Table of Contents
| About Canada |
Canada is the second largest country in the world in area (after Russia), but one of the most sparsely populated. Canada occupies roughly two-fifths of the North American continent. Canada is a developed country. Canadians enjoy highest living standard in the world. Ten provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Three territories: Northwest, Yukon and Nunavut. Ontario is the largest province in terms of population. The national capital for the ten provinces and three territories of Canada is Ottawa located in the province of Ontario. Major cities: Toronto in Ontario, Montreal in Québec, Vancouver in British Columbia. Canada economy: Market-based free-enterprise economy: agriculture (wheat, dairy, meat), mining, forestry, paper and pulp, oil and gas, automobile, machinery, telecommunication hi-tech. Political system: Parliamentary system and house of commons. Governor General is the Queen's representative in Canada. Queen is the Queen of British (Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II). Official languages: English and French. |
| Map of Canada |
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| Who Can Immigrate To Canada? |
Generally speaking, anyone from anywhere around the world who meets the immigration requirements and selection criteria is qualified to apply to immigrate to Canada. |
| Why Immigrate To Canada? |
Canada has a long tradition of welcoming immigrants. Canada receives over 200,000 immigrants per year (With an increasing amount). United Nations (UN) has rated Canada as the best country in the world for overall quality of life for the past several years. Canadians enjoy a comfortable standard of living, good health care, social security, a high level of education, and a relatively safe and clean environment. "The Charter of Rights and Freedoms" entrenched in the Canadian constitution guarantees such fundamental rights as equality, mobility and legal rights, as well as freedom of speech, assembly and association. |
| Economic Class - Federal Skilled Workers (Independent Immigrants) |
Most independent immigrants are skilled workers, who are expected to have the skills, education, work experience, language ability and other qualities needed to participate in the Canadian labour market. |
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You may also be called to attend an interview in order for the Visa Officer to assess your personal suitability before the issuance of your visa. |
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Personal suitability has to do with the degree to which a person and his/her family are deemed able to settle successfully in Canada. It refers to a person's adaptability, motivation, initiative, and resourcefulness. |
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| Family Class Immigration |
Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada, 18 years of age or older, may sponsor close family members who wish to immigrate to Canada. Sponsors must agree to support the family member and accompanying dependents to help them settle in Canada. |
Family members eligible for sponsorship are:
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Family Class provides for equal treatment under the law for common-law couples of the same or opposite sex by expanding the family class to include the term "common-law partner". |
Under the Family Class Sponsorship, the definition of Common-law partner is a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person for a period of at least one year. A Conjugal partner is a person residing outside Canada who have maintained with another person a conjugal relationship for at least one year, but have not cohabited with each other. |
An individual in a conjugal relationship for at least one year of a person, but who is unable to cohabit with the person, due to persecution or any form of penal control, may be considered as a common-law partner of that person. |
A dependent son or daughter is either:
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under the age of 22 and not a spouse or common-law partner; or, |
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have depended substantially on the financial support of a parent and have been continuously enrolled and in attendance as full-time students in a post secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority since before the age of 22 (or since becoming a spouse or a common-law partner, if they married or entered into a common-law relationship before the age of 22); or, |
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have depended substantially on the financial support of a parents since before the age of 22 and unable to provide for themselves due to a medical condition. |
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| Business Class Immigration |
Canada welcomes successful business people seeking new opportunities and challenges. The Business Immigration Program is designed to encourage and facilitate the admission of these individuals. In addition to providing excellent business opportunities. Canada is a multi-cultural country that boasts one of the world's highest standards of living, with excellent health, education and social systems. The Canadian government welcomes business immigrants and offers services to help immigrants start business and settle in Canada. |
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Explanatory Trip | ||||||
Both the federal and provincial governments strongly advise Business Immigrants to make an explanatory trip to familiarize themselves with the place and get a more realistic sense of the opportunities and challenges of their business project in the province that they want to start business and settle with their families. |
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There are three types of Business Immigrants to Canada |
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A) Investors |
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In order to be eligible as an Investor under the Business class immigration, applicants must have a net worth of at least $800,000 Canadian dollars. (You may also include your spouse's assets when assessing your net worth, if applicable.)The applicant will be required to make an investment of $400,000 Canadian dollars in approved projects in Canada. The provincial government use the funds for job creation and economic development. The full amount of the investment (without interest) is repaid to the investor after five years. The return of the investment is fully guaranteed by participating provinces and territories. Provinces and territories secure the investment against the loss.
"Net worth", in respect of an investor, means the fair market value of all of the assets of the investor and their spouse or common-law partner minus the fair market value of all of their liabilities. "Qualifying business", means a business other than a business operated primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income such as interest, dividends or capital gains -- for which, in each of any two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application for a permanent resident visa and ending on the date a determination is made in respect of the application, there is documentary evidence of any two of the following:
"Full-time job equivalent", means 1,950 hours paid employment. "Net assets", in respect of a qualifying business or qualifying Canadian business, means the assets of the business, minus the liabilities of the business, plus shareholder loans made to the business by a foreign national and their spouse or common-law partner. "Net income", means in respect of a qualifying business or qualifying Canadian business, means the after tax profit or loss of the business plus remuneration by the business to a foreign national and their spouse or common-law partner. "Percentage equity" means:
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B) Entrepreneurs |
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Entrepreneur must have business experience. They must have managed a qualifying business and controlled a percentage equity of a qualifying business for at least two (2) years in the period beginning five (5) years before the date of application. The entrepreneur class applicant must have a legally obtained minimum net worth of at least $300,000 and are required to sign a statement that they intend and will be able to meet the conditions or permanent residence. |
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| Features of the Entrepreneur Program | ||||||
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To qualify as an Entrepreneur, the applicant must be able to meet the conditions as follows: |
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"Business experience", in respect of an entrepreneur, means the management of a qualifying business and the control of a percentage of equity of the qualifying business for at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application for a permanent resident visa and ending on the day a determination is made in respect of the application.
"Net worth", in respect of an entrepreneur, means the fair market value of all of the assets of the entrepreneur and their spouse or common-law partner minus the fair market value of all of their liabilities.
"Minimum net worth" means:
"Qualifying Canadian business" means a business operated in Canada by an entrepreneur -- other than a business primarily for the purpose of deriving investment income, such as interest, dividends or capital gains -- for which there is in any year within the period of three years after the day the entreprenuer becomes a permanent resident documentary evidence of any two of the following:
"Full-time job equivalent" means 1,950 hours of paid employment.
"Net assets", in respect of a qualifying business or a qualifying Canadian bisiness, means the assets of the business, minus the liabilities of the business, plus shareholder loans made to the business by a foreign national and their spouse or common-law partner.
"Net income", in respect of a qualifying business or a qualifying Canadian busines, means the after profit or loss of the business plus remuneration by the busines to a foreign national and their spouse or common-law partner.
"Percentage of equity" means:
To find out more about Do-It-Yourself Kit for Entrepreneurs |
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C) Self-Employed |
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Self-employed immigrants must have relevant experience and have the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to specified economic activities in Canada. Other business immigrants with more generic business abilities will be required either to meet the entrepreneur or investor definitions, or to qualify as skilled workers or be selected as provincial nominees.
"Relevant experience" in respect of a self-employed person means at least two (2) years of one of the following types of experience in the period beginning five years before the date of application for a permanent resident visa and ending on the day a determination is made in respect of the application, as follows,
"Specified economic activities" in respect of a self-employed person means cultural activities, athletics or the purchase and management of a farm. |
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Features of the Self-Employed Program | ||||||
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Selection Criteria | ||||||
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To be selected as a Business Immigrant, you must meet first the definition of the business class in which you are applying under (investor, entrepreneur or self-employed person). If you successfully meet the definition, you are then assessed against five (5) selection factors (age, education, official languages, experience and adaptability). The pass mark for all three (3) classes of business is 35. The maximum possible score for each class is 100. Entrepreneurs and investors are assessed under five selection factors: (relevant experience, age, education, language abilities, and adaptability). Self-employed applicants must meet the definition of a Self-employed category as described above. Self-employed immigrants will be evaluated against a similar selection criteria point system applicable to their circumstances. |
| Your Rights And Obligations As A Permanent Resident Of Canada |
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You and your dependents have the right to live, study and work in Canada for as long as you remain permanent residents, and are entitled to most social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens. When you have met citizenship requirements (3 years after obtaining permanent residency), you may apply for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport. |
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There are a few limitations on permanent residents: | ||||||||
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| Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor/Tourist Visa) |
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Many people visit Canada for different reasons. People come to Canada for business, for family reunions with Canadian relatives, for education, and for employment. They also come to see the many beautiful and historical attractions of Canada. Through visiting Canada people enrich the country economically, socially, and culturally. | ||||||
To find out more about Do-It-Yourself Kit for Visitors/Tourists |
| Study Permit (Foreign Student Visa) |
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According to Canadian statistics in 1998 over 101,000 enrollments to Canadian institutions were from foreign students. This statistical measure excludes the students who were just enrolled in English and French as a second language courses. Canada's schools, colleges, and universities are enriched culturally due to the enrollments of foreign students. To study in Canada students must have authorization. To obtain this authorization the student must meet certain immigration requirements. All post-secondary schools and institutions vary in foreign student fees and requirements. One can obtain any details or information concerning fees, academic requirements, living costs, health insurance, and student programs. For the purpose of student authorization the student must check that the academic institution is acceptable. |
| A foreign student is allowed to work for cases such as: |
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the work is part of the program of study. | |
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within one year after graduation the work is related to the field of study. | |
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their source of funding is cut off through no fault of their own. |
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| Canadian Citizenship |
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According to Canadian statistics nearly 150,000 immigrants become new Canadian citizens every year. To be a Canadian citizen is something to be proud of. Canadians celebrate their citizenships to express their pride. To be a Canadian means one must value the rights and accept the responsibilities attached to the citizenship. If you have been living in Canada for three years or more as a permanent resident, you should consider becoming a Canadian citizen. If you were born in Canada, you are already a Canadian citizen. |
| How to become a Canadian Citizen | |||||
What are the requirements? |
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Every applicant must complete an application form (parents can complete the form for their children). Every adult between the ages of 18 and 59 must pass a citizenship test, to demonstrate knowledge of English or French and about Canada. Adults and children over the age of 14 must take the Oath of Citizenship. |
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
Who qualifies as an independent immigrant? |
| A person with specific occupational skills and experience may qualify as an independent immigrant. You have to obtain sufficient points according to selection criteria. Points are awarded for factors such as education, language abilities, experience, age, arrange employment in Canada and adaptability. |
Does it help to have a relative in Canada? |
| Yes. Having a close relative in Canada increases your point score under the selection system. The relative must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen aged from 19 or over. You must provide documentation to prove the relationship. |
What is the status of a landed immigrant? |
| A landed immigrant is permitted to reside permanently in Canada therefore individuals who migrated to Canada are free to move anywhere in the country (in any province of Canada) to work and settle with their family. |
How much does an Immigartion Canada charge? |
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Fees depend on the type of category you are applying and the number of applicants. For independent immigrants, the principal applicant and a family member who is 22 years of age or older or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner must pay $550 CAN, and a family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and not a spouse or a common-law partner should pay $150 CAN for application processing fee. Plus $975 CAN for the Right of Permannet Residence Fee. This fee is payable by the principal applicant (with some exception) and accompanying spouse or common-law partner. Dependent children of a principal applicant or sponsor, a child to be adopted, or an orphaned brother, sister, niece, nephew or grandchild and protected persons, including Convention refugees are not required to pay this fee. |
Who is included in my application? |
| If you are married or living with a common-law partner, either you or your spouse/common-law partner may apply as the principal applicant. The one who has the most qualifications should therefore apply as the principal applicant. The other person will be considered the dependent in the application. You must also include on your application all dependent children whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not. All family members 18 years of age or over must complete their own individual application form. |
How long does it take to process an application? |
| Processing times vary from 6 to 18 months. In rare cases it can take even longer. Well prepared applications presented at immigration posts with small numbers to be processed are sometimes issued in less than six months. Processing time may vary among visa offices and between applicants and on the fact whether or not one has to attend an interview. |
For how long is my immigration visa valid? |
| Normally, immigrant visas are valid for 1 year from the date of your medical exams. The validity date is based upon the earlier of your or your dependants' passport validity date(s) or of the medical validity date. Immigrant visas can not be extended once issued. If applicants do not use them within their validity, they must reapply for immigration to Canada. |
| About Québec |
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The province of Quebec (French: Québec), with a total area of 594, 860 square miles, is the largest Canadian province in size and is second only to Ontario in population. Its capital Québec city, is the oldest city of Canada; and its metropolis, Montreal, is the second largest city in Canada. |
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Québec Immigration |
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The Québec Government is the only provincial government in Canada that select its own independent immigrants and refugees abroad who are destined for Québec. The Canada-Québec Accord, the most comprehensive agreement to date, gives Québec sole responsibility for selecting independent immigrants and refugees abroad who are destined for Québec. It also allows Québec to provide its own reception and integration services-linguistic, cultural and economic for permanent residents of the province. Federally, Canada maintains responsibility for defining general immigrant categories, setting levels for admitting person to Canada and enforcement. Due to Québec's responsibilities in immigration, as defined in the Canada-Québec Accord, persons destined for this province may have to meet different requirements. |
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| Québec has the exclusive selection responsibility for all independent immigrants and refugees abroad who are destined for Québec. Those selected by the province will receive a document called Certificat de Selection du Québec (CSQ). The federal government ensures that statuary admission requirements, such as medical and criminal checks, are met before it issues a visa. |
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Most independent immigrants are skilled workers, who are expected to have the skills, education, work experience, language ability and other qualities needed to participate in the Québec labour market. |
