Immigration Lawyers for Permanent Residence
When most people think of Canadian immigration, they are thinking about permanent residence in Canada, whether in Halifax, Nova Scotia or elsewhere in the country. Applications for permanent residence are generally completed while the applicant is outside Canada. There are three main classes to choose from: business, skilled worker and family. Some applicants may apply while in Canada: refugees, humanitarian and compassionate applications, spouses of Canadians and people who are here on valid (temporary) work permits while their permanent residence applications are in process. Further details on these categories can be found below.
Federal Business Class
Are you a Rockstar? Superstar? Athlete? Writer? Artist? Or are you simply a successful business person looking for some VIP immigration treatment? If so, the Federal Business Class category may be for you. Canada has options for investors; self-employed artists, athletes and farmers. We represent people in all of these categories. These applications take from 1-3 years to process.
Investor
If you have business experience and a net worth of at least $1,600,000 (CDN), you may qualify for the Investor Class. This category enables you to “invest” in Canada (either by providing $800,000 which is refunded interest-free after 5 years or a “walk-away” payment of approximately $200,000 through a designated financial institution, which is not refunded). Your immediate family (spouse and dependents) can be included in the application, you are not required to start a business in Canada and no immigration conditions are imposed upon admissions to Canada (unlike the Entrepreneur Class).
Self Employed (artists, athletes and farmers)
The Self-Employed Class is for world-class artists, high-performance athletes and experienced farmers intending to purchase and operate a farm in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Each Canadian province has the ability to nominate immigrants with skills or circumstances the province values and needs. Let us know which province you are interested in. We will let you know if there is a provincial immigration category suitable for you. Or – let us know your skills and circumstances and we will tell you which Canadian province is looking for someone just like you!
Refugees
This area of our practice is founded on the belief in international human rights and Canada’s obligation to offer safety and security to those who need it. We represent people making refugee claims in Canada throughout all aspects of the process.
Skilled workers
The Canadian government has been revamping the skilled worker categories over the past few years. The old skilled worker program was criticised for bringing in the best and brightest – even though their credentials may not be recognized in Canada. We ended up with the most highly educated taxi drivers in the world. The new skilled worker programs, including the Canada Experience Class and Designated Occupations Class will help ensure skilled workers will be able to work in their occupations of choice and be happier and more prosperous. For more information on the options and requirements, have a look at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website
Close relatives
If you are married to a Canadian, in a common-law relationship with a Canadian, have a parent you wish to sponsor to come to Canada, or wish to adopt a child in another country, you may qualify for one of the Family Class categories. Send us an email and we’ll give you a few options to consider.