Immigrating to Canada

Under which category should I apply?
Where can I get an application form?

There are different categories of immigrants to Canada:

INDEPENDENT IMMIGRANTS (Skilled Workers)

If you have special occupational skills and experience, you may qualify as an independent immigrant. These skills must be readily transferable to the Canadian labour market. You must also have sufficient funds to settle in Canada and good communications skills in English or French. If you are interested in knowing your chances of qualifying in this category please consult Applying for Permanent Residence in Canada: A Self-assessment Guide for Independent Applicants.

FAMILY CLASS

One of the objectives of Canada's immigration program is family reunification. If you have a close relative living in Canada, this person may be able to sponsor you. A sponsorship is a promise your relative makes to the Canadian government to support you and your dependants for a period of one to ten years. Normally the sponsor must reside in Canada and submit the sponsorship there.

To qualify as a member of the family class, your must be the sponsor's:

• spouse
• fiancé(e)
• dependent child
• parent
• grandparent
• brother, sister, nephew, niece, grandson or granddaughter who is an orphan, unmarried AND under 19 years of age
• any child under 19 years of age to be adopted
• any other relative, if your sponsor does not have any of the above living anywhere AND does not have any family in Canada

BUSINESS CLASS

There are three categories of business immigrants:

1. Entrepreneur:

Is an experienced business person:

• who within 2 years of settling in Canada will create or buy a business in which he/she will have an active managerial role;
• whose business must create jobs for one or more Canadian citizens or residents (other than family members);
• whose business must also make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy.

2. Investor:

• has successfully operated, controlled or directed a business;
• has accumulated through his/her own endeavours a personal net worth of at least 500,000 Canadian dollars;
• has made a minimum investment in an approved investment fund in Canada after applying for an immigrant visa.

3. Self-employed person:

• has the intention and the ability to establish or buy a business in Canada;
• creates employment for the applicant through this business;
• establishes a business that contributes significantly to the economy or the cultural and artistic life of Canada.

Where can I get an application form?

Applicants are responsible for their immigration process. Forms can be downloaded from the Canadian Immigration Centre website or can be obtained by contacting the Canadian Embassy in Santiago directly.

Independent

Family Class

Business Class