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Ontario|Immigration LawGeneral Information 658 Who can immigrate to Canada? Although Canada accepts over 200,000 new immigrants each year, all immigrants must meet certain entrance requirements. Canadian immigration laws consider immigration applications in three main categories or classes. There are different requirements to be allowed to stay in Canada under each of these categories.
The three main categories of immigrants are: family class, refugees, and independent immigrants. The family class is for immigrants who have close relatives in Canada who have promised to provide financial help. The refugee class is for immigrants who are unable or afraid to return to their home country. The independent immigrant category includes independent workers who have occupational skills and experience that are considered desirable in the Canadian labour market, self-employed people, and entrepreneurs and investors. More detailed information about each of these immigration classes is available on Legal Line .
In most cases, people who want to immigrate to Canada must apply from another country before they come to Canada. Applications can be submitted by mail or in person to a Canadian embassy, consulate, or commission abroad. Applications can be made in Canada by refugee claimants, live-in caregivers, spouses of a Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and other people who have humanitarian or compassionate reasons to be in Canada.
To determine whether you meet the entrance requirements and to make sure that your application is properly prepared, you should contact an immigration lawyer. Additional information is also available at Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices. Office locations are listed in the Blue pages of the telephone book.
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