Skilled Workers and Investors

  
There are four classes of economic immigrants. These are skilled workers; entrepreneurs; investors; and "self-employed." The vast majority of economic immigrants to Canada are skilled workers. Unlike the U.S., skilled workers do not need to be sponsored by a particular employer. Instead there is a point system which is used to evaluate the likelihood that an applicant will be able to succeed economically in Canada. If a person qualifies for immigration, the person's spouse or common-law partner (including same-sex partner) may immigrate as well, along with their children.

The complete definitions of each class are complex. The following is a brief summary:

• Until December 17, 2001, skilled worker applicants needed to have specific skills that were needed in Canada, such as computer programmers, cooks and occupational therapists. To qualify, the applicant had to score 70 points from a "selection grid." Points were awarded on the basis of education, occupation, work experience, age, and familiarity with the English and French languages. Up to 10 additional points could be awarded for "suitability" based on an interview with a visa officer. The applicant must also have had at least one year of experience working at a job on the "General Occupations List." This system is still in place for applications filed before January 1, 2002.
   
• On June 11, 2002, Canada changed the grid and eliminated the General Occupations List. Under the new system, any skilled occupation could qualify. Points are now awarded on the basis of education, language ability in French and English, work experience, age, approved employment in Canada, and several other factors. At first the pass mark was 75, but it has now been lowered to 67. Under the 67 pass mark, most applicants with a bachelor's degree, four years of skilled work experience, and fluency in either French or English will now qualify.  For more on the point system, see our news article "Canada lowers pass mark to 67."
   
• "Entrepreneurs" plan to invest in, and actively manage, a business in Canada. The amount of the investment depends on the nature of the business; there is no pre-set minimum amount. The new regulations have greatly altered the rules relating to this category. The entrepreneur must have a net worth of at least $300,000 Canadian to apply (a spouse's assets may be included). The entrepreneur must also have owned an interest in a substantial business abroad, as defined by the regulations, for at least two years out of the last five. This is the only immigrant visa which is conditional; within three years of landing, the entrepreneur must employ at least one Canadian in the new enterprise, and meet other criteria relating to the assets and income of the Canadian business.
   
• "Investors" obtain a visa by making an interest-free loan to the government of $400,000 Canadian, which is used for economic development, and then returned in five years. Unlike an entrepreneur, the investor does not actively manage the investment. The $400,000 can be financed for about $120,000 (which is not returned). The investor must have a net worth of $800,000 and recent experience managing or owning a substantial business abroad, as defined by the regulations.
   
• "Self-employed" immigrants are people who will make a significant contribution to the cultural, artistic or athletic life of Canada. They must plan to operate a business that will enable them to support themselves. The category is also open to people who will buy and operate a farm. The self-employed category is more restricted under the new law than it was previously.