1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. How Many Immigrants Come to Canada Every Year?

5. Top 10 Source Countries for Immigration to Canada in 20001.
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

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

7. 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
Fax:

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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”

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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!

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