UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS

Many factors are involved in your search for a job in Canada: location, duration, the job itself. One thing, however, is essential in all cases. You will have to obtain permission to work in Canada from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). For that reason this chapter is a fairly long and detailed one, to give you a complete understanding of the immigration process and how to make your way successfully through it.

Canada’s immigration policy is a positive one. The Government is keen for a number of qualified people to enter Canada each year and become a vital part of the Canadian economy. Over the last ten years, an average of 221,000 people have successfully emigrated to Canada each year. However, new rules were introduced in 2002 which made it a bit more difficult to gain an immigrant visa (or Permanent Resident status as it is now known). Consequently, that year the total number of immigrants to Canada dropped, although the figure was still nearing 230,000. Obviously the changes were successful because in 2004 the total number of immigrants admitted into Canada rose to a whopping 235,808, a 7 per cent increase from 2003. This constitutes the seventh highest number of successful immigrants since records began in 1860 and the second highest since 1993. The number of immigrants arriving from the UK rose by 17 per cent to 6,056, which is the highest number for more than a decade. The UK ranks currently as Canada’s seventh most popular host country.

This chapter will look in detail at the different routes of entry into Canada. However, a word of warning and it’s a big one – look out for changes. To give an idea of just how true that statement is, I had just about finished the updates to this book’s previous 2004 edition, incorporating all the new rules brought in during 2002 when the latest copy of Canada News popped through my door informing me that the Canadian government had just announced significant changes to the procedure. In this case it was good news, making it easier to qualify as a skilled worker. Fortunately for me, as I prepare this fifth edition, I see that not a lot of changes have occurred between then and now. But the lesson has been learned – look out for changes.

Fortunately there are plenty of sources to help you do just that. A subscription to Canada News gives you monthly updates and there is information available on the Internet too. The CIC website includes a page (www.cic.gc.ca/irpa_lipr) where you can see any changes to immigration and citizenship legislation pretty much as they happen. This page, with a link to frequently asked questions, together with a less technical page (www.cic.gc.ca/english/irpa/ facts.html) will help you keep up to date. Check out the Canada News on-line site (canadanews.co.uk) for all the latest.

So, use the information in this chapter as a guideline but – look out for changes!

Generally, you stand a good chance of getting an immigrant visa if:

• You have a good education.
• Your employment skills are applicable to the Canadian labour market.
• You have the necessary language and communications skills (English and/or French).
• You are of good character.
• You are in good health.
• You have sufficient funds to support yourself (and your family, if applicable) when settling in Canada.

Three visa routes

There are three basic routes via which immigrants are admitted to Canada:

• 1.Family class. A sponsored immigration programme designed to reunite families.
• 2.Refugee and Humanitarian Class.
• 3.Independent Class. This is the one we will look at in detail. It includes skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed persons.

Within the Independent Class there are four different types of applicant to consider:

• 1.A skilled worker requesting permanent status.
• 2.A temporary, vacation or exchange worker.
• 3.An entrepreneur or business person intending to start or invest in a business in Canada.
• 4.Provincial nominee.

The vast majority will gain their permits via the first route.

Starting the process

Although the process can appear complicated it is in fact fairly simple, being based on a points system. Further on in this chapter we will look at how cases are assessed and you will be able to work out for yourself what your points total is likely to be.

In many cases the application will be straightforward and, with the help of this book and the information you will receive from the Canadian High Commission, you will be able to complete the process without any other assistance. Once you have filled in all the forms and provided all the information required, the Canadian High Commission acknowledges your application. After that it’s a bit of a waiting game. Be prepared to be patient as the recently reported processing times for all Permanent Resident applications are:

Within 13 months	Within 21 months	Within 31 months	Within 38 months
30%	50%	70%	80%

Be aware that it can take even longer. In the case of skilled workers, reported times are up to 41 months and for Business immigrant applications up to 47 months. Which, admittedly, sounds a bit discouraging for independent class applicants. It might help to know that you can check up on the status of your application on-line at any time. You can call the Automated Voice Request Service (AVRES) on 020 7258 6699. Or, easier still, you can become an ‘e-client’ and get updates on-line. Simply go to the Canadian Immigration homepage (www.cic.gc.ca) and click on the ‘On-line services’ button. This will take you to the e-client facility where application progress information is updated weekly. Make sure you have the following to hand:

• a copy of your application;
• your financial receipt(s) (IMM 5401); or
• any letter or official document issued to you by the CIC

whilst your application is being processed.

You (and accompanying family members) will be required to be examined by a medical practitioner designated by Canadian Immigration.

As the process continues you will be advised of any queries or problems that may require further processing. If you do not meet requirements you will be given a written explanation.

If you are applying for a temporary work permit or study permit, the process takes much less time. According to CIC statistics, 91 per cent of temporary work permit applications are completed within 28 days and 87 per cent of study permits within 28 days.

Spotting likely difficulties

The areas that can cause difficulties include criminal convictions, lack of training and health problems. There are agencies and firms which may be able to help you overcome those obstacles, and these are dealt with in detail later in this chapter.

There is one more wrinkle. If you are intending to immigrate to Quebec the process is slightly different. That, too, will be outlined in this chapter.