::: Citizenship and Immigration Canada Consultant Office :::

Because Canada has one of the best medical and social service in world, we also have one of the oldest populations in the world. Canada needs a steady flow of new immigrants in order to maintain a healthy social and economic growth and support an infrastructure of the second largest country in the world.

Consider some of these factors:

1- Demographics - aging population, low birth rate and shrinking work force.

2- “Baby Boomers” will need social, medical, and old age assistance – there is a need to be able to finance the numerous social programs.

3- The country's rapidly ageing population, coupled with a dearth of young workers, will cause a major shortage of potential employees and could mean immigrants will account for almost all of the labor force growth within a decade, Statistics Canada suggests.

4- Census data for 2002, predicts potential worker shortfalls in a vast range of occupations by 2011, from family doctors to bricklayers.

5- By 2021, Canada will have only two working Canadians for each retiree, compared with a current 6-to-1 ratio.

6- Changing world economic trends require Canada to have a dynamic and competitive society

7- Canada competes for the best and the brightest immigrants, with countries like New Zealand, Australia, and U.S.A.

8- The Canadian government sets annual immigration quotas which need to be met

SOME IMMIGRATION STATISTICS

1- Last year, 173,000 immigrated to Canada.

2- In 2002, Quebec accepted approximately 21,600 Skilled Workers class applicants and approximately 3,000 Business applicants.

3- 90% of new immigrants settle in population centers of at least 500,000 people

4- Toronto attracted more than any other Canadian city by far, with 111,580 in 2002, or 48.7 per cent of the national total.

5- This year Montreal become 2nd most popular destination in Canada - receiving 33,004 immigrants in 2002, compared with 29,922 for Vancouver, according to numbers released in June by Immigration Canada.

6- A Statistics Canada study released recently found 7,800 immigrants came to Calgary between October 2000 and September 2001 -- making it the fourth most popular destination for new arrivals in the country.

7- Statistics Canada indicates that, on the average, declared immigrants’ income is higher in their first year of life in Canada than that of Canadians.

8- Statistics Canada indicates that, on the average, immigrants collect less unemployment insurance in their first five years of life in Canada, than the average for Canadians.

9- In Toronto every 5th person you will meet on the street was not born in Canada.

PERMANENT RESIDENCE VISA

WHAT IS A CANADIAN IMMIGRANT VISA?

An Immigrant Visa is a document which allows a person to live and work anywhere in Canada, and confers upon that person permanent resident status. It comes with certain responsibilities and can be revoked if the holder is out of the country for more than three years every five year period, or is guilty of some criminal activity. A person who is a Canadian permanent resident may apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR AN IMMIGRANT VISA?

Immigrant Visas are given to qualified skilled workers, businesspersons and to close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

WHERE DOES MY APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN CANADA GET SUBMITTED?

The application can be made:

In the country where the applicant is residing, if the applicant has been lawfully admitted to that country for a period of at least one year

In the applicant’s country of nationality

Please note that if the applicant’s country of residence does not have a Canadian visa post that deals with PR applications, the application must be submitted to the country whose visa office has been designated as the visa post which deals with PR applications from the applicant’s country of residence.

WHEN DOES ONE ACTUALLY BECOME A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF CANADA? IS IT WHEN THE PASSPORT IS STAMPED; UPON LANDING, OR UPON OBTAINING THE NEWLY CREATED PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD?

An individual becomes a permanent resident immediately upon successful conclusion of the landing process. The subsequent issuance of the permanent resident card does not have a bearing on such status. The card facilities travel to and from Canada as proof of PR status.

Failure to land by the date prescribed will invalidate those documents, and would typically mean that you must reapply to be eligible to be a permanent resident.

CAN I APPLY FOR IMMIGRATION TO CANADA IF I OR ANY OF MY DEPENDENTS HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD?

Generally speaking, criminality can be grounds for inadmissibly, however, there are instances when it is possible to apply for criminal rehabilitation and apply for immigration to Canada – for specific individual questions, please contact us, prior to commencing your immigration process.

I HAVE LIVED IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES - DO I NEED TO GET POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES FROM ALL OF THEM?

Each applicant for a Canadian Immigrant Visa, aged 18 or over, is required to prove that he or she has no criminal record. Police clearance certificates or certificates of non-criminal activity, as they are sometimes referred to, must be obtained from the country of current residence and from each country in which the applicant has resided for more than 6 months since his or her 18th birthday. Police clearance certificates are considered valid for a period of 6 months and they usually can be obtained through law enforcement offices or other government agencies. If police in a particular country refuse to issue a clearance, it would be helpful if they provided a written statement confirming that they refused to issue the clearance. In extenuating circumstances Canadian visa offices will waive the requirement to submit police clearance certificates.

For a list of contact information for the various State Police authorities which provide clearance certificates for the USA, please contact us.

What is a background clearance?

All potential immigrants to Canada must also undergo a background clearance to weed out those who have been or are involved in espionage, subversion or terrorism. This is to ensure that the safety and order of Canadian society are maintained and protected. Such security screening decisions are made based on information from every available source, which is then carefully weighed to determine whether an applicant is likely to threaten the internal security of Canada. When there is an indication of security concerns an interview will be scheduled to discuss these findings with the applicant. Anyone who poses such a threat must necessarily be prevented from entering Canada.

Please note that there is a clear distinction between the police clearance certificate, which the applicant is required to obtain, and the background clearance, in which the applicant for the most part is not actively involved.

When must I submit the police clearance?

Some Visa Offices may require that these documents be submitted at the same time as the application forms, applicable fees, and supporting documents. Other Visa Offices may allow these documents to be submitted later on in the process. For accurate information, please contact our nearest office or the head office.

Can I omit a police clearance from one or more countries?

If a police clearance is not forthcoming from a particular country, a written statement from the police officials of the country confirming their refusal to issue the clearance may be required. An immigration official may even waive this requirement altogether if a clear obstacle can be demonstrated.

Applicants should assume that clearances must be obtained.

CAN I APPLY FOR IMMIGRATION TO CANADA IF I OR ANY MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS?

Although certain medical conditions may be grounds for inadmissibility, many medical conditions are acceptable, as long as the condition will not present excessive demand on Canada’s medical/social services - for specific individual questions, please contact us, prior to commencing your immigration process.

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE VISA

HOW IS AN EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DIFFERENT FROM AN IMMIGRANT VISA?

An Employment Authorization permits an eligible visitor to reside and work in Canada for a limited period of time, and restrictions are usually placed on the type of employment which can be pursued. It will not, by itself, lead to Canadian permanent resident status. By contrast, a Canadian Immigrant Visa entitles its holder to live and work anywhere in Canada, enjoy many of the privileges of Canadian Citizenship, apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years and sponsor family members for Canadian permanent resident status.

TO WORK OR TO IMMIGRATE?

Often people ask us whether it is possible to find temporary employment in Canada or obtaining a job offer before immigration. Please consider the following.

Many people are interested in working in Canada on a temporary basis; however, this generally is neither realistic nor feasible. If you are dedicated to immigrating to Canada, you may have to prepare to do this without already having a job offer.

Immigration is far more than the opportunity to procure lucrative employment. Immigration is a lifestyle change and an agreement in which you pledge to be a permanent resident and contribute on a long-term basis to the social and economic well-being of a country. In exchange, you are given the opportunity to live in a peaceful, democratic, multi-cultural country, one that has been recognized as having a top-rated quality of life in the world. Some of the benefits of immigrating to Canada and becoming a permanent resident:

1- Excellent social services, including FREE education and health care.

2- Financial benefits and social assistance for those who are unemployed or just experiencing temporary financial difficulties. Additional financial rewards are granted by the government for people who have children.

3- As a permanent resident, you will be entitled to sponsor your family members (including your parents, and even your brothers and sisters who are still dependent on your parents) from abroad to gain permanent residence.

4- You can apply for citizenship and passport after residing for just three years. Canadian citizenship is generally regarded as something valuable and respectable throughout the world. As a Canadian, you can travel to most of countries around the world without needing to obtain a visitor/tourist visa before departure.

Those truly committed to making long-term change should understand the realities of the immigration process and the temporary employment climate in Canada. Unlike many Western European countries, Canada has very few temporary employment opportunities for overseas workers. However, Canada welcomes immigrants as permanent residents and gives them the opportunity to establish a new life. Moreover, Canada’s new residents are accorded equal status, rights, and freedoms. Again, unlike in many European countries, Canada does not treat immigrants as "second-class citizens".

CAN A WORK OR STUDENT PERMIT/VISA HELP ME TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA?

Very often, people confuse the temporary status of a temporary residence visa (TRV) with that of a permanent residence (PRV) immigrant visa. The two are totally independent of each other and involve completely different process. Temporary residence visas (TRV) are precisely that – they are temporary and allow the visa holder to work or attend school in Canada for a pre-set, limited period of time, at particular places of employment o institutions of learning – generally these permits are place specific and are not “open”.

The only way that previous study or work in Canada may assist in any future applications for PR status, is if the applicant has legally attended a post-secondary institution of learning in Canada, for a minimum of two, full time, years, or if the applicant has legally worked in Canada, on a work permit, for at least one full, full time year.

In fact, if you are seriously consider eventually immigrating to Canada and we have assessed your application and have informed you that you may qualify for PR status in Canada, we suggest that you invest your energy and time in applying for PR status in Canada, since even if you do succeed in achieving a study or work permit in Canada, you will have to resubmit an independent application for PR status in Canada, once the temporary permit expire and you decide to immigrate to Canada. Having said that, NCO will gladly assist you in acquiring applicable temporary status in Canada, should you feel that this is in your best interest.

DO I NEED A TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA (TOURIST VISA) IN ORDER TO ENTER CANADA?

Many people do not require a visitor visa:

1- Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Republic of Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, and Western Samoa;

2- People lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in possession of their alien registration card (Green card) or can provide other evidence of permanent residence.

3- British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who are re-admissible to the United Kingdom;

4- Citizens of British dependent territories who derive their citizenship through birth, descent, registration or naturalization in one of the British dependent territories of Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena or the Turks Islands;

5- People holding a valid and subsisting Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China;

6- People holding passports or travel documents issued by the Holy See (Vatican).

CAN I APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE STATUS (PR) AND TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA (TRV) STATUS AT THE SAME TIME?

You may apply for permanent resident status and temporary status at the same time (dual intent). Doing so will not harm your application for permanent resident status. However, your application for temporary status may be affected because an impression will have been created that you do not intend to leave Canada upon the expiration of your temporary status. Therefore it is better to apply for temporary status before you apply for your permanent resident status, if you are not sure that you are ready to submit your PR application.

There is no guarantee that everyone who applies for a TRV (temporary resident visa - tourist visa, work permit, study permit) will get it, especially if the application is made for the whole family, and especially if the person has a parallel application for PR. Although the new Canadian Act (IRPA) recognizes "dual intent" - applying for PR and wishing to visit Canada – the immigration officials look at the whole picture and very often reject the TRV application just to make sure that the PR applicant will not decide to remain in Canada illegally if his/her PR application fails.

The main goal and challenge is to be able to convince the immigration officer that the applicant has reason to and will be returning to his country of domicile and will leave Canada upon termination of the validity of his temporary visa.

ONCE I ARRIVE TO CANADA ON A VISITOR VISA CAN I CHANGE MY STATUS TO A STUDENT OR A WORKER IN CANADA?

People who arrive to Canada as visitors cannot “switch” their temporary status and apply for work or study permits in Canada from within Canada. The application needs to be submitted to a visa office in their country of nationality or legal residence or to the nearest designated visa office, should their country of nationality or legal residence not have a Canadian visa office. They may be asked to an interview at the visa post where the application was made to. Only American or Mexican citizens can apply from within Canada, due to the NAFTA agreement between Canada, USA, and Mexico.

I HAVE BEEN REFUSED FOR A TOURIST VISA TO CANADA; CAN THIS AFFECT MY APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE?

A refusal for a visitor visa to Canada will not in any way negatively affect your application for permanent residence (PR) status in Canada. Conversely, a rejection for an application for PR will usually negatively affect an application for a visitor visa.

CANADIAN IMMIGRATION LAW AND REGULATIONS

I HAVE HEARD THAT CANADA HAS PASSED A NEW IMMIGRATION LAW.

The Government of Canada has announced major changes to the Immigration Law. The new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) came into effect on June 28, 2002. This is the first new Immigration Act since the Immigration Act of 1976 (which was implemented in 1978).

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE NEW IMMIGRATION ACT?

Although there are fundamental changes to the Canadian immigration system (the most fundamental changes since 1976), there are also very positive new opportunities that never existed before. Some of those opportunities are:

1- Under these new Regulations, there will no longer be a General Occupations List (list of occupations in demand). There is no longer a Negative List of occupations. Many occupations, which were previously considered ineligible under the Skilled Worker program, are now considered eligible. Previously closed occupations are now effectively open (Medical Doctors, Dentist, Lawyers, Nurses, Teachers, etc.).

2- Selection of the Independent/Skilled Worker immigrants will be based on the transferability and adaptability of their skills — not their occupation.

3- Emphasis is made on experience in any skilled occupation rather than designating particular occupations.

4- Education and actual work experience will no longer need to correspond – you can have a degree/diploma in a given field but may have working experience in an related filed – you will be given credit for both.

5- Technical college diplomas, trade certificates, and apprenticeships are no longer disadvantaged in comparison to university degrees.

6- Credit is now given for work experience that was done before, during, or after graduation from a post-secondary learning institution – under the old system, only work that was done after graduation was considered.

7- Applicants can be awarded additional points if they can demonstrate previous full-time study or work in Canada, an job offer from a Canadian employer, establish they have a close family member in Canada.

8- Credit is given to the principle applicant for his partner’s educational level

9- Common-law partners and same-sex partners may now apply as a family units, without having to be married

100-Common-law partners, conjugal partners (long distance relationship) and same sex partners can be sponsored, without having to marry their sponsor.

Please do not assume that you will not qualify under the new immigration regulations. We can help. If you have applied under the old system and did not qualify, please resubmit your online assessment form, so that we may reassess you under the new guidelines.

PROVINCIAL IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

ARE THERE OTHER PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE?

Section 8 of The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) allows the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to sign agreements with the provinces to coordinate and implement immigration policies and programs.

All ten Canadian provinces and 3 territories have signed agreement with the Federal government, allowing them to select their own immigrants. However, all of those programs have very limited annual quotas (200-300 files) and in order to succeed in one of those programs, an applicant must have a guaranteed job offer in that particular province or territory.

DOES THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC HAVE ITS OWN IMMIGRATION PROGRAM?

In 1991 the Province of Quebec has signed the Canada-Quebec Accord with the Federal government. Under the 1991 Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec has the sole and exclusive power to “select” prospective “independent immigrants” who intend to settle permanently in the Province of Quebec. The class of “independent immigrants” in Quebec is comprised of “workers” (commonly referred to as “Skilled Worker” applicants), “entrepreneurs,” “self-employed persons” and “investors” (collectively commonly referred to as “Business” applicants).

The Canada-Québec Accord, the most comprehensive agreement to date, gives Quebec selection powers over qualified immigrant and responsibility for integration services for those immigrants. Quebec is the only province to have signed an agreement of this nature.

In 2002, Quebec accepted approximately 21,600 Skilled Workers applicants and approximately 3,000 Business applicants.

A Skilled Worker application must be submitted to the Quebec Immigration office that serves the territory where the applicant lives. Quebec Immigration will issue a Certificate of Selection (a “CSQ”) to an applicant who satisfies Quebec’s independent selection criteria. A holder of a CSQ will then apply for a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa at a Federal Visa Office. Upon passing Federal statutory admissibility requirements (medical, criminal and security checks), a holder of a CSQ will be issued a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa.

Each Quebec Skilled Worker applicant must “pass” the “Employability” preliminary selection exam. This preliminary selection stage is a form of “paper screening,” in that no selection interview is held and the applicant is generally evaluated solely on the strength of the documents submitted.

An applicant who does not satisfy the “Employability” criteria will be refused a CSQ. An applicant who meets the “Employability” criteria will then undergo a second, more in-depth evaluation of his or her credentials as a potential immigrant to Quebec. Thus, “Employability” is in fact the most important of all of the Quebec selection criteria.

Quebec’s approach to “independent” immigration – particularly in the case of Skilled Workers – is quite progressive. Applicants are assessed on a whole host of objective and subjective factors, and fluency in French is by no means an absolute minimum requirement. For many potential Canadian immigrants, Quebec may represent the best opportunity to begin anew in a Province that is open to newcomers, culturally dynamic, cosmopolitan, and economically viable.

The Quebec Government has made it clear that it intends to live up to its commitment to attract an ever-increasing number of immigrants to the Province. More resources have been allocated to immigration- and integration-related services.

Although intent to reside in the Province of Quebec is one of the requirements of applying to the Quebec provincial program, this intent can always change (as any other personal preference in life) upon arriving to Quebec and, thus an immigrant may not be forced to reside in that or any other province in Canada, once he/she becomes a permanent resident of Canada.

WHERE DOES MY APPLICATION TO QUEBEC GET SUBMITTED?

The Quebec immigration service has offices outside of Canada, in the following locations:

Montreal, New York, Mexico City, Buenos Aires

Brussels, Paris, Vienna, Damascus

Hong Kong

If you are unsure where your application should be submitted, please contact NCO.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE QUEBEC PROGRAM?

The Quebec immigration program still relies on interviews to subjectively assess the language abilities of the applicant (English/French), whereas, the Federal program no longer uses the interviews to establish language ability and requests that applicants provide official test results from the IELTS (International English Language Test System) or the TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Française) tests. Often, visa offices require test results at the time the application is submitted. Applicants, who have completed post-secondary studies in English or French, may have this requirement waived.

The Quebec Immigration Officer will evaluate language ability during the interview by asking questions and by providing simple texts. The applicant will then have to:

1) understand questions relating to various aspects of everyday life,

2) answer these questions with complete sentences using proper grammar and proper pronunciation, and

3) read a short text and comprehend the general sense of it.

The Quebec processing times are considerably shorter. Currently, some of the Quebec visa offices at the Canadian Embassies make decisions about applications within three (3) months – whether to invite the applicant for an interview or issues a Quebec Selection Certificate, without the requiring of the interview.

Single applicants are not disadvantaged or handicapped in terms of their ability to attain the passing mark, as is the case in the Federal program. Because there are two independent point score grids – one for single applicants and one for couples.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN QUEBEC?

To many, Quebec is a often a more desirable destination because the cost of living in that Province is 30-50% lower than that of Toronto and Vancouver, and the Quebec government provides more assistance to new immigrants than some of its other provincial or federal counterparts. Living in Québec means living in a democratic francophone society offering many advantages: a low cost of living, accessible education and health services, spacious and affordable housing, a secure living environment, and an environment full of attractions and abundant space.

ARE THERE PRESET ANNUAL IMMIGRATION QUOTAS FOR BOTH THE FEDERAL AND THE QUEBEC PROGRAMS?

Both the Federal and the Quebec programs have annual quotas which are set by the Federal and provincial government. On March 16th, the Premier of Quebec announced that he would seek to increase the number of immigrants accepted to regions of Quebec.

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE PROGRAM (FEDERAL OR QUEBEC) AT THE SAME TIME?

Although it is preferable to decide on one specific venue, it is possible to apply both to the Federal and one of the Provincial programs, however, they may be questions as to where the applicant actually intends to reside.

IF I APPLY UNDER THE QUEBEC PROVINCIAL PROGRAM AND PAY THE QUEBEC GOVERNMENT FEES, DO I STILL HAVE TO PAY THE FEDERAL APPLICATION FEES, ON TOP OF THE QUEBEC ONES?

Yes, each application must be accompanied by the correct corresponding fees; otherwise the immigration authorities will not process the application.

THE QUEBEC IMMIGRATION PROGRAM

SKILLED WORKERS (PROFESSIONALS)

HOW ARE IMMIGRANTS CHOSEN – QUÉBEC PROGRAM?

Applicants are assessed according to the following nine (9) factors:

Education

Employment

Experience

Age

Language

Adaptability

Suitability of spouse

Presence of children

Financial self-sufficiency.

IS THERE A “CUT OFF AGE” FOR QUEBEC PROGRAMS?

Although full points are given to applicants who are not older than 35 years of age, partial points are awarded to applicants who are older. Moreover, age is not the only deciding factor when applications are considered. There are many other objective and subjective factors that are considered in any given application.

IS THERE ANY REQUIREMENT TO SHOW “SETTLEMENT FUNDS” AS PART OF THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS, IN THE QUEBEC PROGRAM?

If you have applied under the Quebec program the principle applicant must have at least CAD $2,300. Add approximately CAD $1,000 to this sum for each member of the family accompanying you (spouse, common-law spouse and children). You must be able to show financial ability to meet the basic needs of your and your accompanying dependent(s) during a minimum period of three months.

If a candidate does not have sufficient financial resources at his/her disposal, the candidate's application will be refused at the selection stage, as this is a disqualifying factor.

ARE INTERVIEWS MANDATORY IN THE QUEBEC PROGRAM?

Interviews are not mandatory in the Quebec program, although they are requested more often than not, if the applicant has not achieved the required pass mark, without the interview. During the interview, the Quebec immigration officer may award up to ten (10) additional points to the applicant.

HOW WILL MY LANGUAGE ABILITY BE EVALUATED DURING THE INTERVIEW IN THE QUEBEC PROGRAM?

The Quebec Immigration Officer will evaluate this factor by asking questions and by providing simple texts. The individual will then have to:

1) understand questions relating to various aspects of everyday life,

2) answer these questions with complete sentences using proper grammar and proper pronunciation, and

3) read a short text and comprehend the general sense of it.

WHAT DOES THE INTERVIEW IN THE QUEBEC PROGRAM CONSIST OF?

Personal Qualities

In order to determine if an applicant possesses the Personal Qualities, the Quebec Immigration Officer will consider the individual's qualities by asking simple oral questions that will permit the officer to evaluate the individual. The officer will be looking for: flexibility, sociability, dynamism, initiative, perseverance, self-confidence, sense of realism and maturity - all of these qualities in relation to the individual's professional and day to day life.

Motivation

In order to determine if an applicant has sufficient Motivations to immigrate to Quebec, the officer will consider the individual's motivation by asking simple oral questions that will permit the officer to evaluate the individual's motivation with respect to his/her immigration and his/her choice of the province of Quebec.

Knowledge of Quebec

Quebec Immigration Officer will ask questions relating to: the job market, the conditions of the individual’s intended occupation, standards of living and weather conditions.

DO I QUALIFY?

If you would like to find out whether you qualify for permanent residence in Canada according to the Quebec criteria, please submit our Quebec online assessment form, at Resume Form

WHAT IS THE CURRENT PASS MARK IN THE QUEBEC PROGRAM?

The Quebec Program has two sets of independent point score grids – one for single applicants and one for couples. Due to this fact single applicants are not disadvantaged or handicapped in terms of their ability to attain the passing mark, as is the case in the Federal program.

The current pass mark under the Quebec program is 60 points out of possible 106 points, for single applicants and 68 points out of possible 123 points, for a couple.

IF I HAVE NOT REACHED THE REQUIRED PASS MARK IN THE QUEBEC PROGRAM, DOES THAT MEAN THAT I CANNOT SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?

According to the Quebec regulations, a single applicant needs at least 50 points at the pre-selection stage, in order to proceed with an application for permanent residence status in Quebec. A single applicant needs a total of at least 60 points prior to being issued a Certificate of Selection by the Province of Quebec. An applicant may be awarded up to 10 additional points, following an interview with a Quebec immigration officer.

A couple needs at least 58 points at the pre-selection stage, in order to proceed with an application for permanent residence status in Quebec. A couple needs a total of at least 68 points prior to being issued a Certificate of Selection by the Province of Quebec. An applicant may be awarded up to 10 additional points, following an interview with a Quebec immigration officer.

THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS IN THE QUEBEC PROGRAM?

1- The Applicant fills out one of our online application forms, or simply emails or faxes our representative a detailed resume or curriculum vitae.

2- NCO will thoroughly analyze your current situation and circumstances vis-à-vis the current Quebec regulations and requirements, and explain your realistic chances of qualifying for a given visa to Canada. We will explain any options that are available to you and offer solutions. We will take your case only if we feel that we can see it through to a successful completion. Once you decide that you wish to retain NCO, you will be advised of our fees and your payment options.

3- If we feel that you have at least a 90% chance success, a Service Retainer Agreement is signed between NCO and you, which officially appoints us as your legal representative.

4- Our experts carefully analyze your particular case and all your submitted documents and consult you on which supporting documents are missing.

5- Upon completion of all analysis, preparation, and revisions, your application and all the supporting documents are submitted to the appropriate Canadian Quebec visa post at the Canadian Embassy.

6- NCO carefully monitors your files and is in regular contact with the appropriate government bodies, in order to expedite your case as much as possible. You are regularly advised of the current status of your application. We are notified when a visa post requires any additional documentation or information, and take immediate action to inform you and to address the issue accordingly. In case of changes in your Application, you options are carefully explained to you and appropriate action is promptly taken to remedy the situation.

7- At this stage, you will receive by mail a Quebec Certificate of Selection - Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), the official immigration document issued by the Government of Québec OR you will be invited for a selection interview. You will have to attend the interview at the visa post where you application was submitted. If you interview is successful, you will then receive your Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). If an interview is required NCO will fully prepare you for the interview, in order to minimize any possibility of surprises or eventualities.

8- Once the Certificat de sélection du Québec is issued, NCO submits the Certificate together with a Federal application and the corresponding Federal government fees, to the designated Canadian visa post that is responsible for processing these applications from your country of domicile or nationality.

9- Since the Federal government is the one that actually issues the permanent residence immigrant visa, it is responsible for administering medical exams and checking the applicant’s criminal and security backgrounds. You will be issued medical forms.

10 Once the medical and police/security requirements are satisfied, the Canadian visa office will request that the client sends them his/her current passport and the passports of all his accompanying family members, so that the immigrant visas may be pasted into them.

11-The passports are sent by the client to NCO’s head office.

12- NCO forwards the passports to the visa post, which in terns issues and pastes the visas into the clients’ passports and returns the passports to NCO’s head office, via courier service.

The passports with the visas are couriered back to the client and the client has 12 months from the date of his/her medical test, to physically arrive to Canada. NCO provided our clients with valuable settlement advice and assistance when they are finally ready to go. Our services also include comprehensive settlement services for clients who arrived to their destinations.

Once the client arrives to Canada, NCO commences the settlement services.

WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT OF MY APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE?

Each visa office has specific requirements regarding the submission of supporting documentation. Please contact our office for a precise list of required documents.

Typically, the following supporting documents are included with the application:

1- Photographs for each member of the family who are included in the application

2- Height and Eye Color

3- NCO Application Form

4- Signed release of information consent letter

5- Additional Family Information

6- Application Signature pages

7- Marriage/Divorce Certificates (for all the present and past marriages)

8- Copies of passports for all members of the family who are included in the application

9- Original Police clearance certificates for all members of the family who are included in the application, from every country where they have been residing since the age of 18

10-Copies of High school diplomas for all members of the family who are included in the application, who are older than 18 years of age

11-Copies of all educational degree/diplomas for principle applicant and spouse

12-Copies of all educational transcripts for principle applicant and spouse

13-Copies of all professional certificates and licenses for principle applicant and spouse

14-Resumes/C.V. for principle applicant and spouse

15-Original Employment letters for principle applicant and spouse

16-Proof of English/French languages skills (if applicable and requested)

17-Certificates of English/French languages skills or study

18-Proof of Canadian relative(s) (if applicable and available)

19-Correct government processing fees

WHEN MUST I SUBMIT THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION?

Each visa office has specific timing requirements, but usually, supporting documents are submitted at the same time as your completed application forms and processing fees. Some Visa Offices insist that the entire file be submitted at once, and may even return incomplete files without acknowledging receipt, while others allow certain documents to be forwarded at a later date. Please contat NCO office, for specific details.

IN WHAT LANGUAGE MUST MY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION BE SUBMITTED?

All supporting documentation in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation, as translated by a certified translator. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Pleas contact our office for specific details.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM ASKED FOR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS THAT I AM UNABLE TO PROVIDE?

Depending on how crucial the documents are in the assessment of your application, it may be possible to provide an explanation as to the reason you are unable to provide them. The final decision rests with the immigration officer who is handling your application.

HOW DO I SHOW PROOF OF MY ENGLISH/FRENCH LANGUAGE ABILITY?

Under the current immigration regulations, every applicant must provide either:

Results of a language test by an approved organization (English and/or French).

Provide other written documentation that supports your claim. This material should include:

a written submission explaining your training in English or French
explanation of how you commonly use English or French
official documentation of education in English or French (certificates)
official documentation of work experience in English or French (letters from employers).

If you have not completed secondary or post-secondary studies in either English or French and are applying to the Federal program, you will most likely be asked to write the:

IELTS (International English Language Test System) - http://www.ielts.org

TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Française) - http://www.fda.ccip.fr/sinformer/tef/

CAN I TRANSFER MY APPLICATION TO A DIFFERENT VISA OFFICE AFTER IT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED?

Under the new immigration regulations, immigration officials are not required to transfer applications and do so only in those cases in which doing so would enhance Program integrity. As a rule, this is no longer practiced, and visa offices can refuse to transfer a case.

HOW LONG DOES THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS TAKES?

Please note that everything depends on many variables that are out of NCO’s control – how quickly you have provided all the required documents, how quickly you have confirmed language ability, how quickly you have done your medical and security checks, which visa office your application has been submitted to, etc.

Since the new Immigration Act and Regulations were introduced on June 28, 2002, many of the time standards got affected and changed.

A lot depends on whether your application has been submitted through the Federal or the Quebec programs (certain Quebec visa offices are making decisions within 3 months of clients’ submission).

Generally speaking, it is safe to say that if you have provided all of the required supporting documents and acceptable proof of language ability, your immigration process may be completed within 12 months.

WHICH FACTORS MAY DELAY THE PROCESSING OF MY APPLICATION?

missing documents;
unclear photocopies of documents;
documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation;
verification of information and documents provided;
a medical condition that may require additional tests or consultations;
a criminal or security problem;
family situations such as impending divorce, or custody or maintenance issues;
completion of legal adoption;
consultation is required with other offices in Canada and abroad;
inquiring about the status of your application before the standard processing time has elapsed; or
insufficient proof of settlement funds
insufficient proof of English and/or French language ability (if required)

WHAT IS A LOCK-IN DATE?

A lock-in date is the date on which a visa office receives a completed application form, with full payment of the processing fees. The Canadian Courts have deemed the lock-in date to be the date on which factors such as age must be assessed. Thus, no points will be lost if the applicant's age changes during the processing of the application.

WHAT ARE THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT PROCESSING FEES?

Please go to the following link to learn about payable fees.

Please not that, in the case of a rejection of the application, the government fees are not refunded by the Canadian government. There may be instances where the government fees may be refunded by a given visa post, if the application is voluntarily withdraw by the applicant, prior to a decision.

BUSINESS IMMIGRANT CATEGORIES

1-WHAT IS THE INVESTOR CATEGORY AND WHAT ARE ITS ADVANTAGES?

Canada has the world's most comprehensive and affordable Investor Business immigration program in the world!

Immigration officials give priority to processing applications from prospective business immigrants, because of their contribution to Canada’s economy and job creation. The Investor Program has attracted 70,000 investors to Canada, since its inception in 1986.

This category is designed a foreign individual who has managerial/entrepreneurial experience of a minimum two (2) years of business experience (control, management, or ownership) within the last five (5) years :

1- Has legally obtained a net worth of at least $800,000 Canadian dollars (approximately USD $525,000) – this is simply net work (assets minus liabilities), not cash in hand.

2- Is able and willing to make an investment with the Canadian government of $400,000 Canadian dollars (approximately USD $260,000) - NCO can arrange financing of up to 70% of that investment - CAD $275,000 (approximately USD $180,000), so that your out-of-pocket direct investment is only approximately USD $80,000.

Some of the advantages of the Investor Program are:

1- Investors are not required to start a business in Canada – no immigration terms and conditions are imposed upon admission (the Investor is not required to establish, invest in or acquire a business, in addition to his/her one time investment).

2- Easier to qualify - (a pass mark of 35 points out of 100 points, as opposed to the 67 points out of 100 points, required un the Skilled Worker (professional) category.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF APPLYING UNDER THE INVESTOR CATEGORY, THROUGH THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC, AS APPOSED TO THROUGH THE FEDERAL INVESTOR PROGRAM?

1- A lower deposit for the required investment (if being financed by a third party) of CAD $125,000 in the Quebec Investor Program, as apposed to deposit of CAD $160,000 in the Federal Investor Program.

2- In the Quebec Investor Program, our client is accompanied to his/her interview by a lawyer from the financing house (if the financing option is chosen).

3- Processing times are much shorter in the Quebec Investor Program than in the Federal Investor Program

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF FINANCING THE REQUIRED INVESTMENT IN THE INVESTOR PROGRAM, AS OPPOSED TO INVESTING THE WHOLE AMOUNT FROM MY POCKET?

The biggest advantage is not having to freeze your investment for a period of 5 years, with zero percent return on your investment. The financing costs can be easily recouped in less than 2 years, through Canadian investment/business options and lifestyle opportunities:

1- Cost of private university education in the US or UK (for instance) – USD $25-40,000 per year – compared to about USD $5,000 per year in Canada – 2 years of university studies for one child will cost you as much as investing in your future!

2- Excellent free medical care

3- Cost of a 400 squared meter brand new home (four bedrooms, four washrooms, two garages, five household appliances, etc.) is about USD $130,000 - USD $260,000, depending on the city where it is located.

4- Residence real estate value grows in Toronto by about 7%-10% annually!

5- Mortgage rates on real estate purchase are around 5% (guaranteed for five years)!

6- Purchase of franchise that offers a net monthly income of USD $3-5,000 four as little USD $70,000 down (we can manage it for people if they do not intend to live in Canada).

7- If you set up a business in Canada you have access to 400 million people (trough NAFTA) and a total annual GDP of 7 trillion!

8- Amazing government business assistance programs that would cost tens of thousands of dollars if you would have to pay for them.

9- Canadian passport in 3 years for the rest of a person’s life (including automatic Canadian citizenship for his/her future children, wherever they may be born) – open travel anywhere – priceless!

10-The most flexible residency requirement in the world – 730 days in a 5 year period (we can set up a business in Canada and show that the person is working for a Canadian firm, while outside Canada, and he will automatically fulfill his/her 730 days residency requirement) – no other country offers this!

2.WHAT IS THE SELF-EMPLOYED CATEGORY AND WHAT ARE ITS ADVANTAGES?

This category is designed for a foreign individual who is willing and able to establish support him/herself and any dependents with self employed income in Canada, as a farmer, athlete, artist or artisan (please note that this category is open only these types of applicants). Please contact our nearest office for full additional details.

Some of the advantages of the Investor Program are:

1- Self-Employed applicants do not have to have a minimum net worth.

2- Self-Employed applicants do not need to have specific business experience, as 3- long as they have experience in their craft.

4- Self-Employed immigrant does not have terms and conditions imposed on him/her, upon admission to Canada.

5- Easier to qualify - (a pass mark of 35 points out of 100 points, as opposed to the 67 points out of 100 points, required un the Skilled Worker (professional) category.

DO I NEED TO OWN A FARM OR TO MANAGE A FARM, IN ORDER TO APPLY UNDER THE SELF-EMPLOYED CATEGORY (FARMER).

As long as you have at least two years out of the last five years of managing or owning a farm, you may apply under the Self-Employed category, as a farmer.

DO I NEED TO BUY A FARM IN CANADA IN ORDER TO QUALIFY?

You must have the intention and the financial ability to buy a farm in Canada, in order to qualify.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A MINIMAL PERSONAL NET WORTH, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY UNDER THE SELF-EMPLOYED CATEGORY (FARMER)?

No, but you must have sufficient funds to be able to show that you have the financial ability to buy a farm in Canada.

HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO PAY FOR A FARM?

Depending on the region in Canada and the size of the farm, you can expect to pay anywhere from CAD $200,000 to several million dollars. NCO can arrange financing of the purchase for you, at 25-50% down payment, at very low interest rates. You can also lease the farm.

ONCE I IMMIGRATE TO CANADA AS A FARMER, I AM REQUIRED TO BE INVOLVED EXCLUSIVELY IN FARMING OR AM I FREE TO ENGAGE

IN ANY OTHER ACTIVITY?

Since the Self-Employed immigrant does not have terms and conditions imposed on him/her, upon admission to Canada, you are free to pursue any activities that you wish. You may sell your farm if you decide that farming in Canada is not for you. If this is the case, NCO will assist you with the sale of the farm in finding and purchasing/investing in other business ventures which will offer you a good residual income.

IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS FROM THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT?

There are a number of Federal and Provincial financing and loan structures for farmers in Canada. We suggest that you contact our nearest office, for a wealth of printed material on this topic.

WHAT ARE THE FARMING OPPORTUNITIES IN CANADA?

As the second-largest country in the world, Canada has the crucial ingredients for leading the world’s agriculture trade: a clean environment, temperate climate, plentiful natural resources, a strong economy, and high standards for food inspection and regulation.

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is a robust industry that contributes to the economy and quality of life of all Canadians. The third-largest employer, it is one of the country’s top five industries and accounts for about 8.3 per cent of the Canadian Gross Domestic Product. And while it is one of the oldest sectors of the economy, deeply rooted in Canadian history and culture, it has also become one of the most dynamic and innovative industries in Canada.

In Canada, government is working with industry to build a new architecture for agricultural policy to ensure the sector’s success into the 21st century. The objective is to make Canada the world leader in food safety, innovation and environmentally responsible production.

The Canadian agriculture and food industry shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, Canada is now considered the investors’ gateway to the vast North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) market, featuring a skilled and educated workforce, the lowest business costs in North America and a world-renowned network of R&D clusters. The Government of Canada has helped to improve access to markets as diverse as the United States, Mexico, Europe, Puerto Rico, Korea and South Africa.

All this is supported by Canada’s transportation infrastructure—one of the most efficient in the world—that takes advantage of Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic ports, nine major international airports and more than 150 Canada–US border crossings.

With so many advantages, Canada is well positioned to capitalize on further trade liberalization through its active participation in multilateral trade and investment negotiations, including the World Trade Organization, the Free Trade Area of the Americas, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the European Free Trade Association.

There are huge opportunities in Canada for farmers, the Canadian government spends a great deal of money in supporting and assisting the Canadian farmer. We suggest that you contact our nearest office, for a wealth of printed material on this topic. Everything from statistical data, to information on financing, government programs, exporting, and specific crop sector overviews, etc.

3. WHAT IS THE ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY?

This category is designed a foreign individual with managerial/entrepreneurial experience who is willing and able to establish, invest in or acquire a business in Canada and who intends to actively manage an existing business in Canada. Please contact our nearest office for full additional details.

Some Features of the Entrepreneur Program:

1- The Entrepreneur must have a legally obtained person net worth of at least CAD $300.

2- The applicant must have at least two years of the five last years of experiencing owning/managing a “qualified business” in his home country (please contact our nearest office for full details).

3- The Entrepreneur is admitted to Canada on condition that he/she will purchase, establish or invest in a “qualifying Canadian business” for at least one year of the three years following landing in Canada (please contact our nearest office for full details).

4- The Entrepreneur must actively manage the business, and the business must create an employment opportunity for at least on Canadian resident or Citizen, who is not a member of the Entrepreneur’s family.

5- All family members are admitted under the same terms and conditions as the principal applicant. The terms and conditions are removed once the entrepreneur sets up a “qualifying Canadian business”, hires at least one employee, and is actively involved in managing the business (please contact our nearest office for full details).

WHAT ARE THE PARTICULARS OF THE ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY?

In the Entrepreneur applicant must have at least CAD $300,000 net worth, have at least two years business experience (during the five years prior to the application) of a Qualifying Business, AND fulfill A, B and C.

A. Qualifying Business

The business in which the applicant is involved in his/her country of residence needs to fulfill the following 2 out of 4 requirements, for any two years out of the five years, preceding their application.

CAD $500,000 in gross sales (per each of the two years)
At least two employees (not counting the applicant)
Net annual income (of every one of the two years) of CAD $50,000
Net business assets (at the end of every one of the two years) of CAD $125,000

This is based on 100% ownership of their business – lesser %, would increase these requirements proportionally.

B. Qualifying Canadian Business

The PR status is given to the Entrepreneur conditionally on him/her setting up, buying, or investing in a “qualified Canadian business” which needs to meet 2 out of 4 following requirements:

CAD $250,000 in gross sales
Creation at least once full time job for a Canadian (not counting the entrepreneur and his/her family)
Net annual income of CAD $25,000
Net business assets of CAD $125,000 (that amount can be invested into the business to fulfill this particular requirement)

C. Permanent Residence Condition

Once the Canadian business is established, bought, or invested in, the entrepreneur must:

Control at least 1/3 of the equity of the business (the above requirements are based on 100% control, not 33%)
Must provide active, ongoing management of the qualifying Canadian business
Create at least once full time job for a Canadian (not counting the entrepreneur and his/her family)

Both B and C must be met for at least one full year during the three years of life in Canada, following arrival to Canada - if not the permanent resident status may be withdrawn.

ARE INTERVIEWS MANDATORY IN THE BUSINESS CATEGORIES?

Business applicants are normally interviewed, because the immigration officer usually wishes to determine the applicant’s experience in running and managing a business, as well as to confirm their true assets and financial situation.

PREPARING FOR ARRIVAL TO CANADA

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO LAND IN CANADA FOLLOWING THE ISSUANCE OF MY IMMIGRANT VISA?

You will have a period of one year following the initial conclusion of your medical examination in order to land. If delays cause the validity of your medical documents to expire, additional examinations may be required.

WHEN MUST MY DEPENDENTS LAND IN CANADA?

They must land at the same time, or following the principal applicant, within the validity of the landing documents. They may not land prior to the principle applicant.

CAN I HAVE THE EXPIRATION OF MY LANDING DOCUMENTS EXTENDED?

Applicants must generally land within the time indicated on the landing documents. Failure to do so may mean that the applicant forfeits any status that may have been tentatively conferred.

WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME WHEN I LAND IN CANADA?

Applicants must take along a valid passport and the landing documents. Proof of settlements funds may also be requested at the time of landing. Applicants may also benefit by taking copies of any available statutory documents (i.e., birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.), as well as an inventory of the items they wish to take to Canada.

For further details, please refer to our "Survival Handbook”, which all of our clients receive.

AFTER ARRIVING TO CANDA

MUST I STAY IN CANADA AFTER MY ARRIVAL?

Canada has the most flexible residency requirement in the world. A permanent resident must be in Canada only an accumulation of 730 days (not necessarily consecutive) out of any 5 year period, in order to maintain his/her permanent residence status in Canada – which means that he may be outside of Canada for up to 3 years in any given 5 year period and not loose his/her status. This also applies to his/her dependents.

Moreover, a permanent resident automatically fulfills the residency requirement if he or she is:

1- Outside of Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen who is his or her spouse or common-law partner or a child accompanying a parent

2- Outside Canada employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business

3- Is an accompanying spouse, common-law partner or child of a permanent resident who is outside Canada and is employed as a full-time basis by a Canadian business.

WHERE MUST I ARRIVE IN CANADA?

1- If you have applied through the Federal program, you may arrive anywhere in Canada, except the province of Québec.

2- If you have applied through the province of Québec, you must initially arrive anywhere in Québec.

WHAT IS THE NEW PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD?

The Canadian Government is providing all permanent residents with the opportunity to obtain secure proof of their status in Canada. A new permanent resident (PR) card will be given to all individuals who become permanent residents after June 28, 2002. The PR card in most cases is valid for 5 years and renewable thereafter.

WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP?

A Canadian permanent resident can apply for Canadian citizenship after accumulating at least three years (or a sum of 1095 days) of residence in Canada. This applies to any of your dependents. Moreover, everyone’s time is calculated independently – so that if you find yourself spending some time outside of Canada, but your dependents are in Canada, they may actually apply for their Canadian citizenship earlier than you.

DOES CANADA ALLOW MULTI-CITIZENSHIP?

At the present time Canada recognizes the concept of multi-citizenships (up to three citizenships, including Canadian).

CAN I APPLY FOR A CANADIAN PASSPORT?

As soon as you receive your Canadian citizenship, you may apply for your Canadian passport. Your dependents need to apply for their passports separately from you application, once they have their Canadian citizenship status.

IF I RECEIVE MY PERMANENT STATUS BY APPLYING UNDER THE QUEBEC PROVINCIAL PROGRAM, CAN I LIVE ANYWHERE IN CANADA OR DO I MUST RESIDE IN QUEBEC?

Although applicants are selected according to the criteria set by the Quebec provincial government, it is the Federal government that actually issues the permanent resident immigrant visa, and once the applicant is approved and actually arrives to Quebec - his or her permanent residence status applies to the whole of Canada, and he or she is free to live and work anywhere in Canada.

The freedom to reside and work anywhere in Canada is guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and applies to any person who is either a permanent resident of Canada or a Canadian citizen.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms at Subsection 6(2) states that:

“Every citizen of Canada and every person who has the status of a permanent resident of Canada has the right;

(a) to move to and take up residence in any province;

and

(b) to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province.”

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

Find out how much it costs to live where you are planning to settle in Canada. NCO will help you further in estimating the fees.

Bring as much money as possible to make moving and finding a home in Canada easier.

Disclosure of funds:

If you are carrying more than CAN $10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If you do not tell an official you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form of:

cash;

securities in bearer form (for example: stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills); or
negotiable instruments in bearer form (for example: bankers' drafts, cheques, travelers' cheques, money orders.)

If a candidate does not have sufficient financial resources at his/her disposal, the candidate's application will be refused at the selection stage, as this is a disqualifying factor.

VARIOUS TOPICS OF INTEREST

I HAVE HEARD THAT I CAN RECEIVE 15 ADDITIONAL POINTS IF I HAVE AN ARRANGED EMPLOYMENT OFFER FROM CANADA?

In certain extraordinary cases NCO can assist bringing together Canadian employers who may be looking for qualified employees and foreign applicants. Please note that this is not a temporary work permit. This offer of employment is actually a part of the permanent residence application process. Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) provides and opinion on the genuineness of an offer of employment made by an employer to a foreign national. The foreign national is not allowed to actually work in Canada before receiving his/her permanent residence visa.

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE CATEGORY AT THE SAME TIME?

No, you can not apply for more than one category at the same time.

IF I FAIL TO QUALIFY AND MY APPLICATION IS REJECTED CAN I REAPPLY?

The Canadian immigration law allows multiple consecutive applications. Each application is assessed and considered on its own merits and grounds and pervious rejections or withdrawals do not have a negative impact on new applications.

I AM AN “EGRESADO” (received a Certificate of

Completion but not the actual Degree) – CAN I QUALIFY?

This is often the case in Latin American countries where the person may have completed the curriculum of a given program, but may not have completed either a dissertation/thesis or some other requirements in order to receive his/her degree and/or his/her professional credentials. Although individual cases may warrant individual considerations, generally speaking, in order to ensure that the applicant receives the corresponding points under the education criteria, he/she should have her degree.

MY WORK EXPERIENCE DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO MY EDUCATION – CAN I QUALIFY?

According to the new Immigration Act, education and actual work experience will no longer need to correspond – you can have a degree/diploma in a given field but may have working experience in an related filed – you will be given credit for both.

I HAVE WORKED IN SEVERAL UNRELATED PROFESSIONAL FIELDS – CAN I QUALIFY?

According to the new Immigration Act, credit is given for each individual period of qualified work activity, as long as the Skill Level of the employment is question is acceptable.

IS THERE A NEGATIVE LIST OF UNACCEPTABLE

OCCUPATIONS IN THE FEDERAL OR THE PROVINCIAL PROGRAMS?

At this point there are no negative lists of unacceptable occupations in either the Federal or the Quebec programs. However, your occupation must be in the category of Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC). These levels usually require at last two years of post-secondary education.

I HAVE PERIODS OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN MY WORK HISTORY,

CAN I QUALIFY?

Points are given for any full time (or the equivalent part time), qualified paid employment, within the last 10 years.

CAN MY ABILITY TO BE PROFESSIONAL LICENSED IN MY PROFESSION IN CANADA AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF MY APPLICATION?

Under the current immigration regulations, ability to acquire the appropriate professional license in Canada is not a deciding factor in the assessment of an application.

CAN I APPLY WITH MY PARTNER IF WE ARE NOT MARRIED?

Under the current immigration regulations, common-law partners may now apply as a family unit, without having to be married. They must be able to show that they have been involved in an exclusive relationship and have lived together for at least one year.

CAN I APPLY WITH MY SAME SEX PARTNER?

Under the current immigration regulations, same sex partners may now apply as a family unit. They must be able to show that they have been involved in an exclusive relationship and have lived together for at least one year. In circumstance where proof of same sex partnership under the same roof may be problematic to show (due to cultural, religious, or legal norms of the country in question), it may be sufficient to show conjugal relationship.

WHICH CATEGORY SHOULD I APPLY UNDER?

If you are unsure as to which category you need to apply under, please consult with us and submit our online application form, at http://www.cic.nosard.com/category . We will inform you of the most suitable category for you.

WHO CAN BE INCLUDED IN MY APPLICATION –

CAN I INCLUDE MY PARENTS OR MY SIBLINGS?

Only immediate members of your family (spouse, partner, dependent children) may be included in your application. Neither your parents, nor your sibling may be included in your application. Your parents may be sponsored for PR status, after you become a permanent resident yourself. In addition, your siblings who are dependents of your parents, may also be sponsored by you.

I HEARD THAT IT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO BE MARRIED TO MY PARTNER IN ORDER TO INCLUDE HIM/HER IN MY APPLICATION.

According to the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) people who are not married and who are in a common-law relationship, may apply as a family unit, as long as they can show at least one year of an exclusive relationship.

WHAT IS A COMMON-LAW SPOUSE/PARTNER?

A person at least 16 years of age of the same or the opposite sex who has:

been living maritally for at least one year with the principle applicant

had a marital relationship for at least one year with the principle applicant but did not live with him or her because of persecution or penal control.

WHAT IS A DEPENDENT CHILD?

The biological child of either parent who has not been adopted by a person other than the spouse or common-law spouse of one of his or her parents; or a child adopted by either of his or her parents.

Such a child:

is under 22 years of age and is neither married, i.e. single, widowed or divorced, nor a common-law spouse; or

is on an ongoing basis, wholly or partly in the financial care of his or her parents and :

is at least 22 years of age, is studying full time* and is neither married nor a common-law spouse; or
is married or became a common-law spouse before the age of 22 and is studying full time*; or
is 22 years of age and is unable to satisfy his or her needs because of a physical or mental disability.

This definition includes the child of a dependent child.

*In order to be considered a full-time student, the child must be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution , be present and actively pursue, on a full-time basis and without interruption, a program of general, vocational or technical training. Furthermore, such was the case on or prior to the date he/she reached the age of 22, got married or became a de facto spouse.

CAN I INCLUDE MY ADULT CHILDREN IN MY APPLICATION?

You may include your adult children if they qualify as dependents - please see above.

I HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY MARRIED AND I AM IN A NEW RELATIONSHIP, BUT I HAVE NOT DIVORCED MY PREVIOUS SPOUSE - CAN I APPLY WITH MY NEW PARTNER?

You may apply with your new partner, as long as you can clearly show that you have been in an exclusive common-law relationship with this person for at least one year (living under the same roof) and you no longer have a relationship with your previous partner.

I HAVE CHILDREN FROM A PREVIOUS MARRIAGE/RELATIONSHIP – CAN THEY BE INCLUDED IN MY APPLICATION?

You may include them in your application, whether they accompany you to Canada, or not, and they may qualify as dependents. You may be asked for a letter from their father/mother/guardian which states that they give permission for the children in question to immigrate to Canada and as long as there are no issues of custody. You will have to provide certain supporting documents for them, which prove your relation to them.

I HAVE CHILDREN FROM A PREVIOUS MARRIAGE/RELATIONSHIP – CAN I SPONSOR THEM AFTER IMMIGRATING TO CANADA?

If your children did not immigrate with you to Canada originally, you may sponsor them as long as they qualify as dependents AND they are mentioned in your original application for permanent residence status. Any dependents which were not mentioned on your original application for permanent residence status may not be sponsored by you, at a later date. You will have to provide certain supporting documents for them, which prove your relation to them.

WILL MY STATUS IN CANADA MEAN THAT I CAN ENTER/WORK IN THE USA?

Unless otherwise exempted, permanent residents of Canada must obtain proper authorization to enter or work in the USA. Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain visas to enter the USA, and may be eligible to be employed in the USA under the provisions of the NAFTA Agreement.

Canadian permanent residents with citizenship of the following countries do not need passport visas to enter the USA:

Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda (British subjects), Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa*, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, UK (including its colonies, territories, and dependencies, such as Hong Kong or Bermuda), Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

I AM CURRENTLY ILLEGALLY IN A COUNTRY – CAN APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN CANADA FROM THAT COUNTRY?

If you are residing in a country to which you have been lawfully admitted a period of at least one year, you may submit your application, even if your original visa has expired.

WHAT ARE MY ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS EQUIVALENT TO IN CANADA?

While a formal evaluation of your academic credentials is often not required by visa offices during the assessment of your application, in certain instances it may be beneficial to have an official evaluation for your academic credentials.

Quebec Immigration has a longstanding department for educational credential evaluations. In excess of fifteen employees work in this department. For a fee of $105.00, Quebec Immigration will do an educational credential evaluation.

NCO works with a number of institutions whose primary role is to evaluate foreign academic credentials and equate them to Canadian standards. One example of such a company is World Education Services-Canada (http://www.wes.org/ca/) and we can assist you with the assessment process. The WES evaluation is a document that converts educational credentials from any country in the world into their Canadian equivalents by describing each certificate, diploma or degree you have earned and stating its academic equivalency in Canada.

WES is recognized, and funded in part, by the Government of Ontario. World Education Services evaluation reports are widely accepted and often specifically requested by academic institutions, regulatory bodies, employers and government agencies throughout Canada.

A credential assessment is advice on how qualifications from another country compare to Canadian qualifications.

This assessment does not guarantee that:

1- you will be issued a license to practice by a regulatory body;

2- your foreign credentials will be accepted by an employer.

A credential assessment will help you understand the Canadian educational system and assist you with your job search. An employer may require that you prove your credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.

WES offers two basic types of evaluations:

Document-by-Document (Cad. $100)

A Document-by-Document evaluation identifies and describes each diploma or certificate, indicates periods of education and provides an equivalency for each document. Reports for educational institutions also contain the grade point average (GPA) equivalents.

This is the report you should order for:

employment
immigration

Course-by-Course Report (Cad. $200)

In addition to providing all of the information contained in a Document-by-Document report, our Course-by-Course evaluation:

lists all subjects completed at the post-secondary level
provides a Canadian semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
provides a Canadian grade average, and
designates the level (upper or lower) of each undergraduate course (for applicants who have selected education as their primary purpose)

This is the report you should order for:

education
professional licensing
professional certification

EMPLOYMENT IN CANADA

WHAT IS THE CURRENT EMPLOYMENT CLIMATE IN CANADA?

How quickly one finds employment in Canada, following arrival, depends on many circumstantial and personal variables. It is extremely important to keep an open mind and to adapt to the new environment as soon as possible.

To generalize, the first and foremost factor that will greatly influence your ability to quickly find employment in Canada is your English or French skills (if you are landing outside the Province of Quebec French is not practically required in order to be able to find employment). This cannot be overemphasized enough. The biggest investment you can make in your future in Canada is investing your time and effort into improving your language skills. New immigrants to Canada are eligible to enroll in free of charge intensive English or French language courses. Please make full use of this opportunity, as soon as you arrive to Canada.

Make sure that your professional skills are as current and diversified as possible. More and more employers are looking for the “soft skills” of interpersonal ability and “multitasking” is often required, irregardless of your professional skills, as more and more employers are looking to get the most labor value and productivity for their dollar.

Canada is a country of many opportunities but it is also a country where people need to aggressively go after those opportunities.

It is a society where motivation and initiative are highly valued and where a person needs to know how to sell and promote his or her knowledge, skills, and personal traits.

Often, newcomers to Canada are challenged by the fact that many Canadian employers require Canadian work experience, but how does one get that work experience is he or she is a new arrival to the country? Many professionals overcome this challenge by initially offering their services to companies on a volunteer basis, so that the potential employer can evaluate the skills of the candidate, prior to actually hiring the person.

Although most immigrants pick Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver as their starting points in Canada, this is not always the best strategy (except possibly for Montreal) because these cities high costs of living (with the exception of Montréal) which increases the initial burden of starting a new life in a new country. Often, it is advisable to consider smaller cities and provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, as starting points in Canada.

Canada has a national rate of unemployment slightly over 7%, which by any international standards is a low unemployment rate. There are many opportunities for work if people are open to changes and are open to shifts in their careers and professional paths. There are many opportunities in the Financial, IT, Science, Health Care, and Construction sectors.

For statistical overviews of the employment climates in Canada, for specific occupations, please consult our Occupation Overview Sheets, which can be obtained from our nearest regional office, or from our head office.

DOING BUSINESS IN CANADA

WHY DO BUSINESS IN CANADA?

KPMG has done a Competitive Alternatives study in 2002. KPMG analyzed business costs in North America, Europe, and Japan (the G-7 countries, plus Holland and Austria) The KPMG report measured the combined impact of 27 cost components that are most likely to vary by location, as applied to specific business operations.

The 10-month research program covered more than 85 cities throughout Austria, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Japan. More than 1,000 individual business scenarios were examined, analyzing more than 30,000 items of data. The basis for comparison is the after-tax cost of startup and operation for 12 specific types of business, over a 10-year time horizon.

Canada came on top with as the overall cost leader for 2002 with a cost index of 85.5, representing a 14.5 percent cost advantage over the United States (US = 100.0). This is the third time that Canada takes first place - previous occasions were in 1997 and 1999.

86 cities in nine countries were analyzed. 10 Canadian cities took all the first, second, and third placements in all the regional categories!

DOES THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT ASSIST THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY THROUGH VARIOUS INCENTIVES?

Just to give you a few quick examples:

Government guaranteed loans – up to CAD $250 000 – only 25% liability!
Government grants for foreign market development and research - up to $100,000
Employee Salary supplementation – up to 70%.
Employment and Training Assistance Programs
Unemployment rate of 3%-7.4%, depending on geographical region
Mortgage rates as low as 5% annual
Annual real estate value growth of 7-10%
As little as 25% down payment for non-residents - No status requirement to make real estate purchase in Canada
Government financing of Canadian capital goods and services to foreign buyer.
Conversion of foreign accounts receivables into cash by discounting, for a reasonable fee, for immediate cash.
Tax incentives (tax write offs – 10-100%)
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service - offices in 135 cities - offers free market research and information in core industries, for Canadian business people.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

SOMETIMES I COME ACROSS CANADIAN IMMIGRATION COMPANIES WHO PROVIDE CONFLICTING INFORMATION - HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH FIRM IS MOST RELIABLE IN ITS ABILITY TO HELP ME IMMIGRATE TO CANADA?

You should always ask for references from previous satisfied clients – particularly from people who have successfully complete whichever program or process the particular company is promoting at the time.

Unfortunately, there are firms who due to ignorance or some other ulterior motives will accidentally or intentionally mislead the consumer into thinking that a certain program which is being offered guarantees a “quick” and “painless” solution to your immigration or employment needs.

SOME IMMIGRATION FIRMS CLAIM THAT THEY PROVIDE GUARANTEED WORK IN CANADA – HOW RELIABLE ARE THESE CLAIMS?

You should be especially guarded against claims that there is guaranteed work waiting for you in Canada – often such claims are groundless and take advantage of peoples’ needs to find work.

You need to realize that Canada, as any other country, has stringent immigration and employment laws that must be adhered to, both by the employer and the foreign worker.

You should also realize that very often potential employers in Canada are unwilling to consider foreign workers until they have successfully become permanent residents, for the following reasons:

1- Employers generally prefer to interview and meet applicants in person before hiring them. Again, from a logistical point of view, out-of-country applicants are less desirable than those already in the country.

2- Even if you find a job offer from a Canadian employer, it will be subject to validation by Human Resources Canada. In Canada, any job offer that will be considered in the selection criteria by Canadian Immigration authorities must be validated by Human Resources. In this sometimes lengthy procedure, Human Resources must conclude that there are no eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the position. This requires that the company or individual offering you a job must document that they have made efforts to recruit and employ a Canadian. Many employers are unable or unwilling to provide this documentation and cannot be bothered by the wait or the bureaucratic measures it entails.

3- Since your immigration process may take in excess of 12 months, it is not realistic to expect that a Canadian employer will necessarily wait specifically for you, while he or she has the rest of the Canadian labor market to chose from.

WHY DO I NEED A REPRESENTATIVE?

1-Immigration laws are complicated. Applicants are presumed to know the law. MOST DON’T.

2-Immigration procedure and policies change frequently. You MUST have the latest information in order to succeed. As an example, in last two years alone, the Canadian immigration scene has changed fundamentally more than three times!

3-Without an informed and knowledgeable professional representative, you can never be certain of what information applies to you.

4-It is impossible for you to be aware of all the specific factors affecting your case. Often applications that are submitted without professional assistance – FAIL or are rejected.

5-One small mistake could cause serious delays or the REJECTION of your application, which means lost time, lost money, and plenty of frustration.

6-Your application has to be exactly planned from the beginning and properly submitted. It is not a simple as submitting completed and signed application forms and supporting documents.

IS THERE AN ADVANTAGE OF HIRING IMMIGRATION LAWYERS AS APPOSED TO IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS/PRACTITIONERS?

Whether you hire a Canadian lawyer or a professional immigration consultant/practitioner you should ask for references from previous satisfied clients. In reality there is no such thing as an “immigration lawyer” since there are no Canadian law schools which specialize in immigration law, as they would in corporate law, family law, criminal law, etc. When a Canadian lawyer graduates from law school he is exposed to one singe course of Canadian immigration law and is no more skilled or qualified than an experienced professional immigration consultant/ practitioner.

Very often lawyers will needlessly overcharge their clients precisely because they feel that the may have the right to do so, due to their professional credentials.