Statistics released by the Canadian Magazine of Immigration for 2015 reveal that 271,660 immigrants landed in Canada, representing a nearly 5% increase since the previous year. These immigrants came from 190 countries.
Canada is one of the best places in the world to immigrate to. It is an immigrant-friendly country with a two-century long history of welcoming people from other nations. There is a high ratio of foreign-origin citizens here. The abundant natural resources and quality of life make it an extremely attractive destination.
Universal health-care, high-quality affordable education at all levels, and demand for a skilled workforce are some of the factors that draw people from all walks of life. The economy is highly technology driven and it is one of the easiest developed countries to migrate to. With a capitalist, free market economy and high per capital income, most immigrants have thrived and made a good life for themselves and their families.
Socially, Canada is a multi-cultural, diversified and open society, with a stable government and excellent justice and human rights protection systems.
All these factors make living in Canada a very desirable prospect. Getting permanent residentship and citizenship are considered to be a great privilege and a source of pride.
Understanding The Immigration Process
The immigration process is based on the specific immigration program to which the applicant has applied.
These include:
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Quebec Skilled Worker
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Investor Class
- Quebec Investor Class
- Family Class
Under the new immigration policy, from January 1, 2015, qualified applicants are evaluated according to six factors that determine their eligibility to immigrate to Canada. Applicants must score a total of at least 67/100 to qualify.
The six factors are:
- Education
- Language skills
- Employment experience
- Age
- Arranged employment
- Adaptability
These regulations are designed to select candidates with the highest possibility of economic settlement success and contribution to the country.
It’s important that you meet the eligibility criteria, otherwise your application will not be entertained.
Citizenship Rules and Regulations
The Citizenship Act of Canada rules were amended in June 2015 and there are significant changes in the eligibility to become a Canadian citizen.
Earlier, anyone who had been granted permanent resident-ship could apply for citizenship after accumulating 1095 days in Canada in the four-year period between permanent resident-ship status and application for citizenship. Credits towards the 1095 days were also granted to those who had been in Canada on study or work permits. The rules regarding residence were also slightly more lenient if the person could prove that they had to travel extensively on business, on behalf of their company or that their life was essentially centralized in Canada.
However, these liberal interpretations are now a thing of the past.
An experienced immigration lawyer who keeps abreast of the latest developments in this sector can best advise you about them.
Current rules require:
- 1460 days of physical presence in Canada
- Six years must precede the citizenship application
- Six months of physical presence in four out of the six calendar years preceding the application
- The burden of proof is on the applicant to prove they meet these requirements
- Anyone who has applied for citizenship has to remain in Canada till granting of status
The Canadian government has undertaken to process and complete applications within one year of application.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Age: at least 18 years
- Permanent Resident Status: Fulfilled and complete
- Physical presence in Canada: 1460 days over six years preceding application
- Income-tax filing: Made returns for 4 filing years during the 6 year period
- Declaration of intent to reside in Canada
- Language abilities: In either English or French (a test has to be taken)
- Know Canada: Rights, responsibilities, duties and privileges of Canadian citizenship. History, values, institutions, symbols.
- Prohibitions: based on inadmissibility criteria (criminality etc)
Step by Step Process
- Get the application package
- Pay the fees
- Submit application
- Get a confirmation that your application has been received
- Second notice: Invitation for Citizenship Test and Interview
- Submit required documents
- Prepare for the test: Study the guidelines and Discover Canada booklet
- Get notice giving time and date of test
- You may have to attend a hearing with Citizenship Officer
- Maintain eligibility conditions till the taking of the Oath
If there is any change of status, it’s your duty to inform the concerned authorities. This can seriously affect your application and eligibility.
How We Can Assist
The decision to engage the services of an immigration lawyer is a personal choice. There are no rules that insist that you need such services.
However, from our extensive experience in handling such cases, we find that thousands of cases are rejected, refused, mishandled by almost everyone involved in the process, including government officials, consultants and applicants themselves.
Our role is to make the process as smooth and easy as possible for you. In case of a refusal, we are prepared to fight for our clients’ rights and attempt to get an overturning or revocation of the decision on appeal.
The paperwork is complex and can be intimidating to those who don’t have the time or the expertise to complete it accurately and within the specified deadlines. There is a huge amount of documentation to be submitted in support of your application. We take care of the minute details and help you submit a complete and accurate application.
