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About Immigration to Canada

Immigration Process

If you would like to immigrate to Canada you must meet the requirements of an immigration program, and you and your family members, must successfully pass medical examinations and security checks. You may also have to attend an interview. Once you have met the requirements of an immigration program and passed the required medical examinations and security checks you will be issued a permanent resident visa.

A permanent resident visa confers upon you permanent resident status, which gives you the right to live, work or study anywhere in Canada and receive most social benefits, including health care coverage. To keep your permanent resident status you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. After having lived in Canada for at least three years within a four-year period you may apply for Canadian citizenship.

Immigration to Quebec

In 1991, the Government of Canada and the Quebec Provincial Government signed an accord giving Quebec the exclusive authority to select immigrants wishing to settle on its territory. The Government of Canada meanwhile maintains responsibilityfor carrying out security checks, medical examinations, and issuing permanent resident visas. Quebec is the only province that has signed such an accord with the Government of Canada.

Quebec has immigration offices around the world and administers its own immigration programs. If you are selected by Quebec you will be issued a Quebec Selection Certificate, the official immigration document issued by the Quebec Provincial Government. You must then make a seperate application for a permanent resident visa.

Quebec's immigration programs are some of the most attractive  and accessible options for immigration to Canada. Eligibility requirements are generally very flexible, and processing times are generally faster than other Canadian immigration programs.

Immigration Categories

There are four main Canadian immigration categories: Skilled Workers, Business Immigrants, Family Sponsorship, and Students. Within each category there are several immigration programs.

Skilled Workers

Skilled workers are individuals with work experience and training in areas that are in high demand in Canada. They are selected based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help immigrants become economically established in Canada.

Business Immigrants

Business immigrants are experienced business people who will support the development of the Canadian economy. There are three classes of business immigrants: Investors, Entrepreneurs, and Self-Employed Workers.

Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada, who are at least 18 years of age, can sponsor eligible family members to become Canadian permanent residents.

Students

Foreign students who have graduated from a recognized Canadian educational institution, or are presently studying towards graduation, may qualify to stay permanently in Canada either as a member of the Canadian Experience Class, or if they studied in Quebec or under the Quebec Experience Program.