The following is collected and archived by CND-Canada. If you have any questions regarding the following information/message, please contact the original sender(s) listed below. Thank You. China News Digest - Canadian Regional Services (Bo Xiong) --------------- Date: Thu, 10 Nov 1994 21:00:27 EST Reply-To: Good 1994 Sender: FCSSCD-L is a list for the open discussion and info exchange From: Good 1994 Subject: Immigration #6 To: Multiple recipients of list FCSSCD-L Status: R Immigration #6. Canadian Immigration Policies Dear Colleagues: Recently, there are great concerns about the possible changes on the Canadian Immigration Policies. As being invited, an article has been addressed in SRA (Stewart, Roper & Associates) to introduce the new Immigration Policies. The SRA is one of the leading immigration law firms in Canada and currently supporting the University Program in assisting our graduate students and scholars to apply for the Permanent Residence in Canada. Y.Zhang ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHANGES TO THE IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP POLICY IN CANADA Jacqueline R. Bart, B.A.,LL.B.,J.D. November 10, 1994. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ms. Jacqueline Bart is a professional immigration lawyer with the SRA, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Her areas of concentration are Independent, Family and Business immigration in Canada. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- On November 1, 1994, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, the Honourable Sergio Marchi, P.C.,M.P., announced the new immigration framework which consists of a five-year plan from 1995 to the year 2000. The reasons for these changes are largely a result of immigration consultations across Canada which indicate some disagreement with the manner in which immigration policy is current operated as well as the implementation of same. The changes that have been introduced do substantially alter the immigration framework as we now know it. However, the fact is that while the immigration policy has been changed, the legislation has not been put into force and, accordingly, immigrants may still benefit from the previous and substantially more generous immigration framework which will be changed shortly although the date thus far is unannounced. The only actual change that has occurred at this time is an immediate moratorium on new private immigrant investor funds pending re-design of the program. Accordingly, applicants who wish to benefit from a more generous immigration policy ought to take advantage of the current system before new legislation introduced. It is anticipated that the new legislation which will be introduced in 1995 will be in accordance with the policy changes announced by the Minister which are as follows: 1. Family Unification Priority will be allocated under this category to spouses and dependent children. Accordingly, the sponsorship of parents and grandparents will be somewhat more restrictive in nature. A strategy will be created to improve compliance with sponsorship obligations. (i.e., sponsorship contracts, realistic financial criteria for sponsorship and the possibility of an introduction of financial guarantee or sponsorship bond.) 2. Self-Employed Category The Self-Employed Category will be cancelled and will be re-introduced within the independent category. Accordingly self-employed applications ought to be made as soon as possible. 3. Business Category The business immigration programs will be revamped substantially making the entrepreneur and investor categories somewhat more rigorous. In particular, entrepreneurs will be required to make larger investments than previously required. Furthermore, the active recruitment of economic immigrants has been encouraged by setting up specialized offices in Taipei, Dubai, North America and South of Germany in relation to the total number of immigrants admitted between 1995 and 2000. Economic immigrants which currently comprise 43% of all immigrants will be increased to 53% by year 2000. Family immigrants which currently comprise 51% of all immigrants will be decreased to 44% by 2000. 4. Independent Category Independent category will change in relation to the requirements regarding knowledge of English and French. Accordingly, individuals not possessing a strong knowledge English and French should apply for permanent residence as soon as possible. Furthermore, education, experience, age, employability and adaptability to the changing labour market will be matters which will be emphasized in the newly revamped "points system". Furthermore, the establishment of an "international clearing house" on accreditation for the recognition of foreign credentials with provinces and provincial associations may, in fact, tighten the controls in relation to applications by professionals possessing foreign credentials. As such, it is advisable for applicants to apply in relation to their professions under the independent category prior to the introduction of new legislation. 5. Reduction of Immigration Levels Citizenship and Immigration Canada has reduced the total number of immigrants to enter Canada to between 190,000 to 215,000 (compared to the 1994 projection 212,000, this projection must also be compared to the immigration levels in 1992 and 1993 which were 252,842 and 254,321 respectively.) 6. New Citizenship Act A new Citizenship Act will be established which will require newcomers and citizens to possess greater appreciation of what it means to be a Canadian. Summary Given the foregoing, it is important to remember that the various immigration restrictions that have been announced will not take place until legislation is implemented. At this time, not even draft legislation has been presented to the Canadian Bar Association or members of the public. As such, we do not anticipate that this legislation will be put forth prior to 1995. This provides individuals with a "window of opportunity" so as to take advantage of the previous (an much more open) immigration policy (provided that the immigration policy which have been introduced will not be implemented retroactively through legislation). As such, all prospective applicants for permanent residence to Canada as well as temporary entry to Canada are likely to benefit from an early application for entry to Canada given the possibility of imminent change.