There are two systems for immigrating to Canada: one for Quebec and one for the rest of Canada. Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec has the authority to select its own immigrants. The federal government has the authority to complete security and medical clearance formalities.
Unlike applications for landed immigrant status, work permits must be approved by the federal government and you may only work in Canada if you can prove that there is no other Canadian that could fill the position. Exceptions to this general principle exist, such as the computer analyst pilot project introduced in 1997 based on a special industry need; executive transfers of managerial personnel from a subsidiary or related company to a Canadian branch for a temporary period; and the live-in caregiver program.
In order to immigrate to Quebec one must apply at an Immigration Centre (Canadian Embassy or Quebec Delegation) outside of Canada. If you are an independent applicant, in order to receive the necessary points to pass the interview and receive permanent visas for your immediate family, you will need to show (among other factors) that you have the necessary education, work experience in a demand occupation, language skills and are in the preferred age group.
Prospective entrepreneurs must show a minimum net worth of $CAN200,000 and the ability to open up a business similar to the one they operated successfully in their home country. In Quebec, success is largely based on providing a comprehensive analysis of the Quebec market, by visiting Quebec and meeting a Quebec Immigration officer and other professionals in the applicant's particular industry.
Applicants under the Investor Program must show managerial experience and a net worth of at least $500,000 and a commitment to invest $350,000 in an approved government investment program.
Workers who are offered a job in a field that is not covered by the exceptions mentioned above must have their prospective employer validate their job offer with Quebec Immigration and Canada manpower in order to prove that no Canadian can fill the position. After validation approval, the applicant may apply to the visa office outside Canada in order to receive the work permit.
Mitchell Brownstein (939-9559) is a Montreal lawyer and a councillor with the City of Cote Saint Luc.
