1. How does a qualified person apply to live and work in Canada?

2. Will having family in Canada help me to emigrate?

3. I've heard about the points system. How does that work and how many points can I score?

4. Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?

5. If I apply to immigrate to Canada what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?

6. How do I know if my qualifications are acceptable in Canada?

7. I don't achieve enough points to qualify under the General Skills Category, but I do run my own business.

8. So what happens at our meeting with WBC?

9. Your Report says I have ' X ' points

1. How does a qualified person apply to live and work in Canada?

Canada uses a point system to asses all candidates who want to apply for permanent residence in Canada. A candidate must obtain at least 67 points to qualify as a Skilled Worker (as of September 2003).

The first step to take is to consider exactly what you are looking for. Do you intend to relocate to Canada permanently or temporarily? The answer will determine which visa class or classes and fees will apply to you.

Applicants for Permanent Residence can apply under the following categories:

In addition there are a number of temporary visa classes.

2. Will having family in Canada help me to emigrate?

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) sets out strict criteria that you have to meet to qualify for immigration. Family sponsorship can assist you in making an application, but in many cases it is not the only relevant issue. Canada has many different types of visa classes.

The Skilled Worker Category operates on a points system. Family relationships are just one of the factors that points are awarded for.

There are also Family Migration visa classes where the relationship and sponsorship will be the deciding factor. For example, if you have a Canadian spouse, child or parent who is able to sponsor you, then there is potential for you to apply successfully for immigration. It is important that you confirm your position before making an application.

3. I've heard about the points system. How does that work and how many points can I score?

When you hear of the points system, this refers to applications made under the Skilled Worker category.

The following six (6)factors will be assessed:

Age
Qualifications
Occupation and work experience
Language
Arranged employment
Adaptability

4. Is there an age limit to applying for immigration?

There are no maximum age limits set, however age can be a factor under some application categories. There is no Retirement category.

5. If I apply to immigrate to Canada what is the status of my spouse? If we both qualify who should apply?

The person who best meets the immigration criteria should be the Principal Applicant. If you are successful in obtaining Permanent Residence your spouse / partner will have exactly the same rights and obligations as you do. For example, they may take up employment and have access to the healthcare system etc.

6. How do I know if my qualifications are acceptable in Canada?

WBC can assist you in obtaining a complete Qualifications Assessment with the relevant authority in Canada. In most cases, a three year degree, diploma or apprenticeship will be required. There are exceptions to this and a preliminary eligibility assessment by WBC will let you know if it is worth applying for immigration.

7. I don't achieve enough points to qualify under the General Skills Category, but I do run my own business.

Investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed people are encouraged to choose Canada as their new home and business base. As a self-employed or entrepreneur applicant, you will be expected to have a background in business and a well-researched business plan for Canada.

There is also a category for investors. To apply to Canada as an investor, you are required to show net assets of minimum CDN $800,000.00, and actually invest a minimum of CDN $400,000.00 in an appropriate investment scheme.

There are various financing investment programs recognised by the provincial governments across Canada.

8. So what happens at our meeting with WBC?

WBC's Consultants will take you step-by-step through the following process:

For retained Clients:

* It is highly advisable to go to Canada on at least one fact-finding trip to gather information to help you in your relocation. This trip can also be used to sit any licensing exams (if applicable), meet with future employers and have job interviews.

A sample itinerary of a fact-finding trip is as follows:

This itinerary is an example only and will vary from person to person.

9. Your Report says I have ' X ' points

If you received 67+, well done, however this is only a conditional pass, subject to assessment or further review. Following evaluation of your application by the Canadian Government, your application could be rejected. For example, should your language skills not meet the levels stipulated, you may require arranged employment to gain more points.

If you received 52 points or more, we can help. WBC can help arrange employment for you in Canada, giving you the extra points you need to be accepted for immigration under the Skilled Worker Category.