EDI Consulting Inc.
Immigration Services
On June 28, 2002 the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This is the first major change in immigration law in almost 25 years. Among the many changes are significant alterations of both the business and independent immigration programs. EDI knows immigration and offers a wide range of services for individuals and businesses interested in acquiring Canadian resident status. This page will give you a basic understanding of what the different immigration categories are and how they may apply to you. If you would like a personal assessment of your chances to immigrate you can fill out the application form at the bottom of this page.
Immigration Categories
Business Immigration (Investor, Entrepreneur, Self-Employed) Family Sponsorship
Independent (Skilled Worker) Immigration
Business Immigration
The Business immigration category is made up of three different parts: Entrepreneur, Investor and Self-Employed Immigration. The differences between these different types of immigration are as follows:
A. Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs must have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business or a commercial institution for at least 3 years;
Have a family net worth of at least $300,000 Cdn;
Have the intention and ability to establish, purchase or make investment in a busines or a commercial institution in Canada that will contribute signifiicantly to the economy;
The business must employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident other than the entrepreneur and his/her dependents;
The entrepreneur must have the intention and ability to be actively involved in managing the business;
(Entrepreneurs and their dependents are admitted to Canada under the condition that they establish and actively manage a business in Canada within three years of arrival. Moreover, the business has to be one that is approved by the government. Failing to do so, the entrepreneurs and their dependents may be deprived of their immigration visas.)
B. Investors
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Applicants must have successfully owned or operated a business for at least 3 years;
Have a net worth of at least $800,000 Cdn (including cash, real estate, stock, bonds or business, etc.);
Invest $400,000 Cdn in immigration funds approved by the Canadian government for 5 years. The full amount of the investment (without interest) is repaid to the investor after 5 years. In addition, the investor may choose to invest by means of a loan. The investor need only pay $120,000 Cdn as interest for the loan of $400,000 Cdn. This amount (i.e. $120,000 Cdn) will not be returned.
Investors need not run a business in Canada, and can choose to live in any city they want.
Federal Immigrant Investor Program
Application criteria are the same as the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program;
The investment is $400,000 Cdn for a period of 5 years too. However, if the investor chooses to invest by means of a loan, the interests will be $130,000 -- $135,000 Cdn.
At present, financial institutions responsible for managing these investment programs are as follows:
DESJARDINS TRUST INC.
LBG CANADA
RCI CAPITAL GROUP
C. Self-Employed Immigrants
Self-employed immigrants must have the intention and ability to establish or purchase a business in Canada;
The business will keep them employed;
The business will contribute significantly to Canada's economy or cultural or artistic life. Artists, composers, singer, actors, professional athletes, etc. will have a higher chance of success.
Family Class Immigration
Sponsored immigrant applicants are family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
On the other hand, not only sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they have to be over 19 years old and live in canada too. Furthermore, after the applicants have landed in Canada, they have to provide for their living.
According to section 2 of the Immigration Act, four classes of family members are eligible to become sponsored immigrants:
1. Spouse - however, the marriage must not be just for the purpose of immigration.
2. Dependent children - The sponsors' children must be under 22 and unmarried. If the children are over 22, they have to be full-time students and have to be in school continuously since 22. As well,they have to be fully or mainly supported by their parents financially. In case they are not in school continuously, the break must not be over one year. Once they finish school, they are no longer dependent children.
3. Father or Mother.
4. Grandfather or Grandmother.
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In order for the sponsors to meet the requirements of offering assistance to their sponsored family members, they must have income, which has to be over the low-income cutoff figures. The low-income cutoff figures vary, dependent on locations and the number of members in a family.
Independent Immigration
The Independent Immigration category is appropriate for those persons with education and work experience who cannot meet the criteria for business immigrants. It is a point-oriented category, with points being awarded for different assessment factors. These factors include age, education, language ability, work experience, family in Canada, arranged employment, and a number of other factors. Applicants must satisfy the visa officer that they will be able to successfully settle in Canada and contribute to their new country.
Why Immigrate to Canada and How Do I Do It?
Immigration to Canada offers a number of benefits for the applicant and his family. First of all, there is the right of residence in one of the best countries in the world, with all of the privileges that come with it: a high quality of life for oneself and ones family, safe, prosperous cities, and a high quality public education system. All of this is possible if one becomes a permanent resident of Canada. Canadian permanent residents are entitled to live and work anywhere in Canada, enjoy many of the privileges of Canadian Citizenship may apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years and may sponsor family members for Canadian permanent resident status.
Interested in finding out if you qualify for Canadian Permanent Resident Status? Fill out our on-line assessment form for a free assessment.
