Do I qualify for a visa?
Skilled worker
This category requires admission to be judged on education and work experience in a given skill area. Applicants are assessed on a points system, of which the passing grade is 67. It is advantageous to be able to claim extensive studies in the skill area as well as steady employment in that field. Extensive knowledge of English and/or French rates one higher, as does age and other criteria. In education, for example, a high school diploma will earn 5 points and a master's degree or Ph.D. will earn 25, with a relative point spread between for interim educational levels. Ages 21 – 49 receive 10 points while those older than 53 years of age and under 17 years of age receive 0 points. Age 20 and 50 both get 8 points. Other ages are assessed similarly.
Family class
Reuniting families is a priority in Canadian immigration. Those family members who already live in Canada as a citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a relative for immigration. The sponsoring family member takes on the financial responsibility of the relative and enters into a legal agreement regarding this. The sponsored family member must be approved, and should expect medical criteria to be met. They should be able to supply an official certificate indicating there is no criminal background in their country of origin. Family members who qualify under this category will be spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, dependent children, parents, grandparents, dependent children, adopted children, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, orphaned grandchildren, or if none of the above is available, any other relative.
Business Visa
This type of visa is issued to one who wants to invest in a business or start a business in Canada. Investors must show that they have an acceptable net worth and sufficient business experience. Entrepreneurs are those applicants who will own and run their Canadian business. Again, net worth and experience are closely examined. Self-employed Persons must intend to generate their own employment. This can include anything from the arts to purchasing and running a farm.
Working Holiday
Young people are allowed to visit Canada and work in a temporary job to help defray costs of their visit. Positions in this category are limited by a quota system. Most approved applicants work through a recognized agency, but it's possible to be sponsored by an employer who has already offered a job. Many applicants come to work the ski resorts or find work with temp agencies in the larger cities.
Work Permit
Qualification for this category begins with a job offer from a Canadian company. Once the job offer is made, the employer applies for an LMO. This certifies that the job being offered to the foreigner is one that couldn't be filled by a Canadian citizen. The employer is expected to have made a sincere effort to hire a citizen before offering the job to the foreign applicant. When these steps have been completed, the work permit is applied for through the CIC, or Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
