Professionals

Main Immigration Categories

There are two main immigration categories:

Independent Immigrant (Skilled Workers/Professionals)
Business Class Immigration

Independent Immigrant (Skilled Workers) Professional
The independent category or sometimes referred to as the "skilled workers" category is subject to a point system. To be eligible for permanent residence status the immigrant must receive a total of at least 70 points. Points are awarded in the following categories such as; age, education, language ability, occupation, occupational demand, years of experience, family in Canada and personal suitability. The government of Canada publishes a list of specific occupations which they have graded and have determined are occupations which are "in demand" in Canada. In order to apply you must be described in one of these occupations. These occupations also have specific educational and experience requirements which is described in the National Occupations Classification Manual System.

Most independent immigrants are skilled workers, who are expected to have the skills, education, work experience, language ability and other qualities needed to participate in the Canadian labor market. If your intended occupation is not on the General Occupations List (GOL), you will not qualify for immigration unless you have arranged employment approved by a Human Resources Canada Center (HRCC) in Canada.

List of Factors taken into consideration for skilled workers category:

Factor 1 : Age (max 10 points
Factor 2 : Education (max 16 points)
Factor 3 : Education/Training factor (max 18 points)
Factor 4 : Occupation (max 10 points)
Factor 5 : Arranged employment (max 10 points)
Factor 6 : Work experience (max 8 points)
Factor 7 : Language ability (max 15 points)
Factor 8 : Demographic factor (max 8 points)
Factor 9: Relative in Canada (max 5 bonus points)
Factor 10 : Personal suitability (max 10 points)*
* Personality suitability points are given at the interview but you can add 6 point for your assessment.

A visa officer will award points for personal suitability, up to a maximum of 10, at interview. Personal suitability has to do with the degree to which a person and his/her family are deemed able to settle successfully in Canada. It refers to a person's adaptability, motivation, initiative, and resourcefulness. With the additional points for personal suitability awarded to you by the visa officer, you will normally be required to have at least 70 points in total in order to pass to the interview stage. Remember, however, that unless you have at least 60 points on the first 9 factors, your application may not merit further consideration and you may therefore not be called for an interview.

Funds Required to Settle in Canada

All independent applicants must also prove that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents for at least six months after they arrive in Canada. The Government of Canada provides no financial support to new independent immigrants. You should research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you intend to live. You should take with you as much money as possible to make your initial establishment easier. You will be required to show proof of your funds. As a guide, an independent applicant is usually expected to have at least $10,000 Canadian dollars with an addition of another $3,000 Canadian dollars for each dependent.

Your Rights and Obligations as a Permanent Resident of Canada

You and your dependents have the right to live, study and work in Canada for as long as you remain permanent residents, and are entitled to most social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens. When you have met citizenship requirements (three years after obtaining permanent residency), you may apply for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport.

You remain a permanent resident until you become a Canadian citizen or abandon Canada as your place of residence. You may be considered to have abandoned Canada if you have frequent and/or lengthy absences from the country. If you travel to Canada to present your Immigrant Visa to obtain permanent residence and then return to live in your home country indefinitely, you will lose your permanent resident status.