Brownstein, Brownstein, and Associates

Overseas Jobs Express, Dec. 1, 1995, Critical to get Application Forms Right

When applying to immigrate to Canada as an Independent Applicant or an Assisted Relative, it is crucial that the application forms re properly completed and that the immigration officer is given a clear indication of the type of skilled work the applicant will be fulfilling in Canada.

The applicant must be able to demonstrate the his work experience will enable him to carry out the skilled work as one of the occupations in demand on the Canadian Occupation List.

There are many instances where education applicant's may lead them to believe that they are eligible for immigration based on the Occupation List. This is not necessarily the case.

For example, an engineer would be refused if he had no work experience. However, if this same individual, prior to becoming an engineer, had trained and gained work experience as a technician, he could be accepted for landed immigrant status.

It is most important that the applicant state a clear intention as to whether he wishes to pursue a business activity or enter the work force as a skilled worker.

If the applicant's intention is to pursue employment in Canada, he will be evaluated as an Independent or Assisted Relative based on the points system whereby he must receive a total of 70 points to be accepted as an Independent Applicant or 65 points to be accepted as an Assisted Relative.

FAMILY MATTERS

Assisted Relatives are individuals who have a relative in Canada such as a brother, sister, uncle or aunt. An individual must unsure that his application clearly demonstrates the existence of a blood relative who is a landed citizen. When presenting an application for immigration to Canada, it is imperative that full information about the individual's qualifications and background is fully communicated to the visa officer.

CONSIDERATIONS

In the event that the visa officer determines that the applicant does not have the sufficient points to be accepted as an immigrant, the regulations provide that a visa may still be issued if it can be established that the applicant will be able to successfully settle.

There may be circumstances where an applicant is ideally suited in mist respects but where age or education are such as to cause a significant loss of points. In these cases, an application, under section 11 (3) of the regulations should be made requesting special consideration for the individual.


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