Immigration to Canada.

Overview:

Canada has an active program for permanent immigration. It is also the country who accepts more immigrants and refugees, in proportion to its population, than any other country.

For example:

1996/97: 224 000 people immigrated into Canada, 43% came as workers, 30% as a member of a family, 13% as refugees and 10 % as entrepreneurs. 85% of the immigrants came from Europe and 6% from Asia. But in fact the portion of the Asian immigrants is still growing. When you want to immigrate into Canada you will not be discriminated against your race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion or sex. The present immigration program bases on three basic social, humanitarian and economic principles:

• to foster the development of a strong, viable economy in Canada
  
  
• the reunion of Canadian residents with family members from other countries
  
  
• to uphold the humanitarian tradition of Canada and with respect and tolerance to refugees.
  

This program should protect the health and safety of Canadians and prevent the entry of criminals and terrorists.

Different types of immigrants:

- FAMILY CLASS: it is based on the reunion of family members. Canadian citizen and permanent residents are allowed to sponsor close relatives e.g. children, wife, parents and grandparents and bring them to Canada. To qualify as a sponsor you have to meet certain requirements, like minimum income and the willingness to sign a 10 year sponsoring agreement.

- REFUGEE: you can immigrate as a refugee only by reason of a well-founded fear of persecution, or after the proof that you are a member in a social or political minority.

- SKILLED WORKERS: to immigrate as a skilled worker your job must be searched on Canada's labour market, also important is your education, professional training, motivation and flexibility.

- ENTREPRENEUR: to immigrate you must have the ability to lead a business with success and gain for the Canadian economy. You must create or continue employment opportunities for one or more Canadian citizens. Visas are first limited for two years and with special conditions, you must fulfil them in these two years.

- SELF-EMPLOYED: Self-employed applicants must be able to establish or buy a business in Canada which will provide employment for themselves and will make an economic or cultural contribution to Canada. Your personal ability must be large enough to guarantee the establishment of the business and the support for his family.

- INVESTORS: they must have business experience and a personal net worth of 400 000 $. The personal net worth must be reached through personal efforts. The visa has no conditions and so the visa holder is free to settle anywhere in Canada.

- TEMPORARY STAYS IN CANADA:

- employment authorisations

- student authorisations

- visitor visas

Canadian citizenship:

Suppositions for the application of the Canadian citizenship are:

• You must be 18; or a child of Canadian citizens or applicants
• permanent residence
• Knowledge of French or English
• Knowledge about Canada itself and his laws
• no criminal problems

In general to have an above average chance, one needs to have had the benefit of university education or to be fluent in French, as well as having a close relative in Canada. And of course it is important to have enough money: 12 000 $

Nadine Hilz , Julia Widenmeyer ; JgSt. 12

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