The author, Herbert Brownstein, is a partner of Brownstein & Brownstein, Attorneys at Montreal, and Executive Member of the Canadian Bar Association -- Quebec Immigration Section.
Introduction:
Canada, a large country with a population of only 30 million, has one of the world's highest standards of living, political stability and great potential, presenting many opportunities for newcomers. While immigrants have given Canada a cosmopolitan flavour and enriched it in numerous ways, immigration policy has become markedly more attractive and positive in welcoming immigrants without being discriminatory. The current program seeks to attract individuals who will contribute actively to the country's economy. Immigration is now directly related to the needs of the labour force.
In view of recent liberalization in the Canadian Immigration system, there are very bright chances for immigration to Canada. At present, as compared to other countries. Canada has the most positive immigration policy. The Canadian government plans to admit 215,000 immigrants each year over the next five years. There is no quota based either on nationality or occupation. The United Nations has voted Canada as the best place in the world to live for consecutive years.
TEN REASONS FOR IMMIGRATION TO CANADA:
1. have access to the US market because of the NAFTA agreement
2. immigrate with wife and children
3. immigrate without making any investment
4. obtain your citizenship in 36 months
5. sponsor your other family members
6. be entitled to government welfare benefits, free medical facilities and free primary and secondary education, etc.
7. spend your holidays with friends/relatives in the USA
8. start your business in Canada
9. visit your home country as and when you like for a maximum period of six months
10. Children may pursue higher studies and pay local tuition fees.
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 immigration status, work permits must have to 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.
Many occupations in Canada require registration, licensing or membership in a professional or trade association. Applicants intending to work in these occupations must prove to the immigration officials that they hold sufficient credentials to meet professional or trade licensing requirements so that they may pursue their occupation in Canada.
It is the applicant's responsibility prior to his immigration interview to contact appropriate professional or trade association in Canada to have their qualifications assessed as acceptable for immigrating purposes.
For example, the following occupations need to be assessed by professional bodies or organizations: Engineers, Pharmacists, Engineering Technicians or Techonologists, Accountants, Medical Laboratory Technologists and Dental Hygienists.
In order to immigrate to Canada 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 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 $200,000.00 CAN 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 CAN and a commitment to invest $ 350,000 CAN 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 Human Resources Development Canada in order to prove that no Canadian can fill the position. After validation approval, the applicant may apply to a visa office outside Canada in order to receive the work permit.
