The Canadian government accepts applicants belonging to one of these 3 categories:
- Refugees — Those fleeing countries for fear of persecution.
- Family Class — Those directly related to Canadian citizens.
- Independent Immigrants — Those who are admitted based on their skill sets.
Priority of those applying to immigrate to Canada goes to those in the Family Class and Refugee categories. Independent claimants can expect longer processing periods
Refugees
Refugees are people who have fled their homelands for fear of persecution and are unable to return without risking their personal safety. Refugees and Immigrants differ in that immigrants choose to leave their countries, whereas refugees have been forced. Canada proudly resettles refugees to save lives and to provide stability to those fleeing persecution.
Family Class
Both Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family members for permanent residents status in Canada. Sponsors must be at least 18 years of age and living in Canada.The following relatives are eligible for sponsorship:
- Husbands, wives, or common-law partners, including partners of the same sex.
- Children if:
- The child is unmarried and less than 22 years old.
- Has been continuously enrolled as a full time student since the age of 22 and supported by you.
- Wholly dependent on you due to a physical or mental disability.
- A child under 18 whom you intend to adopt under certain circumstances.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON CANADA'S FAMILY CLASS IMMIGRATION POLICY CLICK HERE
Independent Immigrants
This would include skilled workers, investors entrepreneurs, and the self-employed who choose to apply on their own initiative and assessed with a point system. Selection focuses on age, education, occupation, experience, ability to speak either French or English
