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samedi 22 novembre 2014

Understanding The Qualifications For Immigration To Canada

By Ida Dorsey


During periods of political upheaval in the United States many people become so disenchanted with the system that they vow to move to Canada. The country has a reputation for being one of the best in the world for political, economic and social stability, and seems an ideal refuge from the harsher political environment directly to the south. Immigration to Canada is an exciting prospect, but the reality involves a lengthy process.

Canada encounters different immigration issues than the United States. There are few seasonal migrations, and no uncontrollable flow of Central or South Americans seeking a safer place to live. It openly encourages American citizens to apply for permanent residency as long as they can meet the standards for acceptance. Those benchmarks include the level of education completed, work experience, and bilingual capabilities.

It is not possible to simply apply for citizenship as a non-resident and then be granted all the privileges that status confers. Potential applicants must have lived in the country for a period of 1095 days, or at least three years of the previous four, before being considered. Most people who qualify have done so under the economic stream of immigration that includes the skilled worker and business categories.

A system of point scoring is used to determine who will qualify. While the total number of points has been lowered during the past decades to allow easier entry, the best totals are normally associated with people holding advanced university degrees, with the lowest number given to those with less education. Those with lower totals who qualify do so based on the skills they have gained through experience.

When considering applicants, people with professional or managerial abilities are preferred as potential new residents. The list of work categories is long, and includes various occupations such as social worker, dentist, as well as computer scientists or architects. While extensive, the list is most remarkable for the fact that few unskilled and low-paying professions are included.

Unlike the United States, where speaking two languages is controversial and resisted by portions of the population, Canada requires proficiency in both English and French as a prerequisite for permanent residence. Applicants are rated in their ability to use a first official language, and must be able read, write, and speak and understand the second. Those most bilingually proficient are awarded the most points.

Applicants for citizenship must already have permanent resident status, and there can be no pending reviews due to fraud or other problems, including criminal offenses. Those currently on parole or probation are barred, as are people under removal orders. Potential new residents must also be reasonably familiar with Canadian history, be knowledgeable concerning national institutions, and be familiar with the responsibilities of citizenship.

The first step in the process toward immigration is to apply for permanent residency. This may be done on line, or using traditional methods, and the information provided must be complete and accurate or face rejection. Citizenship is a possibility after living three years as a resident, but is not required. Many immigrants choose to retain dual citizenship with their original country.




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