For a long time, Canada was the number one country for immigration. There are many reasons for this, but perhaps the main one is the accessibility of the process. As Russian Toronto writes, if you wanted to immigrate to Canada, it was quite easy - you could legally and quickly obtain permanent resident status and, after three years, acquire Canadian citizenship.
Perhaps it is worth reminding once again why Canada attracted and still attracts those seeking a better life. Of course, first of all, it is a high standard of living. Canada is among the most developed countries in the world and differs from many of them in that it is focused on developing social programs - it is known in the world precisely for its socialism (in the good sense of the word). For a long time, Canada was recognized as the number one country for life according to aggregate indicators and continues to remain in the leading ranks to this day, although it has ceded the lead.
Also important is the fact that the local society is very tolerant - Canadians are understanding of everything happening around them and almost never show aggression. As a result, Canada has a very low crime rate, friendly attitudes toward each other and toward immigrants.
Another factor that makes this country attractive: its citizenship allows you to visit most countries of the world without needing visas. All that is required is a Canadian passport. And to obtain Canadian citizenship, you only need three years of residence in the country with permanent resident status. In practice, almost everyone gets it.
The combination of all of Canada's advantages (we have mentioned only a small part of them) with the accessibility of immigration made this country, undoubtedly, the most attractive place for those who were thinking about changing their country of residence.
Ups and downs
However, events of recent years have significantly tarnished Canada's image as a country open to immigration. First, processing times became longer. If before 1999 this process took 8-12 months (and often 4-5 months), then later, for completely incomprehensible reasons, the timeframes lengthened, and a three-to-four-year wait for an immigration authorities' decision became common. Then, in December 2001, it was announced that a new immigration law would come into effect in June 2002, which practically closed the door to Canada for most applicants.
The combination of these two factors - long processing times and high requirements for immigration applicants - had a negative impact on Canada as an attractive place for immigration. Against the backdrop of this lost interest in the country, changes in immigration legislation went almost unnoticed, which changed the situation dramatically and again made Canada the number one country for immigration. What are we talking about?
Changes few people know about
First, the selection criteria have changed. Overall, although the requirements for immigrants remain stricter than before the new law (before June 2002), they are achievable. The passing score in September 2003 was significantly lowered compared to that set in the summer of 2002, and the doors to Canada opened again. At least, meeting the conditions for successfully passing an interview for immigration to Canada is no more difficult than moving permanently to Australia, and certainly easier than to any other country.
If we compare the current situation with the one that existed before the introduction of the new law, we can note the following advantages of the innovations:
- Occupational restrictions have been lifted. Those who at one time could not count on successfully going through the immigration process because their profession did not allow them to score the required number of points can now not worry - almost everyone is accepted.
- For the last six or seven years, only those with a higher education could actually count on successfully going through the immigration process to Canada (except for those who had close relatives in Canada or had a job invitation). Currently, the situation is such that not only they, but also those with secondary specialized and secondary technical education can successfully immigrate.
- Unlike the practice of previous years, when much depended on the opinion of the official conducting the interview, now the subjective factor is absent - the decision is made only on the basis of submitted documents.
- Processing times should be significantly reduced. Representatives of the immigration ministry have repeatedly stated that reducing processing times is one of the ministry's priority tasks. This is also confirmed by the words of Brian Casey (Consul General of the Canadian Embassy in Russia and Director of the Immigration Program) in an online interview conducted by the newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets on February 11, 2004, who, when asked about the planned processing times at the Moscow embassy, said that the immigration ministry intends to return to periods of one year or less.
- A radical change in the requirement to maintain Canadian permanent resident status. Before June 2003, in order not to lose status, one had to be on Canadian territory for at least 183 days a year (that is, at least six months). Currently, someone who has obtained permanent resident status can be absent for three years out of five without the threat of losing it. Moreover, if the reason for absence is a necessity caused by work for a Canadian company or Canadian government bodies, then this time counts as time spent on Canadian territory, with credit when applying for Canadian citizenship.
So what do we have?
1. Moving to Canada for permanent residence has become easier. Canada has once again become the country where immigration is most accessible for skilled workers. Moreover, the circle of those who can expect a positive immigration outcome has expanded considerably.
2. Processing times for immigration cases will be reasonable and will not exceed one year.
3. Obtaining an immigration visa and, as a result, permanent resident status does not impose strict obligations to move to Canada immediately. You can remain at your main job or continue running your business, and your children can finish their studies; or you can calmly wrap up your affairs at home and settle in Canada at your own pace — you have at least three years to make the final decision about moving to the Maple Leaf country.
At that, Canada remains one of the most prosperous countries in the world — economically developed and stable, with social benefits, a tolerant attitude toward national diversity, a clean environment, and a democratic society, ready to accept new members, one of whom could be you.