Immigration Requirements in Canada

People immigrating to Canada are generally required to have strong education and work experience. Applicants for immigration must also show proficiency in English and French, Canada's two official languages. Before the immigration application process is complete, applicants also must prove that they have enough money to support them and their families after their arrival in Canada.

Those immigrating to Canada under the Skilled Workers and Professionals category are people who have been selected to become permanent Canadian residents based on their ability to integrate economically and culturally with Canadian society. Acceptance into this immigration category is based on the applicant's education and work experience, proficiency in English or French, age, adaptability and whether or not the applicant has a prearranged offer of employment in Canada.

The Canadian government has an agreement with the Quebec government that allows them to select immigrants who will adapt well to Canadian life and make an immediate contribution to Quebec's economy. To qualify to immigrate under this immigration class an applicant must petition the Quebec government for a certificate of selection. Once a certificate of selection has been obtained, you must still apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada for permanent residence and pass a medical examination and security and criminal checks. You must also prove that you have enough money to support you and your family after your arrival in Quebec.

The Canadian Experience immigration class is for temporary foreign workers or students who may wish to turn their immigration status from temporary to permanent. If you have at least two years of Canadian work experience or are a foreign student who has graduated from a Canadian university applying to immigrate to Canada under the Canadian Experience class is the fastest way to realize your dream of Canadian immigration. When applying for immigration under the Canadian Experience class, you will still have to provide proof of education and proficiency in English or French.

Canada's Business Immigration Program is intended to attract experienced business people who will help support and develop the Canadian economy. The Business Immigration Program is divided into three classes: investors, entrepreneurs and the self-employed. Each of the immigration subclasses under the Business Immigration Program requires a separate application form. Those who receive immigration acceptance under the Business Immigration Program are required to either make an investment of 400,000 Canadian dollars or own and operate a business in Canada.

To qualify for Canadian immigration under the Provincial Nominees category, applicants must first be nominated by a Canadian province or territory. To be nominated as a Provincial Nominee, you must have the education, skills and work experience needed to make an immediate economic contribution to the nominating territory or province. Provinces and territories participating in the Provincial Nominees program are Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Yukon.