technology, Healthcare, Engineering, and Finance are actively seeking skilled professionals to fill roles that are critical to their growth. With an aging population and an increasing demand for skilled labor, now is a great time to explore job opportunities in Canada.

2. Immigration Pathways

One of the significant advantages of seeking jobs in Canada is the clear pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). Programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) allow skilled workers to transition from temporary work permits to permanent residency, offering long-term security and benefits. This is particularly appealing for Indian professionals looking to establish a stable future in Canada.

3. High Quality of Life

Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices. The country is known for its universal healthcare system, excellent education, and strong social security programs. Moreover, Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion makes it a welcoming place for immigrants from all backgrounds.

Key Industries with Opportunities

1. Information Technology (IT)

The IT sector in Canada is booming, with a high demand for professionals skilled in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are hubs for tech companies, offering numerous job opportunities.

In-Demand Roles:

Software Developer

Data Scientist

Cybersecurity Analyst

Salary Range: CAD 70,000 - CAD 120,000 per year.

2. Healthcare

As Canada’s population continues to age, the need for healthcare professionals has skyrocketed. This sector is a top choice for Indian professionals, especially those with nursing or medical qualifications.

In-Demand Roles:

Registered Nurse

Physiotherapist

Medical Technologist

Salary Range: CAD 60,000 - CAD 130,000 annually.

3. Engineering

Canada’s infrastructure projects and focus on sustainability have created a high demand for engineers. Skilled engineers in fields like civil, mechanical, and electrical are needed across the country.

In-Demand Roles:

Civil Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Salary Range: CAD 70,000 - CAD 120,000 annually.

Steps to Secure Jobs in Canada

1. Research and Identify Opportunities

Start by researching the job market and identifying industries and roles that match your skills. Utilize online job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and the Canada Job Bank to search for openings.

2. Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

Ensure your resume meets Canadian standards. Highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the position you're applying for. Your cover letter should convey your enthusiasm for the role and why you are a suitable candidate.

3. Networking is Key

Networking is a vital component of job searching in Canada. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals and recruiters. Joining Canadian professional associations can also help you gain insights and expand your network.

4. Prepare for Interviews

When you get an interview, be prepared to showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Familiarize yourself with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to behavioral interview questions. This method helps you articulate your experiences in a clear and compelling way.

5. Understand Visa Options

Once you receive a job offer, you will need to apply for the appropriate work visa. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and Global Talent Stream are two popular options for skilled workers. If your long-term goal is to obtain PR, consider pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Challenges to Anticipate

While the prospect of finding jobs in Canada from India is promising, challenges exist. Competition can be fierce, especially in popular cities. Understanding Canadian workplace culture and adapting to new environments are essential for a smooth transition.

Conclusion

finding jobs in Canada from India in 2024 is a viable and rewarding endeavor. With the right preparation, networking, and understanding of the job market, you can successfully navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities available. Canada offers not only a chance to advance your career but also a chance to enjoy a high quality of life in a diverse and welcoming country. Begin your journey today, and open the door to a promising future in Canada.

[lebizcanada20]

IRCC's Recent Announcement: What You Need to Know About the Proof of Funds Update

On May 27, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revised the proof of funds (POF) criteria for candidates applying through the Express Entry system. This adjustment is part of an annual update that reflects the current low-income cut-off totals as published by Statistics Canada.

Note: Candidates with more money than the minimum requirement should list the full amount in their Express Entry profile or on their application & Express Entry Processing Timeline .

Here are the Express Entry candidates better under this requirement, CIC News has compiled a list of frequently asked questions.

What is the Updated funds requirement for Express Entry in 2024?

Express Entry POF requirement for 2024, as of May 28.

Express Entry candidates must include both their spouse or common-law partner in any dependent children they have when calculating the size of their family for proof of funds.

This is a requirement even if a candidate’s family members are:

Already Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Not accompanying the principal applicant to Canada

Are you tired of waiting in Canada Immigration or any other Query regarding refusal cases and visa  ? Do you want quick Alternate Solutions? You can immigrate to Canada with fast processing times via Direct PR pathways.

Call our experts at +91- 8375012389 or mail us at Daljeet.bhatia@lebizcanada.com

[thenhlteaissuperhot]

nykki (martin necas' girlfriend) just posted some sort of q&a on her youtube channel and from the translation of the title, she should be talking about the nhl too, could you perhaps watch it and translate the interesting bits for us since its in czech?

This video was actually really interesting.

I have said it in the past already, but Nykki is genuinely one of the most sensible, down-to-earth, and level-headed WAGs I have seen on social media, so her answers were impressive and definitely worth hearing:

She answered the question about how she and Martin met:

Said that it is the most-asked question she gets - "My theory is that some of the people, who are asking me that, probably want to date a hockey player and they don't know how to do that. Personally, I wouldn't go for a hockey player." (she is so real laughing her ass off during that last part)

She would really want to have some sort of romantic story, but they literally started dating because he was constantly liking her photos, then DMed her on Instagram, they started texting and FaceTiming for several months before they actually saw each other in real life and started dating like two months after.

Talked about what it is like living as a (European) WAG, who moved to the US because of her boyfriend:

The players are away for half of the month during the season, so they don't see each other as often as people may think.

It was really hard for her to make friends among the other WAGs in the first year.

Overall, she expressed that she really struggled the first year and even thought that she wouldn't be able to live like that, wanting to go back home.

She also found it really hard to understand the "NHL lifestyle" (said that the term alone seems silly to her to this day) - "It is an extremely particular group of people. Even among the girls, in the room where we meet during the games, there are so many unspoken rules. I am an open book, I like to share my thoughts, and I hate small shallow talks, but I understood quite quickly that it doesn't work like that here and you can't trust everyone. It is everywhere like that - when you come to a room where there are twenty-five girls, at the end of the day, you only get along with a few of them, and I didn't understand that in the beginning. I kinda burned myself."

She can't have a work permit in the US and neither can all the European WAGs because their visas are officially under their partners - said that it is extremely hard for everyone to get a work permit in the US, but for them, it is practically impossible. A lot of other WAGs have tried, they poured a lot of money into the lawyers, and no one, she knows, has so far succeeded.

Where it is possible for the WAGs to obtain work permits, is in Canada - during this part, she also joked that Martin doesn't have a contract for the next year, so maybe they could move there.

Because of this whole work permit issue, she started doing social media, producing music, and writing scripts for some sort of company (the last two I understood are jobs in the Czech Republic, which she does online), making her own money.

She also said that life in Raleigh, North Carolina is quite uneventful compared to Prague, where she is from - however, she is also aware of the fact, that Raleigh is a quite safe place to live and that she can be glad for it because it's not like that everywhere in the States (as she knows from the experiences of other WAGs).

She also answered money-related questions as many people think that her boyfriend pays for everything in her life:

It is crazy for her that some people think that she is dating him only for the money - said that she didn't move across the Atlantic, away from her family and friends, and the established life she had in the Czech Republic, because of designer bags.

Said that all the WAGs (not just hockey ones) always showcase their life on social media to people who follow them in a manner that makes it seem better than it actually is - posting how they go to the games, how they all have their hair done, designer handbags...

She emphasized that they do have it really easy in a lot of things, and that it actually bothers her (personally she wouldn't be able to bear being financially dependent on her boyfriend - at least that's what I think she meant), but that there are also a lot of disadvantages, for example, if she is going to have kids one day in the States, their grandparents aren't going to see them because they are on the other side of the Atlantic.

At the end of the NHL-related segment, she brought up the question "what would you do if you broke up?"

She emphasized that she is one of the lucky ones because she has managed to find a way how to make a living on her own so this question doesn't really worry her because her life would simply continue, just back in Prague, not in the USA, but that many of the girls are studying in the States or just living there with their boyfriends and solely because of their boyfriends, and that once they break up, it is extremely difficult for them.

[historia-vitae-magistras]

Hellooo... If I could maybe just stop by and ask... how do you manage your day to day with all the animosity around us? I clearly love the North American continent too much, the disunity is so painful...

Painful how? Is it your daily life interacting with people on either side of the border? Is your family split between countries and cultures? If it is, then you don't have the luxury of despair because there is something you can do to make the world a better place, even if its telling your friends who are supposed to be on the other side of a divide that you love them and do not allow a crack to deepen into a chasm. You don't get the luxury of pride when there's peace and a future to work for.

If it isn't, and its something you're seeing online or in the news, really ask yourself if that's a pain you need to feel. You can be concerned, you can keep yourself informed, you can act on your sentiments or any number of things. But do you really need to bring that pain into yourself? You are one soul, you do not have the capacity to bear the suffering of a continent. You have a role in the systemic problems and a role in the systemic solutions. You get to pick which one to be a part of sometimes. Empathy without action isn't useless, but it is often ineffective and there are much better things to do with your time and energy, like keeping an eye out for being a part of solutions. Participate in the calming of more crises than you take part in creating them and you will see the power of that some time.

As for how I personally handle it, despair is not an emotion I permit myself. I don't think that's a choice a lot of people can make and there's no compassion or sense in expecting it from others but I seem to be able too do so. I cried, a little, when the president of the country I have foolishly, ambitiously, chosen again and again in my life started speaking of annexing Canada. And then I got my ass up, researched what I could do for democracy in America and sovereignty in Canada and decided what was feasible for me to do. Then did it. Sometimes its only being able to reach out to friends and family on either side, sometimes its spite, sometimes its meeting with local politicians, or protesting, or just apologizing for being in the wrong or telling someone good morning. It will depend on your location, ability and circumstances.

But at the end of the day, you have to know you are but one person. Care about the whole, but don't carry it.

[kedreeva]

Wait, you were raising bobwhites for release? I'd be interested to hear more about that, is it common to do? I work in the environmental field in Canada and we're stricter about wildlife here, DIY-reintroduction without expert oversight is a foreign and frankly very scary idea to me haha. They ARE released for hunting in areas far from our remnant native populations here too, but such activities require licensing. Apologies if I misunderstood your mention of survival rates after release entirely lol.

I don't know how many folks raise them specifically for release, and I can't speak for outside of Michigan, but they're fairly commonly kept in MI. Anyone can keep less than 12 with no permit, but more than 12 or if you want to breed them you do need to get a permit through the state. The permit allows you to keep, breed, sell, butcher, and release up to certain amounts (how many depends what type of permit). Depending where you live you might also have to get permission locally (for example I had to be approved for it through my township). The permits have to be renewed through the DNR yearly and involve keeping records of your captive population and accounting for every bird (and bird part) in your care or that left your care and how, as well as inspections of your care facility to make sure they're suitable for the birds and maintained properly, all of which I did for the two years I was keeping them. I wasn't just randomly raising birds with no oversight or permit, I very much did a lot of work to be able to do it legally and locally- work that ultimately didn't pan out, as by the time I had them figured out and the permits to breed and had them going, HPAI hit and I gave them up in order to utilize my indoor spaces for my peafowl.

HOWEVER, there's also a weird grey area where, for instance, if a permitted person sells eggs to someone, those eggs would come with a temporary permit to hold wild game (issued by the seller) and that permit covers a short period (iirc it was 4-6 months or so) and the birds then had to be butchered, released, or transferred to the person's own permit. So technically, anyone who could (by local regulations) have game birds could buy eggs, hatch, raise, and release birds legally. But again I don't know how many people actually do that ever, since that would be expensive, though I would guess at least some people do it for canned hunt type deals.

Of course, there's also people just... Raising quail with no permits, at decent scale. The enforcement of the law with them is... Not great. There are plenty of people selling them at bird swaps or farm events and I have never once in like 25 years, seen anyone there with a permit or giving temp permits- presumably because you CAN own up to 12 without a permit, and most people are only buying a pair or a few anyway at swaps, so they could be considered "pets" like my first few were, before I wanted to breed. I see people listing them in quail FB groups and I'm almost certain they either don't have permits or won't be issuing the extended permit to the buyers. So there are definitely some cracks to fall through, but you're not SUPPOSED to be doing it that way. You're SUPPOSED to be getting a permit and being inspected and doing it according to the rules the DNR has.

But I was more mentioning release because large breeding facilities have participated in several scientific studies with large, tracked releases to test viability of the government paying for a large scale captive breeding and release repopulation effort in areas the native populations have dwindled, for conservation purposes. Facilities had been doing so (largely for hunting populations), but up until they started tracking they hadn't been sure how much good it did, if it even worked at all. Ultimately, they didn't work out either- the end finding was that pretty much all the captive born birds died quickly and without breeding.

Finding those studies was a huge factor in me axing my own breeders, since what I had wanted to do wouldn't work even if I'd wanted to fuss with keeping them through Bird Pandemic. Fostering viable habitat is a better option, as is getting rid of outdoor cats which have been a major factor in their decline here. So, that's what we do now.

[pirihara]

Yuka Orihara wants to be Finnish

another article in helsingin sanomat on the subject of yuka's citizenship (24.4.2025). article summarized and translated by yours truly

"the finnish people know how to give others space. a calm rhythm in life is also good," thinks yuka orihara who grew up in tokyo and now lives in helsinki.

orihara arrived in finland in 2019 chasing her figure skating dream after having been left without a pair while training in canada. maurizio margaglio, who coaches in finland, had his own part to play.

"maurizio knew my then coach in canada. they spoke to each other about how juho and I could form a pair. they gave my contact info to juho and he contacted me. then we met and everything has worked out great since then," tells orihara.

according to orihara the pair's cooperation works brilliantly.

"juho has a great sense of humor, so it makes training even more enjoyable."

finland has two spots for the olympics 2026 in italy. however, it is not all that certain that orihara and pirinen can participate, as one must be a citizen of the country they represent.

orihara is a japanese citizen. she is applying for the finnish citizenship.

"the process to gain finnish citizenship is on, so I could compete in the olympics. but I'm not sure how it's progressing. it seems to be very hard," says orihara.

orihara has applied for a permanent residence permit last autumn, and will be taking the language exam in may. according to her, the next chance at the exam is in august.

"maybe I won't pass the exam in may yet, but it's a good test and a good experience for me, even if I don't pass. I hope I can pass it in august at the latest. as far as I know I would have one more chance to pass in november, but I am aiming to not having to go to the exam in november."

orihara says she studies finnish every day.

"I try to use it every day in my daily life. studies are going well, but I would say that grammar is the hardest part in finnish. one word can change its form many times and sometimes it's difficult for me to get."

as a principle japan doesn't grant dual citizenship. the japanese people who voluntarily accept another citizenship will have to forfeit their japanese citizenship.

according to orihara this is also the case with her, should she be granted finnish citizenship.

"undeniably it is a difficult thing for me," is all orihara will say about the matter.

still, orihara says she has adjusted to life in finland well, even though she does miss her family and friends in tokyo.

"whenever I think about home, nowadays it's finland."

"for example tokyo is of course a lot bigger than helsinki. there isn't as much to do in helsinki as there is in tokyo, but here you learn to calm down and appreciate ordinary things even more—for example just an ordinary sunny day. I appreciate this about finland."

"nothing feels odd or annoying, but I hope there would be more of certain clothing shops here."

whether it's finland or japan, orihara cannot be without her cats.

"I have six cats with my family in japan, and three here in helsinki. life would be impossible without my cats."

"in my free time I usually take dance classes or just spend time with my cats," she says.

orihara says she is deeply grateful for all the cheer and support she has received from the finnish people.

"I hope to become a skater who inspires and cheers on a new generation of finnish figure skaters!"

[vlovann]

I’ve heard that some non-binary and transgender friends are having issues with their passports being denied.

I want to remind you that there are a lot of other countries that are accepting with real protections of the LGBT+ community and I’m sure, like my girlfriend and I, you’re looking at them specifically for getting out.

I had a realization that if more states start denying gender corrections on passports, I understand that it will be painful and I’m sorry the world is coming to it, but it might be safer to retract the request, let it revert to your incorrect identity, using your real identity socially when safe, and use that to get the hell out of America. Then, once you’re safe and a citizen, you should be able to get your gender changed in your new home.

I am unsure if the current state of America justifies applying for asylum to other countries, yet, or if it has to get even worse, but I already think it should be.

I’ve done my best to gather information from the top safest countries for LGBT+ people (in no particular order) below:

Norway (16+, guardian permission, citizen or registered resident): https://www.skatteetaten.no/en/forms/changing-gender/

Iceland (under 15 needs guardian permission and/or expert statement and case consideration, unsure about citizenship, but most likely similar to others): https://www.government.is/topics/human-rights-and-equality/equality/lgbti-affairs/

In Iceland, no one can come for your rights. It just ends there, period. No explanation needed.

Sweden (18+, guardian permission, registered in Sweden, gender dysphoria assessment, “transsexualism” diagnosis and gender assessment team contact for at least two years according to, unsure of citizenship, most likely similar to others): https://www.rfsl.se/en/organisation/vard-for-transpersoner/transvaard/

Denmark (I can only find an LGBT Denmark article about how families with a non-binary minor are encouraged to apply to state their gender identity, I’m assuming citizenship or residency is required. My iPhone is saying a lot of these websites are trying to steal my information and the ‘visit site anyway’ button doesn’t do anything 🙄): https://lgbt.dk/en/denmark-opens-up-to-legal-gender-change-for-minors/

Netherlands (16+, citizen or resident for 1 year, expert statement, meaning a declaration to an expert that you are not your assigned gender and understand the risks): https://www.denhaag.nl/en/certificates-and-official-documents/change-your-registered-gender-you-were-born-abroad/

Germany (14+, guardian permission, easier for citizens, but options seem to be available if you aren’t registered yet if I understood correctly): https://dublin.diplo.de/ie-en/self-determination-2689792

Spain (all ages, but under 16 needs guardian permission, semi-related as of last year allowing illegal immigrants to earn residency and work permits according to PBS.org, citizenship needed as far as I can tell): https://administracion.gob.es/pag_Home/en/Tu-espacio-europeo/derechos-obligaciones/ciudadanos/familia/genero.html#-92e7156cb2a7

Malta (16+, citizens, people protected under their Refugee act, anyone entitled to an ID card, assuming similar residency of other countries; if you already have an official X from your previous country, they will honor it): https://humanrights.gov.mt/legal-gender-recognition-and-bodily-integrity/b

Portugal (+ name change, legal age or 16-17 through guardian or legal representative, need citizen card): https://www2.gov.pt/en/servicos/pedir-o-registo-de-mudanca-de-sexo-e-de-nome-proprio

Canada (all ages, presumably filled by parents under 16, citizen and immigrant resources readily available): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/change-sex.html

Most countries will require citizenship or residency. Some don’t explicitly say.

Feel free to comment or reblog with any corrections or additional countries or inside citizen information! Please help with more resources if you can. I can’t find or access some government websites because Apple is stupid.

[labelleizzy]

Migrants. Trans people. Trading partners. Law firms. The media. Academia. Trump has attacked all of these and spread fear and uncertainty quite literally across the world.

With so much vying for the headlines these days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by his assaults. But there’s a common denominator at work that can help us cut through the noise.

We already know that every accusation by Trump is a confession. That’s why he yammers on about the MS-13 gang in El Salvador. Kilmar Abrego García, now deported to a prison in that country due to “administrative error,” originally fled that country precisely because gangs were exploiting a lawless situation to extort his family’s business there. They threatened to harm or kill Abrego García if his family didn’t pay up.

And when you think about it, that’s exactly what Trump is doing here in the U.S. Whether it’s imposing punishing tariffs, stripping security clearances, or withholding billions in federal funds, Trump is extorting his way through his second term. Only here, it’s big countries, big firms and big schools. He’s saying “Pay up or else.” Classic mob boss behavior.

Once we frame Trump as a common thug, many things crystallize and lock into place. This is important not only to predict what he will do but also to demonstrate how we should respond.

It’s helpful to ascend to 30,000 feet, above all the stormy weather, to get a clearer picture of what’s actually happening. So come aboard Fight Back airlines today and get the lay of Trumpland below.

**Punching down

Every playground bully looks around to determine who are the weakest and most vulnerable. In the U.S. that would be migrants and trans people. Both groups are now on the “outs” with voters, in large measure due to hateful and false propaganda put out by the Trump campaign itself.

The targeting of these groups serves at least three key purposes.

First, it demonstrates Trump’s willingness to deploy his power against actual people, stripping them of their rights and dehumanizing them in the eyes of the public.

Second, and relatedly, it conditions the public. Supporters of Trump feed off the hate and cruelty, while others who might oppose him grow fearful and silent, hoping that if they just keep their heads down and say nothing, the Trump storm will pass over them.

Third, the people he targets become scapegoats and a distraction whenever anything else is going badly. Sky high prices from the tariffs? Look at this migrant killer! Social security checks not arriving? Run another story on trans athletes! If you don’t believe me, spend a few hours watching Fox News lately.

**Picking off

Another favorite practice of thugs and bullies is to isolate victims and then make them submit one by one. “Give me your lunch money!” demands the playground bully. “Pay for my protection,” warns the gang leader. “Accept my terms or else,” blusters the thug in the White House.

The bully, mob boss and autocrat know the game well. Each child, merchant or institution, alone, can’t, and very likely won’t, stand up to them. They get their way because their victims are frequently disorganized, leaderless and downtrodden.

Moreover, Trump shrouds his attacks on entirely bogus grounds in order to justify them. With migrants, they are all “criminals and r@pists”—again, a bold accusation/confession. With Canada, it was non-existent fentanyl coming across the border. With the universities, it’s his claim they permitted antisemitism to flourish on campus. That’s an ironic and once again quite telling position coming from an administration where top aides and officials have given public N@zi salutes and supported neo-N@zi ideology and political parties.

Still, by separating out victims from the herd and painting them with broad, unfounded strokes, Trump was able to get his way, at least initially. He forced huge settlements with media companies whose mergers he could hold up. He extorted big law firms into “agreements” to work for free for his causes or lose their security clearance. And he bent Columbia University to his will after he threatened withholding $400 million in federal funding.

Each new capitulation only confirmed to the public that our “guardrails” no longer exist and that Trump’s threats are working because, in the end, our institutions had no spine.

**Too cocky

If Trump had any wits about him, he would know there are limits to what a bully can achieve and some important yet unspoken rules to live by: Keep weaker parties down, reward those who comply with your demands, and don’t take on anyone who might expose you for what you really are.

Trump broke all of these rules in short order, in part because he’s an idiot, and in part because there’s no one around him to tell him honestly that he has overreached or blundered.

It was one thing to go after Canada and Mexico on trade and tariffs. Both economies are highly dependent on the U.S. market and so integrated with our own that a hike in tariffs would throw both into a deep recession. They tried for months to appease Trump, and he very much relished their pleas for relief, but ultimately they did not move him off his mindset.

But it was entirely another thing to go toe-to-toe with an economic superpower, China. After the bond markets forced Trump to back off his ���Liberation Day” worldwide tariffs for 90 days, Trump refocused his ire on China alone, raising tariffs on that country to well above 100 percent. But instead of begging for mercy, China retaliated with high tariffs of its own. Chinese analysts and officials declared that not only could their nation weather the storm, China had been around for over 5,000 years (during most of which the U.S. did not even exist), and would not now surrender to Trump in a trade war.

Within a day, and under pressure from high tech executives, Trump caved and exempted many of the most valuable manufactured imports, including chips, electronics and phones.

Remember when Trump kicked the Associated Press out of the White House briefing room because it (checks notes) continued to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its correct, internationally accepted name? The AP, which isn’t owned by a billionaire whose business with the government can be put at risk, decided to fight back. Last week its suit to stop its exclusion was successful, and the White House reinstated its access—at least for a time.

Trump picked the wrong fight with universities this week, too. He went after Harvard, with its $53 billion endowment, threatening to cut off $2 billion in federal research funding unless it acceded to the White House’s numerous overreaching demands. Like China, Harvard decided that surrender was not an option. Yesterday, it gave Trump the middle finger, to the cheers of other universities who now see that fighting back is not only possible but necessary.

Importantly, Harvard had learned from Columbia’s capitulation, where giving in to Trump had only resulted in more demands and more humiliation. As the New York Times reported, Lee C. Bollinger, Columbia’s president for 21 years, recognized that a strategy of “negotiation and conciliation seems to have no acceptable ending point.” And Dr. Steven Pinker, a psychology professor and co-president of the Council on Academic Freedom at Harvard, believed that the institution might have tried to negotiate as Columbia had, “if it had assurance that the administration was negotiating in good faith.”

**Scorched earth

We’re at the point in the movie when George McFly, after getting knocked around for coming to the rescue of his future wife, has finally gathered enough courage to ball up his fist and punch Biff Tannen in the face, laying him flat.

Trump really doesn’t like it when his victims punch back because he knows how it usually goes for bullies, both in real life and the movies. So he’s trying to destroy any victories before they can take effect.

In Abrego García’s case, the White House has indicated in a filing that even if he is returned to the U.S., he will be deported again because he (allegedly) is a member of MS-13. There’s no credible proof of this other than a mere nonsensical statement from an ICE agent with a highly questionable record. But Trump doesn’t like to “lose,” so he plans to take away the win.

In the AP’s case, the White House has now changed its policy to eliminate the spot in the White House briefing room for the daily press corp rotation altogether. The message is clear: If the courts say the AP cannot be excluded because of its content, then it will be excluded because there will be **no wire service coverage at all** for anyone. As CNN noted, this would impact newswire customers such as local news outlets that rely on the AP because they don’t have White House correspondents of their own.

Now that Harvard has stood up to Trump, the White House claims it will eliminate Harvard’s tax-exempt status if it does not capitulate, adding to the pain he has threatened to inflict upon the university. He is hoping to make an example of Harvard so that other institutions do not get any wild ideas about defying him. Harvard no doubt expected an escalation, but it is holding firm so far and has already indicated that it will sue to protect its rights and its academic freedom.

By going scorched earth, Trump is hoping to crush the spirit of the opposition. After all, what good is it to resist the federal government under Trump if he just finds another way to come after anyone for anything he wants?

**Lifeboats and leaders

This reaction is understandable, but it mistakes the true purpose of resistance to fascism. We don’t resist because we think we will win every fight. We resist because it is the right thing to do. The way to defeat a common thug or bully in the White House is to stand up to him at every turn. He cannot win if all of us are determined to fight.

Perhaps even more importantly, courage is contagious; clear-eyed, determined opposition is what can and will defeat Trumpism.

The late Buddhist master Thíct Nhất Hạnh wrote of the importance of steady leadership and moral clarity in life-threatening circumstances:

"In Vietnam, there are many people, called boat people, who leave the country in small boats. Often the boats are caught in rough seas or storms, the people may panic, and boats can sink. But if even one person aboard can remain calm, lucid, knowing what to do and what not to do, he or she can help the boat survive. His or her expression — face, voice — communicates clarity and calmness, and people have trust in that person. They will listen to what he or she says. One such person can save the lives of many."

Though it has taken some time, and our national vessel seemed all but ready to capsize, we now have many strong examples of what it looks like to stand up to Trumpism. We’ve seen how he often folds his hand when we do. So it is now up to everyone else onboard who, despite fearing for their lives and livelihoods, must now trust in this message, remain calm and collected, and help right our ship.

***

To receive my daily piece on U.S. political and legal developments, follow this page or send me a friend request, then see the replies below to enroll at my site.

My work is supported by subscriptions, so if you’re able to help, consider becoming a paid supporter.

**Please note that certain words have been modified to comply with Facebook's community guidelines

[expresswayimmigration]

How To Get Canada Work Visa From India

How To Get Canada Work Visa From India? If you’re an Indian citizen looking to apply for a Canada Work Visa, you can do it online or through a paper application. Steps to apply for a Canada Work Visa online: Visit the Government of Canada’s official website. Open the menu and click on ‘Immigration and Citizenship’. Choose the work option to open the relevant page. Go to the option of ‘Get a…

[captain-juuter]

Hi Captain! I was wondering if you still have an online storefront up for your merch? I live in Canada so I don't think I'll ever run into you at a con, but I'd love to buy some of your art!

Also!! Quick lore question on how the travel laws work for people born in neutral territory, just out of curiosity! Would they only be able to travel to other neutral territory, like within the archipelago, without becoming a nomad? Or could they enter a nearby kingdom and claim citizenship? And what about outsiders going into neutral territory, would they be permitted to enter without becoming a nomad since the King's Guard doesn't have much jurisdiction?

(P.S. Pleaseeee make Nomads merch (only if you want to) (but if you do I will buy some ty 🫶) )

I don’t have one right now, but I have been considering opening up a small Ko-Fi store since I’ve had a few people asking about Nomads merch. I’ve just been swamped with drawing the final episodes, I don’t know when I’ll have the energy to do it 😅 I’ll be sure to make an announcement if I do, thank you for expressing your interest!

and, I love talking about the world lore!

There are several collections of archipelagos that can be found around the world that are consisted “neutral territories.” Yes, Residents can travel freely between the collection of islands. No, they can’t claim citizenship of a nearby kingdom. They will still have to be a Nomad if they want to enter the kingdoms. (For example, Barb’s passport in ep.96 lists her origin as “Solwind Isles,” Emmie’s homeland.)

As for outsiders entering, technically people could get away with it and not get caught by the Kings Guard if they’re sneaky enough! 👀

[ifmosa]

🚨 The Dark Side of Hope: Recruitment Scams in Kenya…

By Mohamud Osman – Founder, IFMOSA Work

🛡️“Go Beyond Abroad”

Every day in Kenya, young people wake up with a dream.. a big dream for them, a simple thing for us born and living in the luxury of Europe, they just want to find a job.. a job abroad like where we are, just to support their families, and break the cycle of poverty. But for thousands, this dream is stolen before it even begins.

Recruitment scams have become a national crisis. Fake agents. Empty promises. Families selling land or taking loans just to get scammed. And the worst part? No one talks about it. Everyone is just quiet 🤫

🎭 How They Trick You:

•They use fancy logos, fake “contracts”, and even staged interviews.

•They promise jobs in Dubai, Qatar, Canada, or Europe with too-good-to-be-true salaries.

•They demand “processing fees”, visa payments, or medical exam charges — all upfront.

Then.. they disappear 🌫️

By the time people realise, it’s too late. The money is gone. The “agent” has blocked them. And the family is left in debt, left in ruins.

💔 Real Stories. Real Victims.

•A girl from Kisii lost KES 150,000 for a “nursing job” in Qatar that never existed.

•A young man from Mombasa paid KES 80,000 for a “visa” to Poland — only to discover the office was fake.

•A family in Nairobi sold their car to pay an agent for two daughters’ work permits in the UAE. They never heard from him again.

This isn’t rare. It’s happening every day. You want receipts here is one

🛑 Why It Keeps Happening:

1. Desperation — People will believe anything if it offers hope.

2. Lack of awareness — There’s no easy way to verify what’s real.

3. No regulation — Scam agents can open a fake office and close it a week later.

4. TikTok, WhatsApp, Telegram — the new playgrounds for fraud.

And yet, we still stay silent. Many victims are too ashamed to speak. Others fear nothing will change.

✊ That’s Why I Started IFMOSA Work

I’ve seen the pain. I’ve talked to victims. And I’ve been shadow-banned on TikTok for exposing the truth.

But I won’t stop.

IFMOSA Work is not just another agency. We’re a mission. A movement. A voice for real, honest, verified opportunities — especially for youth in Kenya and the Horn of Africa.

We work only with real employers. We don’t charge fake processing fees. And if we can’t help you now — we’ll tell you that clearly, with respect.

No lies. No manipulation.

📣 What You Can Do

•Share this post with your friends and family.

•Report fake agents — even if you’ve never been scammed.

•Follow us for updates, education, and job alerts.

•Ask questions before paying anyone — no matter how official they seem.

📬 Want to Talk?

Reach out to me personally. I’ll help however I can — even if it’s just listening.

What’s app: click here to start chat

👉 www.ifmosawork.com

Don’t let your dream become a scam. Let’s fight back — together.

#RecruitmentScamsKenya #IFMOSAWork #KenyaToGulf #WorkAbroadSafely #worklife #sweden

[stargazer-sims]

Journal Entry #2

previous // next // story index

----------

Victor

Hey! It’s me, Victor.

No, of course it’s me. Duh. Who else would it be? It’s my journal, after all. I’m still getting used to doing this, so it’ll be rough around the edges for a while.

Okay, so it’s possible I might be a tiny bit nervous. I’m in my room right now, which you can probably see, and I'm gathering up the last of my stuff for my tropical adventure on Kainani Island because I’m leaving in a few hours. I still have to figure out a way to pack my new camera safely. Yuri gave it to me as a surprise present for my trip, and I can hardly believe I now own an actual piece of photography equipment that isn’t my phone or the unpredictable old pocket camera I got from my Uncle Stephen.

I think Yuri giving me a camera means he expects me to bring home lots of beautiful pictures from Kainani Island. As well as pictures of scenery, I’ll have to take as many photos of tropical flowers as I can. Yuri loves flowers. I’d rather he saw them for himself than for me to take pictures of them, but sadly, I didn’t succeed in convincing him to come along, so you guessed it. I’m going by myself.

I’m sure Yuri isn’t happy about me flying halfway around the world. I'm convinced he thinks I’ll fall into some sort of misadventure. But like, that almost never happens, and… Okay, no. It does, but what bad thing could possibly happen in a paradise like Kainani?

Kainani Island is a tiny country, and from all my research, I’ve learned that they have an incredibly low crime rate, no factories, no paved roads, and very few motorized vehicles. Their largest industries are fishing and fruit farming, and their greatest claim to fame is how pristine the island and the ocean around it are. Taking care of their natural environment is a high priority for them. which is likely the biggest reason why they only allow a certain number of foreign visitors each year.

You have to apply for a visa to go there. I applied for visas for me and Yuri around the end of March, on the chance that Yuri would eventually make up his mind to come with me.

Let me just say that the visa process for Kainani is a lot more involved than what I had to do for Japan. As a Canadian, I didn’t even need a visa to come here. I only had to apply for a travel authorization, which took a few minutes to complete online, and then I was allowed to stay in Japan for up to 90 days as a visitor. Before the 90 days were up, Yuri and I submitted the paperwork for him to sponsor me for Japanese permanent resident status, and now I have a work permit which is valid for two years. I’m thankful for that.

It probably goes without saying, but I also feel really grateful that my visa request for Kainani was approved so fast. It's early May and it's starting to warm up nicely in Kyoto Prefecture where we live, and I suspect a lot more people would want to go to a tropical island when it’s colder here. Maybe this is a slower period of tourism for Kainani, which could explain why I got my visa so quickly.

Personally, I’d rather go to Kainani now, in spring, before it starts getting too hot there. Besides, the summers are gorgeous here, and I want to be with Yuri for the Festival of Snow and all the other fun summer activities. Also, I’ll have to get a real job soon to help pay the household expenses and fund my next big adventure. My savings aren’t going to last indefinitely, and what I make from teaching swimming lessons isn’t exactly a get rich quick plan. Yuri says late spring is the best time for a job search, since summer is peak tourist season here in the Matsumori area and more businesses will be hiring staff to accommodate the influx of visitors.

I wonder if I can find a job that involves sports. That’d be ideal, since that’s my area of expertise. My college diploma is in Health and Wellness Management, and back home in Canada I was a personal trainer and swimming instructor. I’d be happy to do something like that here, but what I’d really like is to be a snowboarding instructor like our friend Seiji Hinamori. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get paid to snowboard?

Yeah, I hear the protests, “Don’t you already get paid to snowboard?” Technically I do, but only if I win, and even though I’m awesome, wins are never guaranteed. I’ve had a couple of product deals in the past, but they were nothing major. It was just local businesses in Maple Grove who wanted an allegedly famous athlete to be in their low-budget TV commercials for random stuff that's totally unrelated to sports. Like, I was on a commercial for a pet supplies shop once. My mom and my friends thought that was hilarious. Yuri says he thinks I might be able to get better brand representation deals here. I hope he’s right, because I’m not selling any more aquarium filters or organic dog treats on community cable TV.

Okay, back to the topic of my trip. I didn't mean to get sidetracked like that, but I'm easily distracted. When I was a kid, my mom thought I had ADHD like my Uncle Stephen. She had me tested, but it turned out that I don't have it. I'm just super bad at staying on track 'cause I can't stop thinking about a hundred things at once, especially when I'm anxious or excited.

Right. I was talking about Kainani Island.

Our next-door neighbours, Jinsei and Kimiko, are going to take me to the airport. Yuri said he couldn’t do it because of some online work meeting, but I think the real reason is that he doesn’t like farewells and he didn’t want to inadvertently make a scene in public. Never mind that I’d be the one crying, it’d still be uncomfortable for him. We’ll say goodbye at home. That’ll be better for both of us, I think.

Jinsei and Kimiko are fraternal twins, and they’re around the same age as Yuri and me, and they love snowboarding as much as we do. Before I got here, Yuri didn’t know them very well despite living next door to them for two years, but I fixed that situation. Nothing says 'Hello, friends!" like a big plate of sugar cookies with frosting and rainbow sprinkles, and I'm a great baker. We started socializing a lot more after that, and now we’re all great friends.

Jinsei and Kimiko think I’m funny, although I’m not sure that’s always a compliment. Jin says I’m rambunctious. Even though that’s sorta true, it’s not a word I would’ve expected to come out of the mouth of another twenty-five year old. I think using words like that kind of makes him sound like an old man, and to me, that’s really funny.

Anyway, I asked Kimiko to look in on Yuri while I’m away, 'cause honestly, I'm worried about leaving him. It’s not that he can’t take care of himself. He lived alone before I moved in, but… you know. His health isn’t the greatest, and anything could happen to him, and I wouldn’t be here to help him if he needed me.

Our conversation earlier today didn't do much to ease my anxiety about Yuri staying alone. He had been quiet for most of the day, and it was clear to me that he was upset, although he didn't offer any explanation. It bothered me to see him like that, so I decided I'd better approach the topic myself.

“What’s up?” I asked. I dropped down beside him on the sofa and put my arm around his shoulders. “Want to talk about why you look so mopey?”

It was a stupid way to start, but no doubt you've already worked out that subtlety isn’t my strong point. Luckily for me, Yuri is used to my verbal clumsiness by now and usually puts up with me being dumb and socially inept.

He didn’t lean into my embrace, but he did look up from the book he was pretending to read. “Do I really need to tell you? You should know.”

“I’m guessing it’s about my trip,” I said.

“Yes.”

“You’re absolutely sure you don’t want to go with me?” I asked.

“You’re absolutely sure you have to go?” he countered.

“I don’t absolutely have to,” I told him. “If you really don’t want me to go—”

“No.” He shook his head. “This is what you want. I’m not going to stop you from doing it. It’s just… I’m going to miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too,” I told him. “But, it’s not like we won’t be in contact. I’ll call you every day.”

“Promise?”

“Yeah,” I said. “I promise.”

"Okay." He gave me a weak smile. “If you’re leaving tonight, hadn’t you better finish packing your stuff?”

“Ah, crap!” I exclaimed. “Yeah. I gotta get on that. I guess I’d better learn to be more organized if I’m going to make a habit of world travelling.”

And there’s the explanation for why I was shoving stuff into my bag at almost the last minute. We're right back to those attention and focus issues again. Welcome to my life.

“And you’re worried about me,” Yuri remarked. This time, his smile didn’t look forced.

“I think my concerns about you are legitimate,” I insisted.

“What do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean. You need to get lots of rest and have regular meals. Healthy meals. Don’t try to exist on just grape juice and soy milk while I’m gone, all right? Remember to take your medication, and eat food.”

“Okay.”

“I’m serious, Yuri. If you’re sick while I’m gone—“

He gazed at me with those beautiful, soulful brown eyes of his. “You’d come straight back, right?”

“Yes! You know I would. But knowing what you’re like, you probably wouldn’t tell me, would you?”

“No, because I wouldn’t want you to worry while you're away,” he admitted.

“You know I will anyway.“

“Try not to,” he said. “I’ll be fine.”

“You’d better be,” I said, attempting to sound fierce and failing spectacularly at it.

“Or else...?”

“Or else I’ll have no choice but to never, ever leave you again.”

He looked directly into my face and said seriously, “I’d be perfectly fine with that.”

As gently as I could, I pulled him closer for a proper hug. He only resisted for a fraction of a second. Then, he wrapped his arms around me and held onto me like he never wanted to let me go.

“I love you,” I whispered.

He didn’t respond in kind, but I didn’t find that unusual. People in Japan don’t tend to say ‘I love you’ as easily and frequently as we do in the West, even to the people who are the most important to them. I have absolutely no doubt that Yuri loves me though, regardless of how sparingly he uses the actual words.

After a minute or so, he gave me something better than a verbal reply. He pulled away from me just enough so we could kiss.

Something you should know about Yuri and me is that we rarely kiss each other on the mouth. Neither of us are particularly comfortable with touching on our lips, and both of us have to really want to do it. If we’re not both in the right headspace, it’s not gonna happen.

I remember our first real kiss. It was awkward and completely unplanned. I mean, I’d thought about it a lot, but Yuri has issues with physical contact and even though we considered ourselves a couple since before I moved here, it took a while for him to be okay with the level of physical affection we enjoy now. Our first kiss was also kind of weird for me because I’d never kissed another man before. I’ve always been attracted to people of every gender, so the concept of kissing another man wasn't the issue. It was that I’d never been in a relationship that was more than a friendship with a guy before I met Yuri, and... yeah. You know how mainstream media romanticizes first kisses and makes them seem all magical with metaphorical fireworks and glitter or whatever? It was totally not like that.

But, for all its strangeness, I can’t say I hadn’t liked it. Initially, I hadn’t been sure Yuri liked it, though. As soon as it was done, he’d pressed his face into the crook of my neck and sobbed so hard that I’d thought he was going to make himself sick.

I had tried to reassure him. “We don’t have to do that again.”

“No,” he’d managed to say. “I... I want to. Not now, but... another time? I didn’t know I could... be afraid to do it and also like it? I’m sorry. I’m not making sense.”

“Don’t worry. I get it.” I’d said. “You’re making total sense.”

And in a strange way, I felt like I knew exactly what he was experiencing even if I couldn’t explain it. It was happiness, fear, relief, safety and uncertainty all jumbled together in the most illogical emotion possible, yet it seemed perfectly appropriate for that moment. I hadn’t known how to console him then; I’d barely known how to calm myself. All I could do was hold him and stroke his hair and tell him I loved him.

Today when we kissed, Yuri didn’t cry, but it seemed he was feeling scared and uncertain.

“Hey,” I said. “Listen to me. I love you, okay? I love you more than anything.”

“More than anything? Even more than snowboarding?”

“Way more than snowboarding,” I said, suddenly concerned that I might be the one to start weeping. “More than anything. And I’m going to remind you of that every day when I call you.”

“You’d better,” he said. It came out barely audible, and wasn’t any more fierce sounding than my own attempt had been, but the intensity of emotion was there nevertheless.

“Or else...?” I murmured.

“Or else.” He didn’t get any further than that.

We sat there for a long time, just embracing each other and not talking. I couldn’t help wondering if going away was the wrong choice after all, and I spent what seemed like half an eternity trying to make arguments in my head to justify my reasons for going.

After a while, Yuri relaxed his arms. He gave me a feathery little kiss on the side of my neck and then leaned back.

“Yuri?”

“I want you to be happy,” he said. “I want you to live your life the way you want to, and if that means letting you go for a bit, then I… I’m okay with that.”

“Are you sure?”

He nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.”

“You’re amazing, you know that?” I said. “You’re so brave, and I’m proud of you.”

“I’m not the brave one. I’m not travelling around the world.”

“I’m not brave. It doesn’t take that much courage to do what you already want to do and aren't scared about,” I told him. “Courage is when you’re scared but you stay strong anyway. I know you don’t like this, but I’m glad you’re letting me do it, and I think you’re awesome for understanding.”

“Just come back to me,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “Promise you’ll come back safe, and that’ll give me courage.”

I had to blink a bunch of times, and breathing normally around the painful lump in my throat seemed next to impossible, but I got out, “I promise.”

“Thank you,” he said. Several heartbeats ticked by and then he added softly, ‘I love you, Victor.”