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Ontario|Immigration LawSkilled Worker Class Immigrants 674 Who is an independent immigrant? One of the main categories of immigrants to Canada is the Independent Immigrant class. This includes assisted relatives, skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed people. People who are accepted as independent immigrants are considered desirable because of their occupational skills and their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Independent immigrant applications are evaluated by a point system, which awards points for various selection criteria, such as occupation, education, and support from relatives already in Canada. Applicants must have a minimum of 70 points to be eligible to immigrate. More information about the point system is available on Legal Line . Before you submit an application as an independent immigrant, you can estimate how many points you will earn.
Immigration Canada considers three sub-categories of independent immigrants. The assisted relative category is for applicants who have a relative in Canada who is able and willing to help them settle here. The skilled workers category is for applicants who have specific occupational skills and experience that meet the needs of Canada's labour market.
The third category is for business people who can make a significant contribution to the economy as investors, entrepreneurs, or by running their own business. Applicants in the business category should apply to immigrate under the Business Immigration Program. More information about this program is available on Legal Line .
Some people who do not have specific occupational skills or relatives in Canada may also be allowed into Canada under a category called 'other independent immigrants'.
The selection criteria that are used to evaluate an independent immigration application depend on which sub-category you apply in. Applications in the independent immigrant category take between one and three years to be processed. The application fee is $500 for each applicant aged 19 and older, and $100 for every applicant under the age of 19. The processing fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Additionally, there is a Right of Landing Fee which is $975 per adult applicant.
As part of the application, the applicant and the applicant's dependents must pass a security check and a medical exam by a designated physician. Applicants must also prove that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents. Independent immigrants must have at least $10,000 when they enter Canada, plus an additional $2,000 for each dependent.
You can apply to immigrate as an independent immigrant at any Canadian consulate, embassy or high commission. You can submit your application by mail or in person. Application packages are available from Canada Immigration Centres or Canadian government offices abroad. If you require assistance with your application or need specific legal advice or assistance to best present your application, you should contact a Canadian immigration lawyer.
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