Immigration Categories:

Category 1: Skilled Worker

1. Who qualifies for Skilled Worker Class?

Candidates for Skilled Worker are those who apply for permanent residence based on their occupational skills and experience. They will likely contribute to the Canadian economy and are evaluated based on a specific employment category determined by the government. If you are at age between 21-49, have at least a Bachelor degree, have at least one-year work experience and could speak English or French, you may be qualified for Independent Immigration.

2. Does my job experience qualify me for Skilled Worker Immigration?

There are hundreds of “job classifications” listed by the Canadian Immigration. Using your job title may lead you in the wrong direction.  Maple International professionals will guide you to make sure your occupation is for the right category. This is very important in your application. The classification, and whether your job responsibilities qualify with that classification or not, are major factors in the government’s evaluation of your qualifications for immigration.

3. I am an engineer. What additional things do I need for immigration?

In the old immigration law, certain engineering classifications require analysis of your educational background and experience by the relevant Canadian Engineering authorities. In the new immigration law, which was effective after June 2002, such analysis is not required any more. 

4. What kinds of skilled workers does Canada need?

The country provides a variety of professions in regard to Skilled Worker Immigration. The requirements are changing from time to time, depending on the need of the country. We will match your experience and education to the classification that will maximize your chance of success. Because we use the same criteria as the government inspectors, your application will be viewed in the best possible light.

Category 2: Business Immigration Class

5. What are included in Business Immigration?

This class includes entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed persons. These people have the intention to contribute to the economic or cultural development of Canada, through their work or their investment. Typically the Business Immigrant has a successful history in business or profession. Artistic and sports persons may qualify for Business Immigration. Documentation of the history must be furnished.

Category 2-1: Entrepreneur Category

6. What does Entrepreneur mean?

The Entrepreneur Business Immigrant is presumed to start a business in Canada. People who are qualified have management experience and may also have experience starting and/or owning a business outside of Canada. You will be required to hire at least one non-family member in your business. The entrepreneur requires sufficient funds to start or buy the business.

7. I am not sure of the details of the business I am going to start. Do I need a business plan?

The approval for immigration is by your qualifications. Of course it is good if you have such a business plan, as it shows the funding that you will need. However, the decision to let you immigrate is not based on having such a plan.

8. Is there a minimum amount of money I need to bring as an Entrepreneur?

The purpose of the Entrepreneurial visa is to foster economic growth in Canada. Each case will be judged on the amount needed to start the kind of business you are planning. Maple International will assist you in providing the documentation which shows that you are likely to succeed after immigration. Resources of CAD $200,000 can be used as a guideline.

9. I want to start a business in Vancouver, do I need pre-approval from the city or province?

No, with the exception of Quebec, the provinces and local governments are not involved in your immigration project. It may be useful to you to contact their business support offices as a resource for your planning.

10. What if I don't get my business started after arriving in Canada?

During the first two years in Canada, the Entrepreneur Immigrant must report to immigration offices regarding requirements placed on your visa. If you do not follow these requirements, you (and your family) may lose your immigrant status.

11. What if I change my mind about the kind of business I want to run?

You may change your plans, based on the conditions that you experience. However, you will need to keep Canadian immigration officials informed of such changes.

12. What if I can not meet the terms set by the Entrepreneurial Visa requirements?

The Canadian government realizes that sometimes business conditions can change quickly. When you feel that there will be difficulty in meeting the requirements, you should immediately contact the government to discuss the matter. Their stated policy is to be flexible if you are making a real effort to succeed. Remember that Maple International will always stand by to assist you after you have immigrated.

Category 2-2: Investor Category

13. I have significant funds, can I immigrate to Canada?

One class of Business Immigrants is the Investor. They "loan" the Canadian or Quebec government a sizable amount of money, $CAD 400,000 for five years, without interest. This money is used for economic development. If you have operated, controlled or owned a business, you may qualify. There are restrictions as to your net worth and how you received that worth.

14. How much money do I need to be an Investor?

You need to be able to demonstrate that you have at least CAD $800,000 net worth that was accumulated through your own efforts. You may need to provide evidence in that regard.

15. Do I need to liquidate all of my assets?

No, generally you do not have to liquidate your assets. We will assist you in documenting what your assets are and guide you in your plans to immigrate.

16. If I am an Investor, do I have to work in Canada?

If you qualify as an Investor, you do not have to work nor begin a business. However you are free to do either, depending on your desires and abilities and the Canadian government welcomes you to contribute your talents to business development in the country.

17. Can I choose the Investment?

No, the government agencies will use the money as they determine.

18. Is the investment safe?

The deposits are guaranteed by the Canadian Provinces or Territories.

19. I could be an investor, but don’t want to lock away such a large amount of money for that long. Are there other programs?

It is possible to get a loan for the investment from an approved financial company. The details are too complex for this web page. Some initial payment is required and there are some limits on the amount borrowed.

20. When must I provide the investment fund?

The funds must be paid before you can get your Immigration Visa. However, it may be paid any time up until that time. Depending on the details of your application, we suggest that you contact Maple International for details regarding your situation.

21. Will you notify the Immigration department when my investment is made?

No, this notification is done within the Canadian government, you nor Maple International has to do anything else.

22. I want to immigrate to Montreal, are the investor requirements the same?

The province of Quebec has it's own investment program, so additional forms will be submitted in your behalf. There are some differences in the program that we can explain to you. One major condition is that you must be selected by Quebec as well as approved by the Canadian government.

23. I inherited a large sum of money, can I use that in my application?

The rules for determining your net worth. Inheritance is generally not considered as being earned by you. Proceeds from investing from inheritance are considered earnings.

24. How can I apply for early withdrawal of my investment?

After you have your visa, your investment is locked for five years plus three months and is not available for withdrawal. If you choose not to accept your immigration visa, the money will be refunded after some processing time.

Category 2-3: Self-Employed Category

25. How does Self-Employed differ from Entrepreneur?

Self employed immigrants will support themselves with their skills, not necessarily hiring staff. Canada is looking to build both it's business base and its cultural and artistic base. Maple International maintains lists of professions that may be qualified as Self-Employed. The Self-Employed Immigrant does not have to bring extra money to Canada, as opposed to requirement for Entrepreneurial Immigrants.

26. I am a nurse, can I apply for Self-Employed Immigration?

Some professions in Canada, such as a nurse, do not have a large need. They are unlikely to be accepted as a business immigrant. However, you may qualify under Skilled Worker Immigration category, based on your experience.

27. I have never owned a business before, can I be a Self-Employed Immigrant?

If it is appropriate, we will work with you to prove to the officials that you are prepared to support yourself and your family though your own efforts. If you do not have experience and qualifications, we may suggest other immigration categories.

28. After I get to Canada, how do I prove I am Self-Employed?

Unlike the Entrepreneurial category, there are no terms set up in your visa. It is important to be able to describe what you intend to do when you get to Canada and how it will provide for you and your family. Although not required, it may be helpful for you to make a business plan.

Category 3: Family Immigration Class (Family Members and Relatives)

29. What does it mean to Sponsor an immigrant?

As a sponsor, you must agree to take care of your relatives' essential needs for 3-10 years and assure they do not receive public welfare. You also have to demonstrate you have the financial ability to do this and to be a Permanent Resident or Canadian citizen.

30. Whom may I sponsor using the Family Class?

If you are a Canadian Permanent Resident or citizen, the following people are eligible for family class sponsorship for immigration:

   * Spouse

   * Parents, grandparents

   * Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and grandchildren who are orphans, unmarried and under age 18

   * Dependent son or daughter (including children adopted abroad)

   * Children under 18 whom you plan to adopt

   * If you have no other relative as described above, either abroad or in Canada, any other relative may be sponsored.

31. How long must I wait before sponsoring my relative?

As soon as you have Permanent Resident status, you may apply to have your relative join you under the Family Class immigration class.

32. I want to get married, how do I sponsor my fiancé?

You need to get married first. After your marriage, you can file an application for Family Class immigration.

33. What is a Dependent and what is required for immigration?

Dependents must meet the same visa requirements as the principal applicant, including medical and background checks. Applicants must include all of their dependents on their application, whether or not the dependents plan to immigrate to Canada.

There are three classes of children that are dependents to their parents:

   * Under age 22 and unmarried.

   * Full-time students, married or single, studying at a college, university, or other educational institution. They must have been studying full time, supported by you.

34. My daughter is planning to get married. Can I sponsor her?

If your child is not a full time student, but under 22, she should delay his/her marriage until after becoming a Permanent Resident.

35. I am going to sponsor my parents, my wife and my children. Can I sponsor my wife’s parents?

No, they will have to wait until your wife is a Permanent Resident. If she does not have independent financial ability, you will have to co-sponsor them with your wife.

36. I just immigrated to Canada and don’t have a long employment record. Can I sponsor my relatives?

Yes, but you must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support them through recent financial and employment records.

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