Residence Questions

We often hear Questions regarding moving to Canada


What is permanent residence?

When people apply for immigration to Canada, they are in fact applying for a permanent residence visa. Permanent residence is a status that allows an immigrant to legally reside and earn a living anywhere in Canada while abiding by the country’s constitutional laws.  In the U.S., such status is granted with what is known informally as Green Card. 

All individuals who are not eligible to apply directly for citizenship must first apply for permanent residence.  After meeting minimum residency requirements (i.e. 3 years), individuals can then apply for citizenship, which entitles them to a Canadian passport.  

Although not able to vote in elections, permanent residents enjoy many of the same privileges as Canadian citizens, including the right to education, health and social services, and protection under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

What are the different categories of immigrants?

The rules for the admission of immigrants deal with three basic categories. The family class, independent/Skilled Worker class, and the Business/Investor Category.

Family class Category: immigrants sponsored by close family members already living in Canada.

Independent Category: immigrants who qualify for certain types of jobs or have other important assets to bring to Canada. They apply on their own or have more distant elatives living in Canada.

Business Category:  Canada welcomes business immigrants who have the ability and resources to invest in or establish businesses in Canada. During 1998, business immigrants invested more than $437 million in Canada. Business immigrants, who represent nearly 8% of total immigrants, include investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed immigrants. Selection criteria vary for each category.

Investor Category:   Investors must invest a minimum amount in approved projects in Canada.  All investors must provide a minimum investment of $400,000 and have a minimum net worth of $800,000. Provinces and territories secure the investment against loss.

You may finance your investment in the Immigrant Investor Program without having to deposit the whole amount of 400,000C$ but just 120,000C$ and borrow the rest thru us via a Bank or Financial Institution. Write to us for details.