CANADIAN IMMIGRATION

TODAY

THREE TYPES OF IMMIGRATION• We have lots of space, but

can’t accept everyone without overwhelming the economy

• A system was needed to fairly determine who would be accepted and who would be turned away. (ie: not as racist)

• There are three classes of immigrants:

1. Family Class• 2. Refugee Class• 3. Independent

(Economic) Class

FAMILY CLASS

• All Canadian Citizens or permanent residents over the age of 18 can sponsor relatives to come to Canada and become permanent residents themselves.

• Only applies if the relatives are:• parents and grandparents• dependent children, including adopted children;

children under 18 years of age whom you intend to adopt;• brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or

grandchildren who are orphans, under the age of 18 and not married or in a common-law relationship• Any other relative if you have none of the above

relatives or family members, either in Canada or abroad.

FAMILY CLASS CONTINUED

• Everyone is subject to medical, criminal and background checks.

• Sponsor is required to support their family members upon their arrival to Canada for a period of time.

• The sponsor’s financial records are accessed in order to ensure that they are capable of supporting the immigrant.

• Approximately 22% of Canadian immigrants arrive under the family class.

REFUGEE CLASS• 9% of Canadian Immigrants are from the refugee class. • A refugee is a person who flees their country of origin

because of fear of persecution for reasons such as race, religion, gender, political beliefs or membership in a particular social group. • Canada has obligation under International law to accept

refugees and give them a home here in Canada.  

REFUGEES CONTINUED

• Once a person claims refugee protection, he or she can’t be deported from Canada until the resolution of his claim by the Immigration & Refugee Board.•  Applicant has to prove at least 3 personal incidents of

persecution or people like him• If accepted, the refugee can apply to be a permanent

resident in 3 years. If not, he can appeal to the Federal Court, and the process can last for 2 or more years.•  There are many programs in place in Canada that

help refugees find homes, jobs and become integrated into Canadian society.

INDEPENDENT CLASS

• Independent immigrants include skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors and the self-employed.• Entrepreneurs are

people who intend to purchase and run a business in Canada and have a minimum net worth of $300,000

INDEPENDENT CLASS CONT’D

• Investors are those who have at least $800,000 net worth and are willing to invest $400,000 through the Receiver General of Canada. The money is distributed to the provinces for economic development.

• Self-employed : reserved for world-class athletes, well-known artists and those with specialized farm management skills.

• Skilled workers are usually those who have professional abilities that would be beneficial to Canada. Sometimes, this person already has a job offer in Canada.

• They are judged against a points system, requiring 75 points out of 100 to gain entry into Canada.