Canadian Immigration

Family Class Immigration

Canadian citizens and permanent residents age 18 or older are entitled to sponsor close relatives or family members wanting to become permanent residents. Sponsors must promise to support the relative or family member, as well as their accompanying family members, for a three to 10 year period. Sponsors, who may also need to meet specific income requirements, may sponsor these foreign relatives or family members:

• Spouses, common-law or conjugal partners age 16 or older.
• Parents and grandparents.
• Dependent children, including adopted kids.
• Children under 18 whom you intend to adopt.
• Brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces or grandchildren who are orphans, less than 18, and not married or in a common-law relationship; or one relative of any age if you have no aunt, uncle or family member from the list above who is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

You may also sponsor a spouse or common-law partner from inside Canada, provided they have lived with you in Canada. Sponsorship of a spouse or common-law partner includes their dependent children, whether based in Canada or abroad.

You´re now entitled to apply to sponsor your same-sex partner as a spouse, provided you´re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You must also have been issued a marriage certificate by a Canadian province on or after a specific date-June 10th, 2003, for Ontario residents.

If married abroad, you´re not entitled to apply to sponsor your same-sex partner as a spouse. However, you may qualify for sponsoring your same-sex partner as a common-law or conjugal partner.

Business Class Immigration

Canada seeks foreign investors to inject capital into its economy, and experienced business people to contribute to its economic prosperity. There are three business immigrant classes-investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons-with separate eligibility criteria:

• Investors are required to invest CAN $400,000 and demonstrate business experience and CAN $800,000 in net worth.
• Entrepreneurs will own and manage businesses in Canada, create new jobs and posses proven business experience and CAN $300,000 in net worth.
• Self-employed persons have the intent and ability to become self-employed in Canada. They require either (1) suitable experience enabling them to contribute to this nation´s cultural or athletic life; or (2) farm management experience and the intent and ability to buy and manage a Canadian farm.

Skilled Workers Class Immigration

Canada welcomes skilled workers from abroad that meet minimum work experience requirements; prove they can finance their settlement in Canada; and earn the required number of points in six selection factors, which include educational, linguistic (French or English) and job experience requirements. Skilled workers enjoy access to a vibrant labour market rich in diverse opportunities, and have a chance to successfully establish permanent Canadian residency.

International Adoption

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident can adopt a foreign child. To bring the adopted child to Canada, you´re required to sponsor him or her for immigration. The sponsorship can start once you decide on adoption or wait until after you find a child and launch the adoption process. International adoption involves dual processes-adoption and immigration sponsorship-and requires compliance with the adoption laws of the child´s country of origin.

Provincial Nomination

Most Canadian provinces-excluding Ontario where Gertler & Associates is based-offer programs to encourage immigrants to settle there and benefit the provincial economy. To immigrate to a Canadian province, first apply to the desired province, and it will assess your application on the basis of their immigration needs and your genuine intention to settle there.

Canada´s refugee protection system - a major part of the its broader immigration system-protects individuals at risk from around the world.

This thriving democracy welcomes thousands of newcomers annually. Foreigners seeking to immigrate to Canada have a variety of options when applying for permanent residence status. Gertler, Etienne LLP will ensure that you select one of these immigration classes best suiting you and your family´s unique needs: