Immigration Practice
Over the years, our immigration practice group has gained extensive experience in facilitating all categories of Canadian immigration including business immigration, independent application and family sponsorship. Our lawyers are also able to assist clients in obtaining temporary entry visas, student and employment authorizations to Canada. Over the years, we have helped clients from Hong Kong, Taiwan, People's Republic of China, Korea and other Southeast Asian countries.
The chair of our immigration department, Mr. Anthony Remedios, was course coordinator of the Immigration Seminars offered by the Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia. Our lawyers closely follow developments in federal law, regulations and policies affecting immigration and have developed an extensive network of contacts in this area.
Immigrant Categories - Three ways to Immigrate to Canada
- Family Sponsorship;
- Independent application; and
- Business Immigration.
Family Sponsorship
Your close family members in Canada initiate family sponsorship applications. Once the authorities in Canada approve the family member's sponsorship application, the sponsored family member can submit his/her immigration application to a Canadian visa office overseas.
Independent
Most independent immigrants are skilled workers, who are expected to have the skills, education, work experience, language ability and other qualities needed to participate in the Canadian labor market. The selection criteria, known as the "point" system, focus on occupation, education and training, experience, age, and knowledge of English and French. Bonus points are given if relatives in Canada are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The visa officer will give points for personal suitability upon interview. Skilled workers must obtain a minimum of 70 points to qualify as an independent immigrant.
Three Categories of Business Immigration
Within Business immigration, there are three subcategories: investor, entrepreneur and self employed.
Business Immigration - Investor
Investor immigrant needs to have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business and must have a net worth, accumulated by their own endeavor, of at least CAD $800,000.00. Before issuing of an immigrant visa, the investor must invest $400,000.00 CAD directly to the Government. A non-transferable zero interest Promissory Note - fully guaranteed by participating provinces- will be issued. After 5 years and 2 months, the investment without any interest will be paid back to the investor.
Business Immigration - Entrepreneur Immigrant
An entrepreneur immigrant also needs to have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business. An entrepreneur is not required to make any investment prior to immigrating to Canada but need to prove that he/she has sufficient net worth to establish, purchase or invest substantially in a business in Canada that will contribute significantly to the economy and create jobs.
Successful applicants and their family members are issued conditional immigrant visa and the condition must be removed within two years of landing in Canada. Upon purchase or investment of substantial amount in a Canadian business and active involvement in management of the business, the condition may apply to have the terms and conditions on his/her visa removed.
Business Immigration - Self-employed Immigrant
A self-employed immigrant must establish or purchase a business in Canada that allows the immigrant to contribute significant to economy, culture, or art in Canada. This category is suitable for professional athletes, artists, actors, writers, farmers, etc. The applicant must demonstrate his/her ability to successfully establish a business a business based on their exceptional credentials.
Our immigration team is very pleased to assist new immigrants. Our team of lawyers, consultants and assistants would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
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