Canada has much to offer to newcomers. It has a welcoming, inclusive culture, clean environment, natural beauty, and a prosperous economy.
Canada is a major immigration country; approximately one in six of its 32.2 million people were born outside of Canada. Their countries of origin include the UK, China, Italy, Greece, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Malaysia and many others.
Canada receives about 200,000 to 250,000 immigrants each year. More than a quarter of this number comes from Asian countries. Canada has two official languages-English and French-however, approximately 17% of the population speak languages other than these.
Canada's fertility rate sits at 1.61 children per female, which is well below the replacement rate, since Canada's population is ageing rapidly (median age is 37.8 years and rising). Much of Canada's population growth is due to immigration and this is expected to continue throughout the 21st century.
Want to work and live in Canada? The Skilled Worker Visa is a permanent residence Visa allowing you to immigrate to Canada. Up to 100,500 skilled worker Visas will be made available between 2007 and 2008.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program allows skilled migrants to become permanent residents and is the most popular Visa option for migrants seeking to establish themselves permanently in Canada and obtain permanent residence.
Canada is looking for skilled migrants with transferable skills, particularly migrants with experience and training in their respective fields as well as proficiency in English and/or French seeking to establish a new life. You do not require a job offer to apply for this Visa.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program allows applicants with at least 1 year of work experience to file an application. You must also meet some additional requirements including a points-based assessment applicants must meet or exceed to file an application
Canada uses a points-based system which allows applicants who meet or exceed the pass mark to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Visa. Currently, the pass mark has been set at 67 points. Your application will be judged on criteria including education, work experience, proficiency in English and/or French ability, your age, and your ability to adapt to life in Canada. In addition, you must meet certain criminal and medical requirements.
The Canadian Skilled Worker Visa provides you with great flexibility in allowing you to settle anywhere in Canada (except the province of Quebec) and pursue any vocation after your arrival, including taking any employment, pursuing further study or investing in a business. It is this flexibility that makes it the most popular choice for newcomers who wish to live and work in Canada.
Once you become a landed immigrant, you benefit from the many advantages reserved for permanent residents.
Permanent Residence - You will have access to Canada's Medicare system (government-funded health care), subsidized educational system, unrestricted access to the Canadian employment market, unemployment Insurance benefits, Canada Pension Plan benefits and the option to participate in tax exempt retirement plans such as registered retirement savings plans (RRSP).
Citizenship - You will also have to right to apply for Canadian Citizenship once you satisfy certain residency requirements.
Sponsorship - Another extremely important benefit of being a Permanent Resident is the opportunity to sponsor your close family relatives who may wish to join you in Canada.
Each year, Canada welcomes over 90,000 workers on to fill job shortages in key areas of the economy. As the Canadian economy expands, it needs more workers to fill a variety of positions. In sectors such as health care, manufacturing, care-giving, and the construction industry, there is already a shortage of workers.
A Work Visa (or Temporary Work Permit) is the best option for anyone who wishes to work in Canada, but does not want to apply immediately as a Permanent Resident. However, you may be able to use the Work Visa to move toward Permanent Residency at a later date.
A Temporary Work Visa allows applicants to work and live in Canada, and gain Canadian work experience. You must generally have some previous experience and meet some additional requirements.
A Temporary Work Permit could allow you to work for an employer in Canada. There are over 200,000 jobs advertised every week. Temporary Work Permits can be processed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada in as little as 1 day!
