加拿大移民

Immigrants are selected either for their economic contribution to Canada or for family reunification. Canada also fulfils its international humanitarian commitments by accepting a certain number of refugees each year.

Skilled workers
The economic or independent category includes skilled workers and business immigrants. Skilled workers provide skills needed by the Canadian labour market. Can you meet the selection criteria? Click here for the Information Guide and rate yourself under the point system.
Business
Canada is looking for successful business persons with funds to invest and experience in running a business. Different selection criteria apply to investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed immigrants. A new Immigrant Investor Program was launched April 1, 1999.
Family
Family class immigrants are sponsored, and supported financially, by immediate family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada.
Refugees
Canada provides a safe home to refugees fleeing persecution. Some are selected abroad for resettlement in Canada; others claim refugee status after arriving in Canada and may be granted protection in Canada.

Destinations in Canada

Federal-provincial agreements on immigration may provide for different criteria depending on the province of destination. Quebec is responsible for selecting its own immigrants. Different criteria apply for immigrants to Quebec. Check the web site for Quebec's immigration ministry or contact a Quebec immigration office abroad.

British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Newfoundland have recently signed agreements regarding the selection of provincial nominees to fill specific provincial labour market needs. Provincial nominees do not have to meet the usual selection criteria, but they must pass health and security requirements. B.C. also has a new pilot project for business immigrants.

New Directions

In January 1999, Minister Lucienne Robillard announced new directions for immigration and refugee legislation and policy. This would change the selection system for future immigrants. Keep in touch with any changes through this web site.

Where and How to Apply

Immigrants must apply at a visa office outside Canada. Click here to see where you can apply. You can send your application to one of eight Regional Program Centres or to a Full-Service Centre, depending on where you live. Regional Program Centres may transfer your file to the nearest Satellite Office if an interview is needed.

You can download the immigration application from this site, using an Adobe® Acrobat Reader.

You may include your spouse and dependent children. Your spouse and any child aged 18 or over must complete a separate application form. Click here for a definition of dependent children. If you do not intend to have your family accompany you, they still need to undergo medical examinations and background checks.

You will need to pay a processing fee for yourself and each accompanying family member, which will not be refunded if your application is refused. Your application will not be considered until the processing fee is paid. You also need to pay a right of landing fee (ROLF) for each adult in the family, which is refundable if you are not accepted. Payment of the ROLF can also be deferred, but it must be paid before a visa is issued. You can mail the application to the appropriate visa office, along with the fees and all documents requested. You will be told if you need to appear for an interview or provide more documentation.

Documents needed include birth certificates or equivalent, marriage certificate, passports, evidence of education and employment, and proof of funds. Please check to see what specific documents are needed for your area.

All immigrants must meet health and security requirements. You will need to pass a medical examination and all adults must produce police certificates for the countries where they have lived. An applicant with a criminal record or who presents a security risk is likely to be refused admission to Canada. Click here for Canada's admissibility requirements.

Applicants selected for immigration to Canada receive an immigrant visa. When you arrive in Canada, the visa is signed by an immigration officer and becomes a record of landing. This is your proof of your status in Canada. It is important to keep this document in a safe place. The visa is valid until the validity of the medical assessment expires, which is one year from the date of the medical examination. You should go to Canada before the visa expires, or you will have to reapply.