PRESENTATION BY
CANADIAN CONSULATE GENERAL
IMMIGRATION SECTION
Detroit, Michigan
IS YOUR FUTURE IN CANADA?
Immigrating to Canada
Indiana University – Bloomington, IN
November 6, 2001
Who We Are
Canadian Consulate General - Detroit
Government of Canada services:
 Immigration Section
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Process visitor visa, student & worker applications
Process immigrant applications (“Skilled workers”)
International Business Development Section
Consular Section (Assisting Canadians)
Political Liaison & Cultural Affairs Section
Why Choose Canada?
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Large landmass, abundant natural resources &
small population
Democratic, open society
Multicultural population welcoming to
newcomers
Well developed infrastructure, health,
educational and other systems
Highly industrialized, vibrant economy with
many opportunities for skilled workers &
business persons
How Many Immigrants Come
to Canada Every Year?
Number of Persons Landing in Canda
300,000
255,000
250,000
200,000
227,159
174,162
189,911
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
1998
1999
2000
2001 *est.
Top 10 Source Countries
for Immigration to Canada in 2000
1. People’s Republic of
6. Sri Lanka
2. India
7. United States of
3. Pakistan
8. Iran
4. Philippines
9. Yugoslavia
China
5. Republic of South
Korea
America
10. United Kingdom
How Can I Get Information
About Immigrating to Canada?
Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) Website:
www.cic.gc.ca
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General information
Application Kits
Fee Schedules
CIC Publications
Links to Related Sites
How Do I Apply for an Immigrant Visa?
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Application kits in Adobe PDF format can be
downloaded or printed from the CIC Internet site
Kits may also be requested in writing or by fax
to:
Area Processing Center
Canadian Consulate General
3150 Marine Midland Center
Buffalo, NY 14203-2800
Fax: 716-858-9591
What is the Process?
 All immigrant applications to Buffalo “APC”
 APC reviews file for completeness & provides
acknowledgement of receipt
 If no interview required, APC processes
application to completion
 If interview required, file is transferred to 1 of 4
other U.S. offices – notice of transfer is given
 Receiving office then assumes all responsibility for
the application until it is concluded
U.S. Network of offices
BUFFALO
"Area Processing Centre"
Receives all immigrant applications
& issues visitor visas
DETROIT
LOS ANGELES
NEW YORK
SEATTLE
Immigrant interviews
& visitor visas
Immigrant Interviews
& visitor visas
Immigrant Interviews
& visitor visas
Immigrant Interviews
& visitor visas
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Visitor visas only
How Long Does It Take?
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Routine application may take up to 12
months
Supporting documents must be gathered
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Submission of complete application up front may
save processing time!
An interview may be required
Medical examinations are required
Police clearance certificates from all places of
residence in the last ten years
What is the point system?
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Skilled workers (“Independents”) must qualify on a point
system
Assessment grid contains 10 items for which points are
awarded
Qualifying mark is 70 points
“Assisted relatives” need only 65 points
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Need to have brother, sister, mother, father, grandparent, aunt,
uncle, niece or nephew who is a permanent resident or Canadian
citizen living in Canada
Key to qualification is training and experience in an occupation
on “Open Occupations List”
Do You Qualify?
The Point System
Age
Occupation factor
ETF/SVP
Experience
Arranged Employment
Demographic
Education
English
French
Personal Suitability
Max. 10 (ages 21-44)
Max. 10
Max. 18
Max. 08
Max. 10
Max. 10 (currently 8)
Max. 16
Max. 15 – 9 for 1st
language & 6 for 2nd
Max. 10 (interview)
Sample Assessment #1
Occupation of Computer Programmer
Age (25)
Occupational Factor
ETF/SVP
Experience
Arranged Employment
Demographic
Education
English/French
Bonus (relative)
Personal Suitability
Total
10
10
15
02
00
08
15
09
00
00
71
Sample Assessment #2
Occupation of Computer Engineer
Age (28)
Occupational Factor
ETF/SVP
Experience
Arranged Employment
Demographic
Education
English/French
Bonus (relative)
Personal Suitability
Total
10
05
17
02
00
08
16
06
00
00
64
Sample Assessment #3
Occupation of Systems Analyst
Age (32)
Occupational Factor
ETF/SVP
Experience
Arranged Employment
Demographic
Education
English/French
Bonus (relative)
Personal Suitability
Total
10
10
15
02
00
08
15
06
00
00
66
A word on visitor visas
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Individuals from countries requiring visitor
visas are encouraged to apply early – esp. for
travel at holidays
Mail-in is encouraged for foreign students
resident in the U.S.
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Evidence of current enrollment is essential
Same day service provided for walk-ins
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But note countries for which there is a waiting
period!
Questions?
Canadian Consulate General
Detroit, Michigan
www.can-am.gc.ca/detroit/