1- Fedral Skilled Worker

A- What does “Federal Skilled Worker” mean?
Skilled workers are selected as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help them become economically established in Canada.

The term “Federal Skilled Worker” refers to the category under which skilled workers apply if they want to live in any Canadian province or territory except Quebec.

Skilled workers who want to live in Quebec apply under a separate category. The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers and therefore applicants going to Quebec through that program are known as “Quebec-selected” skilled workers.

B- Do I qualify for a Canada Immigration Visa under the Federal Skilled Worker category?

To be eligible for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa under the Skilled Worker category, you must:

• 1- Have worked continuously for a period of at least one year, within the last ten years, in a full-time (or part-time equivalent) paid position in one of Citizenship and Immigration Canada's 29 qualifying occupations; or have Arranged Employment.

• 2- Have sufficient funds for settlement in Canada, unless you have Arranged Employment in Canada;

• 3- Earn sufficient points (currently 67) in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark under the Skilled Worker category.

• 4- Have an NOC that marches one of the POL list

In addition, all applicants for a Canada Immigration Visa and their accompanying and non-accompanying dependents, under all categories of Canadian Immigration, must satisfy Canadian Health and security/criminality requirements.

C- Does my work experience have to be related to my education in order to be recognized?

Your work experience does not have to be related to your education, as long as you are performing or have performed the duties of the occupation for which you are claiming points.

D- What changes are you making to the language requirements?

Under the changes to the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, all new applicants are required to include the results of an English or French language test as part of their application.

Previously, applicants also had the option of proving their language ability via a written submission. The written submission was intended for people whose first language was English or French. However, non-native English and French speakers frequently used this option, making it difficult for visa officers to perform an accurate assessment of the applicant’s true language ability. As a result CIC now only accepts designated third-party language tests as proof of language ability.

E-Can the Skilled Worker category pass mark change?

Currently, the pass mark under the Skilled Worker category is 67 points. Citizenship and Immigration Canada may raise or lower the pass mark without any advance notice. If you currently score at least 67 points, and otherwise qualify for a permanent resident visa, you would be well advised to submit your Canadian Immigration Application at the earliest.

F- What are settlement funds?
The Canadian government does not provide financial assistance to independent immigrants. They are supposed to have assets to support themselves and their dependents upon arriving to Canada. Applicant must demonstrate the availability of the required amount before immigration visa is issued. If an applicant has an arranged employment in Canada he does not have to provide a proof of settlement funds availability.

 

G- Who is included in the application for permanent residence?
The application for permanent residence generally includes the applicant, spouse or common-law partner or conjugal partner 16 years of age or older and any unmarried children under the age of 22 years. Children over the age of 22 may in prescribed circumstances, be included as accompanying family members.

2- Quebec Skilled worker

A- Do I qualify for immigration to Quebec under the Quebec Skilled Worker category?

To be eligible under the Quebec Skilled Worker category, you must:

1- have worked in the past 5 years, for a period of at least 6 months, in a full-time job (or part-time equivalent) in one or more of the occupations that are classified as level A, B, C or O in the National Occupational Classification list, or have validated employment offer in Quebec.

2- have signed a contract and declared to have sufficient funds for at least three months after arrival

3- Earn sufficient points in Quebec selection grid to meet the pass mark under the Quebec Skilled Worker category.

In addition, applicants and their dependents whether accompanying or non-accompanying, under all categories of Canadian Immigration, must satisfy Canadian health and security/criminality requirements at the federal level.

B- What is a Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat du Sélection du Québec)?

The Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) is a document issued by Quebec Immigration authorities (Immigration et Communautés culturelles) indicating that the person designated on the certificate has been selected to reside within the territory of the Province of Quebec. The CSQ is not a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa and cannot be utilized for entry into Canada.

C- Who can I include on my CSQ application?

You can include your spouse or common-law partner on your application, as well as any of your dependent children aged 22 or younger.

D- The immigration requirements and procedures for the Federal Skilled Worker program recently changed. How does this affect CSQ applications?

The recent changes to the Federal Skilled Worker program do not affect CSQ applications at all. The CSQ requirements and procedures remain the same.

E- What is the purpose of the list of areas of training?

This list helps to select candidates who have earned a diploma in an area of training that corresponds to the needs and requirements of the Québec job market. Note, however, that points awarded for an area of training, at the time of the review of your application, do not guarantee that you will find a job in your area of training once you are in Québec.

The diploma must have been awarded within the five years preceding your application for a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ). Failing this, you must have practiced for at least one year, within the five years preceding your application for a CSQ, an occupation directly related to the diploma obtained and for which you are being evaluated.

F- If I qualify as a Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker and obtain a CSQ, do I then have to meet the points requirement for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

No. It is important to note that the selection criteria for a Quebec Skilled Worker are not the same as those for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. If you obtain a CSQ, your application must still be submitted at the federal level for security and medical checks. However, your qualifications do not need to be assessed at the federal level, as the province will already have approved them and selected you for immigration to Quebec.

G- Why are the requirements different for a CSQ than for a Federal Skilled Worker application?

Quebec is a culturally distinct province, and the only fully francophone province in Canada. Your chances of being selected by Quebec depend on your ability and willingness to settle and work in the province and adapt to the daily life.

3- Business Class Program

A- What is the Business Class Program?

The Business Class is a category of immigration under which persons with business/managerial experience and certain net-worth may apply for Canadian Permanent Resident status.  Canada has three types of business immigrants: Immigrant Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Persons.

B- How can I qualify under the Immigrant Investor Program?

As an Immigrant Investor planning to reside anywhere in Canada, except in the Province of Quebec, you must have:

1- A net worth of at least CAD$1.6 million, lawfully obtained;

2- The funds to invest CAD$800,000 (financing available) for five years with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, which acts as agent on behalf of provincial and territorial investment funds; and

3- Managed and owned an equity interest in a qualifying business, as defined under Citizenship and Immigration Canada Regulations; or, managed/supervised at least five employees for a period of two years within the last five years.

As an Immigrant Investor planning to reside in the Province of Quebec, you must have: 

1- A net worth of at least CAD$1.6 million, lawfully obtained;

2- The funds to invest CAD$800,000 for five years in a government of Quebec guaranteed investment fund; and

3- Managerial experience in a commercial, industrial or agricultural enterprise; or managerial experience in a government, governmental organization, or international organization for a period of two years within the last five years.

C- How can I qualify under the Entrepreneur Program?

As an Entrepreneur applicant, planning to reside anywhere in Canada, except in the Province of Quebec, you must have:

1- A net worth of at least CAD$300,000, lawfully obtained;

2- At least two years of managerial experience in a profitable commercial, industrial or agricultural business during the last five years, and controlling at least 25% of capital equity; and

3- The intention and ability to manage and own at least one-third of a qualifying Canadian business as defined under Canadian Immigration Regulations, for at least one year within three years of arriving in Canada.

As an Entrepreneur applicant planning to reside in the Province of Quebec, you must have:

1- A net worth of at least CAD$300,000, lawfully obtained;

2- At least two year's of managerial experience during the last five years and control at least 25% of the capital equity in a profitable commercial, industrial or agricultural business.

3- Submit a business project with the purpose of creating or acquiring a business in Quebec that you will manage and own at least 25% of capital equity with a value of at least CAD$100,000, or have acquired a business in Quebec that meets the same requirements.

D- How can I qualify under the Self-Employed Persons Program?

To qualify as a Self-Employed person, you must be able to demonstrate experience, intention and ability to establish or purchase a business in Canada that will keep you employed and make a significant contribution to cultural activities, athletics or farming in Canada. Your intended business must generate sufficient revenues to support you and your dependents. 

If your destination is in the Province of Quebec, you must have:

1- A net worth of at least CAD$100,000, lawfully obtained; and

2- At least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the occupation you plan to pursue in the Province of Quebec.

Under the Quebec Selection Criteria, your field of activity is not limited to culture, athletics or farming.

E- How can an Immigrant Investor prove that he/she earned CAD$1.6 million, “by his/her own endeavors?

Immigrant Investor applicants must demonstrate the origin and accumulation of their wealth through reliable, third-party documentary evidence:  tax returns, pay stubs, deeds of purchase/sale, statements from stockbrokers, business/real estate valuations, etc.

F- What happens to investment if an Immigrant Investor application is refused?

You must request reimbursement of your money in writing. The visa office will provide the address in Canada in your refusal letter. Your money will be returned 90 days after your request is received. 

G- What if I have already applied and want to withdraw my application? Can I get my money back?

You can contact your local visa office and withdraw your application. Your fee will be refunded as long as the office has not begun processing your application.

4- BC PNP

A- Why should I apply under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class instead of applying to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds?

People apply to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds because they do not meet the criteria to apply in any other class. Spouses and common-law partners should apply in the Family Class. The Family Class will exempt you from some of the financial and medical requirements, and you can include other family members (who are in Canada or in another country) on your application for permanent residence. The process in the Family Class is much faster than an application on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

B- Who qualifies for a Canada Immigration Visa under the Family Sponsorship category?

Applicants in the Business Skills Category must have:

1- A minimum net worth of CDN $800,000;
2- A minimum investment of CDN $400,000 to establish the eligible business;
3- A minimum ownership of 1/3 of the equity of the business;
4- A business plan to create a minimum of 3 new jobs for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents;
5- The skills and experience necessary, successful business experience, and an active on-going management role in the business.

C- What are the requirements of the Regional Business Skills Category under the Business Immigrants Stream?

Applicants in the Regional Business Category must have

1- A business project located outside the Vancouver and the
Abbotsford Metropolitan Areas;

2- A minimum net worth of CDN $400,000;

3- A minimum investment of CDN $200,000 to establish the eligible business;

4- A minimum ownership of 1/3 of the equity of the business;

5- A business plan to create a minimum of 1 new job for a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident;

6- The skills and experience necessary, successful business experience, and an active on-going management role in the business.

D- How much faster is immigration under the BC PNP, compared to other Canadian immigration programs?

Times will vary from case to case, depending on individual circumstances. However, immigration under the BC PNP is significantly faster, compared to other Canadian immigration programs.

E- What is the Canadian government's role in the BC PNP?

The Canadian government conducts medical and security checks and issues visas for people who immigrate under the BC PNP.

F- What about my family? Does the BC PNP allow them to immigrate with me?

Yes, an individual's spouse and dependents may accompany a nominee under the BC PNP.

5- Sponsorship

A- Why should I apply under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class instead of applying to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds?

People apply to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds because they do not meet the criteria to apply in any other class. Spouses and common-law partners should apply in the Family Class. The Family Class will exempt you from some of the financial and medical requirements, and you can include other family members (who are in Canada or in another country) on your application for permanent residence. The process in the Family Class is much faster than an application on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

B- Who qualifies for a Canada Immigration Visa under the Family Sponsorship category?

Close relatives of a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident.
More particularly, to qualify under the Family Sponsorship category, the Sponsored person(s) must be related to the Canadian Sponsor in one of the following ways:

1- Spouse, common-law partner, or
2- conjugal partner; or
3- Parent or grandparent; or
4- Dependent child; or
Orphaned, unmarried, and under 18 years of age brother, sister, nephew, niece, or grandchild; or
5- Intended adopted child under 18 years of age; or

C- Where is the Sponsorship Application submitted?

If the Application is to be processed outside of Canada, the Sponsor must submit the Sponsorship Application to the Canadian Immigration Case Processing Centre located in Mississauga, Ontario.

If the Application is to be processed inside Canada, the Sponsor must submit the Sponsorship Application to the Canadian Immigration Case Processing Centre located in Vegreville, Alberta.

D- Can a Sponsored person work or study in Canada if their application is being processed in Canada?

While waiting for their Canada Immigration Visas, Sponsored persons are allowed to work or study in Canada only after the Sponsorship Application has been approved in principle by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. They will then be granted an Open Work Permit or a Study Permit.

Of course, if the Sponsored person was already in Canada on a valid Work Permit or Study Permit, they may continue to work or study as the case may be.

E- Must Sponsored persons and Sponsors attend personal interviews?

In certain cases, Citizenship and Immigration Canada may want to meet with the Sponsored person(s) and their Sponsor when they have concerns as to the genuineness of the family relationship claimed.

F- How long will the entire Sponsorship Application process take?

Spousal, Common-law or Conjugal Sponsorship Applications and the Sponsorship of dependent children are a priority at all Canadian Immigration Visa Offices and such applications are processed ahead of all other applications for permanent residence in Canada.

The length of the Sponsorship Application process varies depending on the Canadian Immigration Visa Office to which the Sponsored person's Application for Permanent Residence in Canada has been forwarded.