IS YOUR FUTURE IN CANADA? Immigrating to Canada PRESENTATION BY CANADIAN CONSULATE GENERAL IMMIGRATION SECTION Detroit, Michigan IS YOUR FUTURE IN CANADA? Immigrating to Canada Indiana University – Bloomington, IN November 6, 2001 Canada

Who We Are Canadian Consulate General - Detroit Government of Canada services: Immigration Section Process visitor visa, student & worker applications Process immigrant applications (“Skilled workers”) International Business Development Section Consular Section (Assisting Canadians) Political Liaison & Cultural Affairs Section Canada

Why Choose Canada? Large landmass, abundant natural resources & small population Democratic, open society Multicultural population welcoming to newcomers Well developed infrastructure, health, educational and other systems Highly industrialized, vibrant economy with many opportunities for skilled workers & business persons

How Many Immigrants Come to Canada Every Year?

Top 10 Source Countries for Immigration to Canada in 2000 1. People’s Republic of China 6. Sri Lanka 2. India 7. United States of America 3. Pakistan 8. Iran 4. Philippines 9. Yugoslavia 5. Republic of South Korea 10. United Kingdom

How Can I Get Information About Immigrating to Canada? Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) Website: www.cic.gc.ca General information Application Kits Fee Schedules CIC Publications Links to Related Sites

How Do I Apply for an Immigrant Visa? Application kits in Adobe PDF format can be downloaded or printed from the CIC Internet site Kits may also be requested in writing or by fax to: Area Processing Center Canadian Consulate General 3150 Marine Midland Center Buffalo, NY 14203-2800 Fax: 716-858-9591

What is the Process? All immigrant applications to Buffalo “APC” APC reviews file for completeness & provides acknowledgement of receipt If no interview required, APC processes application to completion If interview required, file is transferred to 1 of 4 other U.S. offices – notice of transfer is given Receiving office then assumes all responsibility for the application until it is concluded

U.S. Network of offices WASHINGTON, D.C. Visitor visas only

How Long Does It Take? Routine application may take up to 12 months Supporting documents must be gathered Submission of complete application up front may save processing time! An interview may be required Medical examinations are required Police clearance certificates from all places of residence in the last ten years

What is the point system? Skilled workers (“Independents”) must qualify on a point system Assessment grid contains 10 items for which points are awarded Qualifying mark is 70 points “Assisted relatives” need only 65 points Need to have brother, sister, mother, father, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew who is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen living in Canada Key to qualification is training and experience in an occupation on “Open Occupations List”

Do You Qualify? The Point System Age Occupation factor ETF/SVP Experience Arranged Employment Demographic Education English French Personal Suitability Max. 10 (ages 21-44) Max. 10 Max. 18 Max. 08 Max. 10 (currently 8) Max. 16 Max. 15 – 9 for 1st language & 6 for 2nd Max. 10 (interview)

Sample Assessment #1 Occupation of Computer Programmer Age (25) 10 Occupational Factor 10 ETF/SVP 15 Experience 02 Arranged Employment 00 Demographic 08 Education 15 English/French 09 Bonus (relative) 00 Personal Suitability 00 Total 71

Sample Assessment #2 Occupation of Computer Engineer Age (28) 10 Occupational Factor 05 ETF/SVP 17 Experience 02 Arranged Employment 00 Demographic 08 Education 16 English/French 06 Bonus (relative) 00 Personal Suitability 00 Total 64

Sample Assessment #3 Occupation of Systems Analyst Age (32) 10 Occupational Factor 10 ETF/SVP 15 Experience 02 Arranged Employment 00 Demographic 08 Education 15 English/French 06 Bonus (relative) 00 Personal Suitability 00 Total 66

A word on visitor visas Individuals from countries requiring visitor visas are encouraged to apply early – esp. for travel at holidays Mail-in is encouraged for foreign students resident in the U.S. Evidence of current enrollment is essential Same day service provided for walk-ins But note countries for which there is a waiting period!

Questions? www.can-am.gc.ca/detroit/ Canadian Consulate General Detroit, Michigan www.can-am.gc.ca/detroit/