Qualification Questions

         Who qualifies? 

Ans:-     The Independent Category is “point oriented” and provides for the granting of permanent resident status to applicants who scores a total of 70 points under 9 factors of assessment. Normally, individuals with an undergraduate, graduate or post graduate degree in engineering, mathematics, life sciences, computer science, sales and marketing or business administration and who possess minimum one year of related work experience have the best chance to qualify under the Canadian Independent Category. As well, there are a number of additional occupations which are “open” for prospective immigrants under this category. 
The Entrepreneur category allows for qualified applicants to receive Canadian permanent residence on the basis of investment plus active participation in a business or commercial venture in Canada. A qualified applicant is generally one who intends and has the ability to establish, purchase, or make a substantial investment in a business or commercial venture in Canada that will make a significant contribution to the economy and whereby employment opportunities will be created or continued in Canada for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents, other than the entrepreneur and his dependants.

The exact amount of substantial investment is not defined in the Regulations and is therefore an issue which gives rise to the use of discretion by an immigration officer during the mandatory reporting process.

The concept of ability relates to an applicant’s past business or his business functioning record, his efforts to become familiar with the Canadian business community, language skills, etc., and is likewise a highly discretionary issue left to the judgment of the interviewing visa officer.

The Investor category allows for the acquisition of Canadian permanent residence on the basis of a five year passive irrevocable investment with a provincial government guaranteed fund in the amount of CAN $ 4,00,000.    

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         How do I prove my qualifications to the visa officer?

Ans:-     At some point in the selection process, you will be called upon to provide documentation to help prove to the visa officer that you do meet the entrepreneur definition. Proof of a successful business management background will help establish that you have the ability to set up and operate a business venture in Canada. You should be prepared to provide business and personal income tax records, audited financial statements, business records, official company organization charts and other documents of this nature. You must also satisfy the visa officer that you have sufficient assets available for your business venture and to establish yourself and your dependents in Canada, for example, bank statements, property and business valuations, share certificates and other documents of this nature. The visa office will tell you what documents to provide and when to submit them. You may be asked to explain any ambiguities, inconsistencies, shortcomings or gaps in these documents in a personal interview with a visa officer. 

         Will my professional/occupation qualifications be accepted in Canada?

Ans:-    Some will, some will not. Sometimes  it is just a case of passing an examination or adding an additional qualification. It is up to you to find out if your qualifications relate to the Canadian labour market. You should contact a professional body in Canada. Their names and addresses can be found in The Canadian Almanac and Directory. The Canadian Information Center for International Credentials can also give information on this.    

         Most of the time I was employed on part-time basis. Do I qualify? 

Ans:-     This aspect of an applicant’s profile gives rise to the use of discretion by the Visa office and accordingly, should be addressed in an appropriate manner, on a case by case basis.