CANADA SKILLED WORKER IMMIGRATION VISA
Applicants for skilled worker immigration visa to Canada must have at least one year of full-time work experience in the past 10 years in any skilled occupation. In addition, the new selection system requires a pass mark of 67 out of 100 points on the following factors: age, education, work experience, language ability and adaptability.
On September 18, 2003 Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced that the pass mark for those applying to immigrate to Canada as skilled workers (to all provinces except Quebec), has changed from 75 to 67.
All new skilled worker immigration visa applicants and those currently in the system who have not yet received a selection decision, will be assessed with a pass mark of 67.
The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada may amend the pass mark from time to time. Changes to the pass mark reflect the changes in the Canadian labour market and in the broader economy and society. The pass mark also reflects the changing demands on the part of prospective immigrants to Canada.
CANADA BUSINESS CLASS IMMIGRATION VISA
Business immigrants are people who can invest in, or start businesses in Canada and are expected to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy. The Business Immigration Program seeks to attract people experienced in business to Canada. Business immigrants are selected based on their ability to become economically established in Canada. There are three classes of business immigrants:
Investors
The Immigrant Investor Program seeks to attract experienced persons and capital to Canada. Investors must demonstrate business experience, a minimum net worth of CDN $800,000 and make an investment of CDN $400,000.
Entrepreneurs
The Entrepreneur Program seeks to attract experienced persons that will own and actively manage businesses in Canada that will contribute to the economy and create jobs. Entrepreneurs must demonstrate business experience, a minimum net worth of CDN $300,000 and are subject to conditions upon arrival in Canada.
Self-employed
Self-employed persons must have the intention and ability to create their own employment. They are expected to contribute to the cultural, artistic or athletic life of Canada. For example, they may create their own employment by purchasing and managing a farm in Canada, etc.
CANADA FAMILY CLASS IMMIGRATION VISA
Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada, 18 years of age or older, may sponsor close relatives or family members who want to become permanent residents of Canada. Sponsors must promise to support the relative or family member and accompanying family members for a period of three to 10 years to help them settle in Canada.
Family members eligible for sponsorship are:
- spouses, common-law or conjugal partners 16 years of age or older;
- parents and grandparents;
- dependent children, including adopted children;
- children under 18 years of age whom you intend to adopt;
- brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren who are orphans, under the age of 18 and not married or in a common-law relationship; and
- any other relative if you have none of the above relatives or family members, either in Canada or abroad.
A son or daughter is dependent when the child:
- is under the age of 22 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner;
- became a full-time student before the age of 22 and has been substantially dependent on a parent for financial support since that time;
- became a spouse or common-law partner before the age of 22 and has been substantially dependent on a parent for financial support since that time; or
- is financially dependent on a parent since before the age of 22 because of a disability.
If you want to sponsor any of the above listed relatives or family members, you may have to meet certain income requirements. If you have previously sponsored relatives or family members who have received social assistance, you may not be allowed to sponsor another person. Sponsorship is a considerable commitment so you should take this obligation seriously. To sponsor a relative or family member you must sign a legal contract with the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. This is called the Undertaking. You must also sign a Sponsorship Agreement with your relative or family member that outlines your mutual commitments to each other.
CITIZENSHIP
Although you can't apply for Canadian citizenship until you have lived in Canada for at least three years, you can be thinking about what it means from the moment you arrive. Canadians believe that Canada is a special place. Most Canadians agree with the United Nations - "Canada is the best country in the world in which to live."
To obtain Canadian citizenship, you will have to demonstrate a deep commitment to this country.
- You will need to meet the physical residence requirements. You must live in Canada for at least three years before applying to become a citizen.
- You will need to have sufficient knowledge of either English or French.
- You will need to demonstrate your knowledge of Canada and the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship.
- You must be 18 years of age or older to apply as an individual.
