Once you've decided to migrate, research the process thoroughly and get professional guidance
Planning to immigrate to Canada? You're in good company, for experts say that the number of immigrants heading to Canada is increasing.
"I have noticed a rise in immigration to Canada from the UAE, as the cost of living is going up, especially in Dubai. With rising inflation, expatriates in the UAE are unable to save money, which is a major reason for people immigrating to Canada," says Elizabeth Joseph of Aries International, which is among the top migration consultants in the UAE.
Despite a rise in immigration, it has been reported that some people who go to Canada return to the UAE after getting their Permanent Residence card.
"Only two to 2.5 per cent of the people come back which means that more than 97 out of the 100 people who immigrate do decide to stay back," says Imran Farooq of Premiers Dubai which offers immigration services in the UAE.
Prabhjeet Singh, Branch Manager, World Wide Immigration Consultancy Services (WWICS), says, "People who return are the ones who go without professional help and don't research the job market properly."
Provincial nominee programme
Most provinces in Canada have a Provincial (Immigration) Nominee Programme (PNP). This allows the province to expedite the immigration process for individuals who meet the province's needs.
"There are two categories of PNPs. The first category is skilled worker (SW) PNP and the second is the business immigration programme. The SW programme will normally expedite the selection for skilled workers who have a job offer from a local provincial business in an occupation or business sector that meets local provincial needs," says Pej Mohyeddin, Senior Immigration Consultant, Canadian Legal Services.
"The business immigration PNP accelerates the immigration selection if the applicant establishes a new business, invests money or launches a joint venture with a local business.
"The French-speaking province of Quebec has its own selection and immigration programme. Ontario is in the process of developing a pilot project PNP. We are expecting them to announce and market their PNP in the fall of 2006," says Mohyeddin.
There are two steps in the PNP application process. "The first step is for the province to approve the applicant and process the application. The second step is for the federal government's approval and it comprises criminal, medical and security/ background checks.
"In some cases after PNP nomination has been issued and the federal process is under way, a PNP can assist the nominee to obtain a work visa (temporary residency), on an expedited basis, to allow a nominee to work in Canada," says Mohyeddin.
Apart from PNP and the immigrant investor programme, the categories under which an application for immigration can be made are: skilled worker, family and refugee.
"Skilled workers are assessed under a point system that considers a series of factors such as education, language, experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability.
"If your score is higher than the required pass mark at the time of application (the current pass mark is 67), then you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker.
"These applicants are required to show minimal available funds demonstrating their ability to establish themselves in Canada," says Sam M. Bayat, Senior Immigration Lawyer and Partner, Canadian Legal Services, who recommends that all prospective immigrants visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.
"The site has a self-assessment test to help prospective candidates decide if they should apply to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker. The score on the test shows how your skills and experience could be graded on your application," says Bayat.
Family migrant programme
Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Canada, who are 18 years or older, may sponsor close relatives or family who want to become permanent residents of Canada. The sponsor must promise to support them for a period of three to 10 years.
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner who is 16 years or older, parents and grandparents, dependent children, including adopted children and children under 18 whom the sponsor intends to adopt.
The list also includes brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren who are orphans, but are under the age of 18 and are not married or in a common-law relationship.
Sponsoring relatives
"If you want to sponsor any of the above listed relatives or family, you may have to fulfil some income requirements. If you have previously sponsored anyone in this category who may have received social assistance, you may not be allowed to sponsor another person," explains Bayat.
Special provisions apply for sponsors who are living in Quebec or if the sponsored relatives wish to settle in Quebec.
"The Quebec government will test the sponsor's financial ability. You must also sign an agreement, with the person you are sponsoring and all accompanying family members, which outlines your commitment to support them and their promise to make every effort to be self-sufficient. Dependent children under the age of 22 do not have to sign the sponsorship agreement," says Bayat.
"Canada is a signatory of the United Nations 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, and will usually accept refugees from most countries with a known history of persecution.
"Through its refugee protection system, Canada offers safety to people with a well-founded fear of discrimination, as well as those at risk of torture or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment," says Bayat.
A claim for protection can be made at a port of entry or at a CIC office in Canada. "Once a CIC officer decides that you are a refugee protection claimant and are eligible, he refers your claim to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)," says Bayat.
"Protection is conferred when the IRB determines that you are a person in need of protection. If you are an eligible refugee, your claim is sent to the Immigration Refugee Board (IRB) to be heard at an independent tribunal," he says.
