Date: Wed, 31 Dec 1997 21:11:44 GMT Server: Apache/1.2.4 FrontPage/3.0.3 Connection: close Content-Type: text/html Rosenblatt Associates: Immigration Categories
ROSENBLATT ASSOCIATES

A CANADIAN IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM

CATEGORIES OF IMMIGRATION

Over the past few years, we have seen numerous changes to the Immigration Act and its Regulations, as well as in governmental practice and policy. One of the main objectives of the Act is to enhance Canada's economic development. The Act provides definite guidelines for Canada's immigration policy and procedures while, at the same time, it changes frequently to adapt to changing circumstances in the nation's social and economic climate. Set out below are brief descriptions of the various categories of immigration which include skilled workers and the business class.

1. THE SKILLED WORKER CLASS

This class of immigrants includes skilled workers who are assessed to have the education, skills and ability to successfully establish themselves in Canada. Skilled workers are assessed on the basis of specific selection criteria - which changes frequently. The selection criteria is designed to meet Canada's demographic and labour market needs and takes into account such factors as:

  1. Age
  2. Work Experience
  3. Education
  4. Ability in English or French
  5. Personal Suitability
  6. Relatives in Canada
2. BUSINESS CLASS: Entrepreneurs, and Self-Employed

To immigrate as an entrepreneur, a person must be able to demonstrate to immigration officials that he or she intends and has the ability to establish, purchase or make a substantial investment in a business in Canada that will make a significant contribution to the economy. The main things an applicant needs to show are:

  1. Previous business experience
  2. Capital for doing business in Canada




As a related benefit to Canada, the business must create or continue at least one job in Canada for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident other than the entrepreneur and his or her dependents. Citizenship and Immigration Canada officials will also consider the Applicant's intention and ability to provide active and ongoing participation in the management of the business. Recent amendments require immigration officers to issue "conditional" permanent residence visas to Entrepreneurs whereby Entrepreneurs are permitted up to 2 years to establish, buy or invest in a Canadian venture. A Self-Employed Applicant must intend and have the ability to establish or purchase a business in Canada that will create employment opportunity for the Applicant. Self-Employed applicants do not receive conditional visas.

INVESTORS

To be eligible as an investor, prospective Applicants must have a proven track record in business and have accumulated a personal net worth of $500,000 or more in Canadian funds. Investors must make a minimum investment of $250,000 for a minimum holding period of 5 years. It will be necessary for Applicants to ensure that their investments are in a government approved project.

3. VISITOR VISAS
Canada requires citizens of certain countries to obtain visitor's visa before coming to Canada. These visas must be obtained abroad prior to an individual coming to Canada and Applicants are often asked to present sufficient identification and supporting documentation to visa officials; they must satisfy visa officials that their stay is temporary and that they have sufficient economic resources at their disposal for their stay in Canada.

4. STUDENT VISAS

International students must show evidence of acceptance at an educational institution approved by the Canadian government and enough funds to pay for tuition and living expenses. These visas must be obtained abroad prior to an individual coming to Canada and Applicants are often asked to present sufficient identification and supporting documentation to visa officials and they must satisfy visa officials that their stay is temporary.

5. EMPLOYMENT VISAS

There are various types of employment authorizations most require job offers from Canadian companies. Many temporary workers must first prove there are no Canadians who are ready, willing and able to take the jobs. Work visas are given to certain businesspeople and executives who are investing and running companies in Canada. Visa regulations and policy dictate the terms and conditions of entry to Canada.

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    6. FAMILY CLASS:
    Spouse; fiancé(e); dependent son or dependent daughter; parents; grandparents.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents, aged 19 and over, and living in Canada, have the right to sponsor the applications of certain close relatives who wish to immigrate to Canada. Sponsors are approved from within Canada and the sponsored relatives must meet basic standards of good health and character.

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