Immigration to Canada from India

Introduction Immigration from the Indian subcontinent to Canada began during the late 1800s. The majority was Sikhs from the Punjab region and most settled in British Columbia. They were often erroneously referred to by government authorities as Hindus. Some were discharged British soldiers; others were labourers who found work in the lumber, railway and mining industries.In 1891, an increase in the Chinese Head Tax caused a decline in Chinese immigration to Canada, so booking agents began encouraging immigration from India to sell tickets on trans-Pacific ships sailing between Hong Kong and British Columbia. Between 1904 and 1908, over 5,000 Indian men arrived in B.C., with approximately 3,000 of them continuing to the United States.This early immigration to Canada was met with much hostility in British Columbia. As a result of this, East Indian immigration to Canada decreased dramatically until the 1940s. Only after the First World War did Canada change its position on East Indian immigration and allowed the admission of women and children. However, other restrictions were applied over the years, such as the "continuous voyage" regulation of 1908.Under pressure from a newly-created independent Indian government, Canada began to change its discriminatory immigration policies after the end of the Second World War. The initial quota for Indian immigrants was 150, but was subsequently raised to 300 a few years later. Gujarati immigration began in the 1950s and was characterized by two main groups: those who came directly from the Indian subcontinent, and often from Gujarat; and those who migrated from East Africa and Britain. Between 1961 and 1971 approximately 2,500 Gujarati immigrants settled in Canada. Most of these early migrants were various skilled professionals. Furthermore, between 1961 and 1982, approximately 32,000 people of East Indian descent arrived in Canada from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.During the 1970s and 1980s large numbers of people of East Indian descent migrated to Canada from the British Caribbean, most notably Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, as a result of economic difficulties existing in those countries. Approximately 90,000 East Indians migrated from the Caribbean between 1962 and 1992. There was, however, earlier migration of students studying and then residing in Canada from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, and Jamaica but their numbers were quite small. Most of these migrants settled in the province of Ontario with the vast majority settling in the Toronto region. There have also been smaller numbers of people of East Indian descent who immigrated to Canada from Fiji.

Canadians of Indian ethnic originareCanadiansofIndian subcontinentorigins, children of persons who immigrated from South Asia to Canada, or persons of Indian origin who have Canadian citizenship. The termsEast IndianandSouth Asianare sometimes used to distinguish people of ancestral origin from India from theFirst Nationspeoples of Canada, who are sometimes, incorrectly referred to in Canada as Indians. This is partially because historically the Americas were mistaken byColumbusas India and native Americans were mistaken by Columbus for Indians and later asWest Indians. Therefore there is no need to distinguish between west and east Indians, because the term "Indian" only refers to a single ethnic group.The term Indo-Canadian was commonly used until the early 21st century. Many Canadians of India origin now feel that the term is incorrect and discriminatory. Many ethnic Indians, who are Canadian citizens feel that their nationality comes first, and that their ethnicity and nationality are completely separate components of their identity. Few other Canadian citizens, especially those of European ethnicity use their national ethnicity and nationality together. Some ethnic Indians believe that the term "Indo-Canadian" diminishes the validity and strength of their Canadian identity. Many Canadians of Indian ethnic origins The main concentration of the Indo-Canadian population is found in theLower Mainlandof British Columbia (which includesGreater Vancouver) and the Greater Toronto Area, however there are growing communities inCalgary,Edmonton,Hamilton, andMontreal.Indo-Canadians are significantly more likely than the Canadian average to have a university degree, and most Indians in Canada are socio-economicallymiddle class.

HistoryThere may have been encounters between South Asians andFirst Nationspeoples in the sixteenth century along the Atlantic coast of present day Canada. Evidence from further south in the United States suggests that South Asian slaves were among the first settlers atJamestown, Virginia.Lascarsaboard Portuguese, Spanish and possibly French ships may have also arrived on the coasts ofLabradorandNova Scotia.The first definitive encounters between the First Nations and other aboriginal peoples of present day Canada and South Asia, began in the eighteenth century, when British traders engaged in theFur Tradearrived along the Pacific coast of Northwest America. These encounters involved the arrival of Lascars on ships fromBombay,Calcuttaand Macau. Reasons for movingThe Indo-Canadian community started around the beginning of the 20th century. The pioneers were men, mostlySikhsfrom thePunjab; many wereveteransof theBritish Army. In 1897 a contingent of Sikhsoldiersparticipated in the parade to celebrateQueen Victoria'sDiamond JubileeinLondon, England. On their subsequent journey home, they visited the western coast ofCanada, primarilyBritish Columbiawhich at the time was very sparsely populated and the Canadian government wanted to settle in order to prevent a takeover of the territory by theUnited StatesUpon retiring from the army, some of these men found their pensions to be inadequate, it was dangerous in India or else their lands were in the clutches of money-lenders. They decided to try their fortunes in the countries they had visited. They joined an Indiandiaspora, which included people fromBurmathroughMalaysia, theEast Indies, the Philippines, andChina. They were able to get work in thepoliceforce and some were employed as night-watchmen byBritishfirms. Others started small businesses of their own or drove taxis. These were modest beginnings but they had bigger ideas. The Sikhs, who had seen Canada, recommended theNew Worldto fellow Sikh people who were in a position to venture out and seek new fortunes. They were guaranteed jobs by agents of big Canadian companies like theCanadian Pacific Railwayand theHudson's Bay Company. Overcoming their initial reluctance to go to these countries due to the treatment of Asians by the white population, many young men chose to go, having been assured that they would not meet the same fate. They wereBritish subjects; Canada was a part of theBritish Empire; and the British Empire owed much to the Sikhs. Queen Victoria had proclaimed in 1858 that throughout the empire the people of India that they would enjoy "equal privileges with white people without discrimination of colour, creed or race."[5]Initial settlementHowever, upon arrival toBritish Columbia, the first Sikh immigrants faced widespread racism by the local white Canadians. Most of the white Canadians feared workers who would work for less pay, and that an influx of more immigrants would threaten their jobs. As a result there were a series of race riots that targeted the Sikh immigrants, who were beat up by mobs of angry white Canadians.These mobs not only targeted Indians, but also other Asian group such as the Chinese immigrants working on the railroad at the time andBlack Canadians. From the social pressure most decided to return to India, while a few stayed behind. To support the white Canadian population on the west coast of Canada, who did not want Indians to immigrate to Canada, the Canadian government prevented Indian men from bringing their wives and children until 1919, which was another considerable factor in their decision to leave Canada. The restrictions by the Canadian government increased on Indians, and policies were put in place in 1907 to prevent Indians who had the right to vote from voting in future general elections.Furthermore, government quotas were established to cap the number of Indians allowed to immigrate to Canada in the early 20th century. This was part of a policy adopted by Canada to ensure that the country retained its primarily European demographic, and was similar toAmericanandAustralianimmigration policies at the time. These quotas only allowed fewer than 100 people from India a year until 1957, when it was marginally increased (to 300 people a year). In comparison to the quotas established for Indians, people from Europe immigrated freely without quotas in large numbers during that time to Canada, numbering in the tens of thousands yearly. In 1914, theKomagata Marua steam liner carrying 376 passengers fromPunjab, India (all wereBritishsubjects) arrived inVancouver. Most of the passengers were not allowed to land in Canada and were returned to India. When the Kamagata Maru returned to Calcutta (now Kolkata), they were fired upon by the British, many died. Viewing this as evidence that Indians were not treated as equals under theBritish Empire, they staged a peaceful protest upon returning to India. British forces saw this as a threat to their authority, and opened fire on the protestors, killing many. This was one of the most notorious "incidents" in the history of exclusion laws in Canada designed to keep out immigrants of Asian origin.Recent settlementPolicies changed rapidly during the second half of the 20th century.In 1906 and 1907 there was a spike in migration from the Indian sub-continent into British Columbia. Most of the migrants were Punjabi Sikhs though there were Hindus and Muslims too. an estimated 4700 arrived, at around the same time as a rise in Chinese and Japanese immigration. The federal government curtailed the migration and over the next seven years, fewer the 125 South Asians were permitted to land in British Columbia. Those who had arrived were often single men and many returned to South Asia, others sought opportunities south of the border in the USA. It is estimated that the number of South Asians in British Columbia fell to less than 2000 by 1914. The Canadian government re-enfranchised the Indo-Canadian community with the right to vote in 1947. When British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan (East and West) upon independence in 1947. Thousands of people were moved across the new borders. Research in Canada suggests that many of the earlyGoansto emigrate to Canada were those who were born and lived in Karachi, Bombay and Calcutta. At the timeGoawas under Portuguese rule and faced an uncertain future. Goans as Christians were very much tied to British administration and saw little opportunity in Hindu-dominated India or Muslim-dominated Pakistan.Another group of people that arrived in Canada at this time were theAnglo-Indians, actually people of mixed European and South Indian stock.In 1967 all immigration quotas based on specific ethnic groups were scrapped in Canada.The social view in Canada towards people of other ethnic backgrounds was more open, and Canada was facing declining immigration from European countries, since these European countries had booming postwar economies, and thus more people decided to remain in their home countries. Canada introduced an immigration policy that was based on a point system, with each applicant being assessed on their trade skills and the need for these skills in Canada. This allowed many more Indians to immigrate in large numbers and a trickle of Goans (who were English-speaking and Catholic) started to arrive after theAfrican Great Lakescountries imposedAfricanizationpolicies.In the 1970s, thousands of immigrants came yearly and mainly settled in Vancouver and Toronto.In the 1980s and early 1990s, tens of thousands of immigrants continued to move from India into Canada. According toStatistics Canada, since the late 1990s roughly 25,000-30,000 Indians arrive each year (which is now the second-most populous cultural group immigrating to Canada each year, behind Chinese immigrants who are the largest group). The settlement pattern in the last two decades is still mainly focused around Vancouver, but other cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal have also become desirable due to growing economic prospects in these cities.Research at Library and Archives CanadaImmigration Branch: Central Registry Files Emigration of Hindus, RG 76, volumes 386 and 387, file 536999, parts 14, 16, 17 and 19, microfilms C-10281 and C-10282. File includes lists of names of various people who immigrated to Canada, 1922-1949.

Asiatics, Orientals (Japanese, Chinese, and East Indians), RG 76, volume 474, file 729921, microfilm C-10410. File includes lists of names for 1907 and 1922.Other series of RecordsLibrary and Archives Canada also holds other private records regarding Indian families. Consult theArchives Search database using keywords such as a surname or the name of an organization.

What propels Canada Immigration from India?

India has always been a major supply of skilled immigrants for Canada. If statistics are anything to go by then, India stood 2nd on Permanent Residency as 30,252 Indians were allowed the PR status next to China. This speaks about the volume of Canada bound immigration that originates from Indian. This is particularly more impressive as most immigrants find the diversity of Canada a big plus on their immigration. Canada immigration from India is propelled by a good many reasons. A few can be discussed as:-

1. Economic Benefits

Economy is how you define a countrys financial prepositions to support its population by way of an unending employment, commercial infrastructure and monetary policies. Canada has a GDP that places it among the first 10 countries on the globe. This clearly indicates that each citizen in Canada is able to give a higher participation onto the economy and also get paid for it. The statistics do also reveal that 67% of the immigrants in Canada migrated under economical reasons. During the year 2010, a total of 186,913 immigrants moved to Canada under skilled immigration.

CIC Citizenship and Immigration Canada has proposed different visas and subcategories to support the principal workers under the skilled worker category. On to the business category, CIC has approved a VIP Business Immigration Program to allow Entrepreneurs and Business owners to make investments on Canadian soil and earn a good profit out of it. Even the regional areas have specific programs on this segment, for instance Quebec runs a Immigrant Investor Program to attract FDI Foreign Direct Investments in the region and evolve employment out of it.

2. Permanent Residency

A big benefit out of Canadian immigration is the status on Permanent Residency. A permanent resident is given rights at par to a Canadian citizen and this is considered superlative degree on immigration. As discussed above India stood 2nd on Permanent Residency as 30,252 Indians were allowed the PR status next to China. The rate of influx to Canada substantiates the motive on immigration. CIC has facilitated the movement by its Canadian Nationality Law. The law has it that an immigrant who has lived in Canada for a total of 1095 days in a 5 years term can apply for Citizenship.

3. Diversity on ethnic groups

The national census at Canada reveals that the immigrants at any given year (a 10 year term) comprise 8.7% of the total population. This huge quantum on immigration is also a description on the different ethnic groups that have evolved in Canada. A total of 34 ethnic groups live in Canada and give each other a good space and respect. Indians already have a vast majority in the country and for most Punjabi Indians, Canada is considered a second home. Canada Immigration from India gets a good fuel from all such statistical remarks.

Canada has all the makings of a superior economy. The economical developments and its proximity with major super economic superpowers have made the country a growing ground for most immigrants, including Indians.

Federal ImmigrationImmigrants have made Canada, partly because it constantly needed newcomers to stimulate its economy and maintain population and partly because its rich natural resources and technological advancements offer better future to many. Majority of Canadians believe that every person has an inborn right to seek out and enjoy a life which is free from hardship and oppression and discover a healthier way of living for his family. Its immigration policy is, in part, is also a reflection of this belief.Many overseas workers who apply for Federal immigration to Canada are skilled workers. By definition, a skilled worker is someone who has acquired a special knowledge, skill, or ability in his work through education or job. Since these workers have a particular dexterity, they are favoured hugely in western countries including Canada. As per the Federal immigration guidelines, skilled workers are allowed to enter the names of their spouse and dependent children for permanent residency.The process of Immigration is jointly handled by federal and provincial governments. Majority of new immigrants enter Canada through federal immigration programs, such as refugee protection, family or economic immigration program. Their immigration can be either permanent or temporary. The foreign nationals who come to Canada on visitor visa or temporary work/student permit leave the country after their visa expires.The Federal Skilled Worker immigration applications for professionals are assessed on the following factors:EducationEducation forms the basic requirement for any individual entering in the country and an applicant can be awarded up to 25 points for this.LanguageApplicants are expected to be fluent either in English or French, the official language of Canada and can be awarded up to 24 points.Experience and SkillsWith experience a person brings talent, technical or non-technical knowhow, and can be awarded up to 21 points.AdaptabilityThe capability of a person to adapt himself to a new environment, people and job is rated on the scale of 1-10 and an applicant can awarded up to 10 points.AgeA person must have reached the age of 18 years at the time of applying for federal immigration. Candidates are awarded up to 10 points for age.Arranged EmploymentA person, who has arranged for some employment beforehand is a preferred choice as he is bringing value to the country, can be awarded up to 10 points.These factors help immigration authorities to judge which applicants are more likely to bring good social and economic value to the country. Applicants are also required to show that they have enough money to support themselves for few initial months in a foreign land and must score at least 67 points to clear the immigration process.The Story of Indian Immigration to CanadaThe Indian community in Canada has a fascinating history spanning more than a century. Starting with just a few immigrants landing ashore in Vancouver, British Columbia, Indo-Canadians now comprise one of Canadas largest and most well-integrated immigrant communities.A Brief History of Indian ImmigrationThe first documented immigrants from the Indian subcontinent were of the Sikh denomination. They arrived in Vancouver in 1904, during a time when immigration policies were much more restrictive than today.Despite the difficult immigration climate, a few thousand (largely Sikh) immigrants began to carve out a space for themselves in Vancouvers economy. Many were successful entrepreneurs, serving both their own community and businesspeople throughout the city.A few short years after arrival, Canadian authorities passed two laws that effectively ended immigration from India for a few decades. One law required new Indian immigrants to carry $200 in cash upon landing in Canada, while European immigrants needed just $25. In addition, Indian immigrants were required to arrive via a continuous journey from the sub-continent, something that was almost impossible in the time period before air travel.In the mid-sixties, however, Canada began to transition toward a policy of multiculturalism and did away with all discriminatory immigration policies. As a direct result, within a few short years the Indian population in Canada multiplied more than 20 times over. By this time, immigrants from all parts of India, with a wide array of languages and religions, were choosing to migrate to Canada. This upward trajectory of immigration continues today.Indian Immigration to Canada TodayToday, approximately 30,000 Indian citizens become new permanent residents of Canada each year. Tens of thousands more come to the country to visit, work, or study.In 2013 alone, 33,000 Indians were issued permanent resident visas. 14,000 students arrived in the country, and a full 130,000 came to Canada as visitors. Thanks to Canadas generousfamily sponsorshiplaws, many permanent residents are able to sponsor their parents for eitherpermanent residencyorextended visitor visas, thus ensuring that families are reunited and communities across the country are strengthened.Our government is proud to announce that Canada continues to attract visitors, students, and business travellers from India, said Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander. The impressive scale of visitor visas and study permits granted to travellers from India is an indication of the strong ties that exist between our two great nations.The Indo-Canadian CommunityCanadians of Indian descent can be found in every city and province in the country. The largest populations, however, are concentrated in Ontario and British Columbia. Toronto alone is home to almost 600,000 Indo-Canadians.Indo-Canadians are the third largest non-European immigrant group in the country, after residents of Chinese and Filipino descent. It is also one of Canadas most prominent and well-integrated communities.Many new arrivals from India speak impeccable English and possess experience in key industries like information technology, science, and medicine. These skills, combined with the Indian communitys strong support network, means that many newcomers are often able to quickly find jobs and settle into their new homes after arriving in Canada.Indo-Canadians are well represented in all areas of Canadian society. From politics to sports, and everywhere in between, Canadians of Indian descent have been integral to shaping the face of Canada to the world.Some of the many prominent Canadians of South Asian descent include Naheed Nenshi, the mayor of Calgary and Herb Dhaliwal, the first Indo-Canadian cabinet minister. The novelists Shauna Singh Baldwin and Michael Ondaantje claim roots in India and Sri Lanka, respectively. There have also been many successful Indo-Canadian businessnmen, such as Deepak Chopra, the president and CEO of Canada Post.Canadas success and growth as a country is intimately tied to the growth of its immigrant communities, saidAttorney David Cohen. It has been my great pleasure to help many Indian citizens come to Canada to live and work. I know that with every new arrival, our country is becoming richer both economically and culturally.

Backgrounder Facts in Canadas Immigration HistoryCanada is often referred to as aland of immigrantsbecause millions of newcomers have settled here and helped to build and defend our way of life, starting with settlers from France and England.In 1937, John Buchan, the 1stBaron Tweedsmuir and Governor General of Canada (1935-40) said immigrant groups should retain their individuality and each make its contribution to the national character, a philosophy that is carried forward in Canadas Multiculturalism policy.Did you know? In 1604, the first European settlement north of what is now Florida was established by French explorers Pierre de Monts and Samuel de Champlain, first on St. Croix Island (in present-day Maine), then at Port-Royal, in Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia).

TheAcadiansare the descendants of French colonists who began settling in what are now the Maritime provinces in 1604.

Most French speaking Quebecers are descendants of 8,500 French settlers who arrived in the 1600s and 1700s.

The Loyalists came to Canada from the United States in 1776, to escape the American Revolution. They were of Dutch, German, British, Scandinavian, Aboriginal and other origins and from Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Jewish, Quaker, and Catholic religious backgrounds. When Canada became a country in 1867 our first Prime Minister was, of course, an immigrant.Sir John Alexander Macdonald,was born in Scotland on January 11, 1815, and he came to Upper Canada as a child.

Dominion Lands Act was the 1872 piece of legislation that granted a quarter section of free land (160 acres or 64.7 hectares) to any settler 21 years of age or older who paid a tendollar registration fee, lived on his quarter section for three years, cultivated 30 acres (12.1 hectares), and built a permanent dwelling.

Between 1901 and 1914, over 750,000 immigrants entered Canada from the United States. While many were returning Canadians, about onethird were newcomers of European extractionGermans, Hungarians, Norwegians, Swedes, and Icelanderswho had originally settled in the American West.

Before 1914, some 170,000 Ukrainians, 115,000 Poles, and tens of thousands from Germany, France, Norway, and Sweden settled in the West and developed a thriving agricultural sector.

Between 1928 and 1971, one million immigrants came to Canada through Pier 21 alone.

By the 1960s, one-third of Canadians had origins that were neither British nor French, and took pride in preserving their distinct culture in the Canadian fabric.

Today, most immigrants come from China, Philippines and India.

The proportion of foreign-born Canadians was 19.8% in 2006.

24% of Canadas population speaks languages other than English and French.

Since the fertility rate in Canada is only 1.68 children per female, the majority of Canadas population growth is due to immigration.

Benefits of immigration to Canada

Canada usually finds a place right at the top in the list of immigration destinations, and many discerning migrants from across the globe choose the destination for permanent residence purposes. Canada immigration offers several attractive benefits to the migrants even as--thanks to these benefitsseveral immigration-inspired aspirants opt for Canada immigration, vis--vis other destinations. Canada is a young country that is called an immigrants paradise because everybody would have been an immigrant at some point of time in his life and that makes them welcoming to newly landed immigrants. Canadian Government has created institutions and provides support facilities for prospective immigrants to facilitate their settlement in the country after they land on the permanent residence status. Almost everybody has a relation, friend or acquaintance staying in Canada and that makes Canada a very sought after destination because one does not feel stranger immediately in Canada. Taking help of a Canada authorized immigration representative will help you in taking advantage of benefits of immigration to Canada.

Cosmopolitan people, stunning geographical features, abundance of utilizable resources, well-paying job opportunities, easy-to-follow visa categories, rewarding investment options; these are just some of the major attractions that fuel the would-be migrants interest in immigration to Canada.Major Benefits of Immigration to Canada1. Safety and a sense of being secure is one of the draws and it inspires many people to reside in the country even as the state government itself ensures a rather high level of safety for those who make Canada their home. So for those who are concerned about value of ones life issues, Canada makes a perfect migration destination. Citizens and residents follow rule of law and that makes Canada an ideal destination for prospective immigrants from world over.

2. Canada offers permanent residence programs for everybody: Skilled, entrepreneurs and investors. So one need not get discouraged if he is not qualified in one particular category. A careful search and contact with an experienced immigration advisor will make the task of choosing the right immigration category in which to apply for Canada permanent residence visa application.

3. Another benefit of immigration to Canada is its amazing and developed social help system;it organizes various courses for those who have lost their job and want to start afresh in a newer field. The same also helps the aspirants in choosing and gaining a well-paying job quite quickly. Canada offers excellent medical healthcare benefits to its citizens and residents. World-class free schooling and highly subsidized university education, not to talk about loans and bursaries available for meritorious students, makes it one of the most sought after destinations for people seeking overseas permanent residence options. If circumstances make one unemployed, the social security benefits supports the affected Canadian residents and citizens. As one grows older, Canadian government ensures peace of mind by offering retirement and pension benefits to its senior citizens.

4. Canadais an economically and politically stable nation even while the flow of wealth makes certain that the individuals get fairly handsome wages for their labor. That the same is very rewarding as stable income enables individuals to get pleasure from a happy life cannot be refuted.

5. Canadais a multi-cultural migration destination. Despite this, peace &harmony exist, and foreign people,eager to launch a business at their own endeavor, are assisted whole-heartedly. 6. Since the nation is self-governing, the immigrants as well as the residents play a key part in its economic and social life. Businessmen and trained experts are greeted with many rewarding opportunities to take their career to the next level, and shine on the world map. Canada is the second largest country in the world and has wealth of natural resources. Aerospace, IT, Tourism, Real estate, Hospitality, infrastructure and Automobile manufacturing industries provides abundance of business, investment and employment opportunities to prospective immigrants.

7. Overall, Canada is a quiet and safe destination to settle in, and the procedure of immigration is not as complex as one generally gets to see in certain other nations. As for simple immigration objects, there is no requirement for submission to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The concerned Canadian authorities appraise the potential immigrants,eager to reside for jobs on the grounds of educational qualification, age, financial stability, employment skills, &compatibility in language.

8. With the Canada PR Visarights, the holder would be in a position to make the nation a settlement/ business base, and in the process, get pleasure from the benefits of the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) as well. The same will assist in boosting the business interests across the entire North America, and this in turn, becomes probable only because of Canada Permanent Resident Visa and in due course the citizenship. A skilled professional Immigrant to Canada, after becoming Canadian citizen can take advantage of working in USA under flexible TN visa status.

9. The housing and lifes other amenities are available at highly affordable interest rates from banking and financial system for ordinary residents and citizens. Businessmen and investors would have the liberty to utilize the Canadian financial and banking system and make its use further for the expansion of their worldwide business interests, and this covers the present business. In addition, they would have the right to develop their personal international credit rating and that of the business enterprise owned by them in Canada.

10. With time and after becoming a citizen, the residence holder gets a Canadian passport a highly prized and respected travel document across the world. One does not need a visit visa to enter majority of developed and developing world and in most countries the holder of Canadian passport get visa on arrival. In EU and G-8 countries, one can enter and stay in these countries for a limited period without taking any specific visa permission.

11. The principal applicant can make spouse and children up to 19 years part of his immigration application. As regards his parents, he can sponsor them for Canada permanent residence visa or a Canada super-visa.

Canada Permanent ImmigrationPermanent immigration to Canada is a dream for many. The country offers a numerous opportunities to learn, earn and grow. Canada is one of those few countries in the world that extend the same privileges to immigrants as that of citizens. According to the statistics available with Canadian Embassy, more than 250,000 people chose it as their permanent home in the year 2007. This huge number is largely influenced by availability of outstanding educational system, universal healthcare, better standard of living, attractive countryside and the peacefulness that the country offers.Advantages of immigrating to Canada: A major benefit of immigrating to Canada is the right to work and live at any location within the country. A permanent citizen has rights to social benefits like public school education for children at no charge and state health care facilities for immediate family members.

Immigrants get a chance shift to Canada along with their family, including parents and children and can visit their home country as and when they want. Canadian Government extends financial help to those who face monetary crisis or unemployment. In addition to this, couples with children are given financial rewards on time to time basis.

A person with the permanent resident status can also extend an invitation (sponsor) to family members, brothers and sisters to settle in the country.

A Canadian resident does not need visitor visa to visit United States.

An immigrant, once settled at Canada, can diversify his or her business to USA as well under the NAFTA agreement.

All the new residents have the same freedom, rights and status as that of Canadian citizens which is an exceptional feature in the present turbulent world.These, in addition to many other reasons, make permanent residency in Canada an attractive and respectable choice.Who Qualifies for Canadian Permanent Residence/Skilled Worker Immigration?On January 1, 2015, the Government of Canada implemented the Express Entry Immigration system under the Economic Class including the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Under Express Entry,Federal Skilled Workersacross 347eligible occupationswho meet minimum entry criteria, submit an expression of interest profile to the Express Entry Pool. The profiles of candidates in the pool are ranked under a Comprehensive Ranking System. The highest ranked candidates will be considered for an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Candidates receiving an invitation must submit a full application within a delay of 60-days.

Federal Skilled Workersare persons with suitable education, work experience, age and language abilities under one of Canada's official languages and who are selected under the Express Entry Immigration system to apply for permanent residence.To qualify for admission to the Express Entry Pool as aFederal Skilled Worker, applicants must meet the following conditions:Essential Conditions:Possess one-year of continuous full-time paid work experience or the equivalent in part-time continuous employment within the previous 10 years in one of 347eligible occupationslisted under the applicable National Occupational Classification system;ANDThe work experience must be classified within Skill Type 0 (Managerial Occupations), Skill Level A (Professional Occupations), or Skill Level B (Technical Occupations and Skilled Trades) within the meaning of the National Occupational Classification system;ANDScore sufficient points under theskilled worker point gridcomprising of six selection factors. The current pass mark is 67 points;Undergo language testing from a recognized third party and demonstrate intermediate level language skills in English or French corresponding to the Canadian Language Benchmark of 7)Possess suitable settlement funding;Undergo a successful security background and medical examination.Under the new rules, qualified applicants are evaluated against six factors to determine their eligibility for immigration to Canada. Applicants must obtain a total of 67 points out of a possible 100 in order to qualify. The selection factors are:Education;Language;Employment experience;Age;Arranged employment;Adaptability;The new program seeks to select candidates with the highest probability of economic settlement success and contribution to Canada. It maintains previous criteria with modification to the relative importance and point structure for each selection factor.Selection Factors:To be selected under the FSW program, applicants who possess sufficient work experience and language proficiency must accumulate a minimum of 67 points on the skilled worker selection grid, which allocates points for education, language, employment experience, age, arranged Canadian employment and adaptability.Education Maximum of 25 pointsThe maximum number of points awarded for education is 25, with maximum points awarded to applicants with doctoral degrees. Foreign credentials will be evaluated by a designated third party to determine their Canadian equivalent and points will be awarded based on that equivalence. At this time, organizations designated for credential evaluation are:Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies;International Credential Assessment Service of Canada;World Education Services;Medical Council of Canada.Language - Minimum threshold of 16 points, Maximum of 28 pointsOnly applicants capable of demonstrating an intermediate to high level proficiency in one of Canadas official languages, English or French, will be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum threshold must score at least 16 points under this selection factor. Higher language proficiency can lead to an allocation of up to 24 points.The benefits of bilingualism are considered marginal to an individuals successful economic establishment in Canada and the new point system limits points for a second official language to a maximum of 4.Employment Experience Minimum of 9 points, Maximum of 15 pointsThe new program requires a minimum of 1-year to qualify and the maximum consideration is 6-years.Age Maximum of 12 pointsUp to 12 points will be allotted to candidates between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Each year above the age of 35 will reduce the allocation by 1, with no points being awarded as of age 47.Arranged Employment 0 or 10 pointsPoints are allotted to individuals with a validated offer of employment in Canada. In an effort to streamline labour market related processes and reduce processing times for employers and their potential employees, the Arranged Employment Opinion process will be replaced with the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) employment validation process which is generally used in processing applications for Canadian work permits.In order to validate an employment offer and obtain points for this selection factor, a candidates proposed employer must demonstrate to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada that the hiring of a foreign worker will have neutral or positive economic effects on the local labour market.Candidates with a validated employment offer will gain 10 points under this factor, and an additional 5 points in the Adaptability selection factor for a total of 15 points.Adaptability Maximum of 10 pointsApplicants who have at least 1 year of full time Canadian work experience in a managerial, professional, technical or skilled trade occupation will be awarded maximum points. As mentioned above, a validated offer of employment will provide 5 adaptability points. Other considerations awarding points under this selection factor include: A close adult relative living in Canada; Applicant or spouse has studied in Canada; Spouse has previous Canadian work experience; Spouse has knowledge of one of Canadas official languages.What to follow while applying for Canadian citizenship?The normal steps to file for immigration and permanent residency are: Submission of application for citizenship and passport three years after your first arrival in Canada.

For eligibility, an adult should have attained the minimum 18 years of age, should know either English or French and display knowledge of responsibility associated with the permanent residency.

The duly filled application for citizenship is sent to the Canadian government for approval. The applicant is then required to appear for a citizenship test, which can be undertaken only by those who are within the age bracket of 18-54 years.For faster immigration:The Canadian government is working continuously to make the immigration process less time consuming, and with this purpose many new procedures have been introduced in CIMC, which stands for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada. The practice of clearing the documents of interested immigrants, which used to take 5-7 years earlier, has drastically come down to 8-10 months now.

Canada-India RelationsIn India, Canada is represented by theHigh Commission of Canada in New Delhi. Canada also has Consulates General in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai; and trade offices in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.India is represented in Canada by a High Commission in Ottawa, and by consulates in Toronto and Vancouver.Canada and India have longstanding bilateral relations, built upon shared traditions of democracy, pluralism and strong interpersonal connections with an Indian diaspora of more than one million in Canada. This expanding bilateral relationship is supported by a wide range of agreements and by PM Singh and PM Harpers commitment to increase annual bilateral trade to $15 billion by 2015. Canadas priorities in India include infrastructure, energy, food, education, science and technology. India is an important source country for immigration to Canada.Prime Minister Harper undertook a state visit to India from November 4-9, his longest official foreign visit since assuming office in 2006. During the visit the following agreements were signed: the Canada-India Social Security Agreement, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies and Electronics, and the MOU between York University and the Indian Defence Research and Development Organization. Announcements were also made on: agreement on the Appropriate (Administrative) Arrangements of the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement; institutionalization of annual Strategic Dialogues between respective Foreign, Trade, and Energy Ministers, and between the offices of National Security Advisors; upgrading of the trade office in Bengaluru to a Consulate General; announcement of updates to the air transport agreement; and announcement of the winners of the competition for the Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence.Trade and InvestmentAccording to Statistics Canada, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and India in 2011 totalled approximately CAD$ 5.2 billion, an increase of 23.4% percent 2010.While Canadian merchandise exports to India in 2011 totalled $2.6 billion (a 27.7% percent increase 2010), imports from India reached $2.5 billion (a 19.3% percent increase from 2010).Top Canadian exports to India include vegetables (mostly peas and lentils), fertilisers, paper and paperboard, machinery, wood pulp, precious stones, and iron and steel. Canadian imports from India include organic chemicals, precious stones and metals, knit apparel, woven apparel, machinery, and iron and steel.Canada - India Bilateral Trade 2005 2011[Figures in billion Canadian Dollars]2005200620072008200920102011

Canadas Importsfrom India1.791.921.982.22.02.122.5

Canadas Exportsto India1.091.681.792.422.142.152.6

Total2.873.593.774.624.144.275.1

Canada India Bilateral Direct InvestmentIn 2011, the stock of two-way direct investment between Canada and India was C$5 billion.[Figures in million Canadian Dollars]2005200620072008200920102011

Canadian DirectInvestment in India319677506667520676587

Indian DirectInvestment in Canada1712111,9886,5146,2174,3644,386

Total4908882,4947,1816,7375,0404,983

Science and TechnologyIn 2005, Canada and India signed an Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation to foster greater bilateral S&T collaboration. The agreement was officially ratified in 2008 and is supported by the Canada-India Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee.During the November 2012 State Visit to India, the Prime Ministers of Canada and India tasked the Joint S&T Committee with developing an Action Plan to fortify the bilateral S&T relationship by promoting basic research, facilitating academic and industrial personnel exchanges, and accelerating technology commercialization.Prime Minister Harper also announced the selection of the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS) as the winner of the Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence competition announced in Budget 2011.From 2007 to 2012, joint funding from Canada and India supported eight high quality bilateral R&D projects in priority areas such as Sustainable Environmental Technologies, Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and Biotechnology.SecurityCanada and India maintain regular dialogues on regional security and global strategic issues of common interest through the annual Canada-India Strategic Dialogue and the Canada-India Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, as well as the annual Foreign Policy Consultation. The newly established Foreign Minister and National Security Advisor office dialogues will further contribute in this area.Environment and EnergyThe two countries have established the Canada-India Forum for Environmental Collaboration in order to increase technology and knowledge exchange on environmental issues.Canada and India also initiated a Canada India Energy Forum following the signing of the energy Memorandum of Understanding in November 2009.Canada and India in Multilateral ForaCanada and India are also strong partners in addressing a variety of regional and international challenges. Our two countries regularly engage in dialogue to discuss our shared commitment to global peace and security. This past summer in Tokyo, Canada and India joined more than 60 other countries and 25 international organizations in pledging support to help Afghanistan become a more stable, more secure, and democratic country. As Commonwealth countries, we work together to promote democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law, and we regularly cooperate through the UN. We have developed a partnership in the G20 by co-chairing two instrumental working groups since 2008 on the Framework for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth and on Enhancing Sound Regulation and Strengthening Transparency.Immigration and VisasIndia is currently the third largest source country of immigrants to Canada, with a rapidly growing Indo-Canadian community estimated to be over one million.Recently, fast-track processes have been instituted to expedite processing of visas for designated business travellers and students applying to designated publicly-funded post-secondary colleges and universities in Canada. Over 99% of applications thorough the Business Express program are approved, most within two working days. Partly as a result of the Student Partners program, India was the second largest source of students destined to Canada in 2011 when 12,210 study permits were issued, more than four times the number in 2007. In an effort to reduce the frequency with which frequent travellers must apply for visas, the maximum validity of the temporary resident visa has been increased from five to ten years (subject to passport validity). A new Super visa for qualifying parents and grandparents allows for visits of up to 2 years without the need for the holder to renew status.Stakeholder InvolvementIn support of Canadas growing engagement with India, the Government of Canada is committed to consulting regularly with all Canadian stakeholders: provinces and territories; municipalities; non-governmental organizations; the private sector; civil society and the Canadian public.High-level VisitsThe high number of visits over the last three years - involving Ministers, Members of Parliament, Premiers, academic and trade delegations - reflects the importance of the Canada-India relationship.Prime Minister Harper was accompanied by Minister of International Trade Fast, Minister of State Uppal, Minister of State Gosal, Parliamentary Secretary Obhrai, MPs Devinder Shory, Kyle Seebeck and Parm Gill, and by Senators Asha Seth and Tobias Envergas Jr., as well as a large cultural and business delegation during his November 2012 visit to India. Other visits to India in the last half of 2012 include: Clerk of the Privy Council Wayne Wouters, who visited October 22-26; Natural Resources Minister Oliver, who visited October 8-12; and John Baird (former Minister of Foreign Affairs), who visited September 10-12. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Kenney visited India January 7-12, 2013.Development AssistanceAfter 55 years of bilateral programming in India totalling C$2.39 billion, Canadas bilateral development assistance program came to an end in 2006 following a change in Indian government policy regarding aid. However, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) continues to provide assistance to India through partnerships between Indian and Canadian NGOs and multilateral programs. In addition, the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi manages the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, to support local projects in India focusing on gender equality, human rights, and good governance. For further details see the Development Cooperation link on the left hand side of this page.Canada Fund For Local InitiativesFor over three decades, Canada has funded modest development assistance projects in developing countries through theCanada Fund for Local Initiatives(CFLI). The CFLI is a program that supports small projects proposed and implemented by local NGOs and other grassroots organizations such as village councils, cooperatives and womens groups. This enables Canada to respond to local needs by working at the community level. Equally important, the CFLI serves to strengthen Canadas relationships with civil society and local communities and to build networks of contacts in countries around the world. The staff at the Canadian Mission look forward to working with you to implement an initiative you may have to contribute to your communitys development.Immigration PolicyCanada's Immigration policy is the most explicit part of what might be described as a population policy. In a liberal democratic state such as Canada, only the prevailing rates of immigration and not those of mortality, fertility and emigration can be effectively regulated. Prairie classroom at Bruderheim, Alberta. Prairie schools were to be the vehicles by which immigrants would be assimilated (courtesy Glenbow Archives).Canada'simmigrationpolicy is the most explicit part of what might be described as apopulationpolicy. In a liberal democratic state such as Canada, only the prevailing rates of immigration and not those of mortality, fertility andemigrationcan be effectively regulated. By regulating the means of selection and by controlling the number of entrants, the government seeks to fulfil a variety of national objectives.According to the 1870-71 census, Canada's total population was 3.6 million. In addition to native peoples (about 136 000 in 1851) the 2 largest groups were the French (1 million) and the British (2.1 million). Excepting the Germans (203 000), other groups (Dutch, American blacks, Swiss, Italians, Spanish, Portuguese) were much smaller. During the next century, about 9.3 million people immigrated to Canada and, although many went on to the US or eventually returned to their native lands, by 1996 Canada's population had surpassed 29 million.During the 19th century, the movement of individuals and groups to Canada was largely unrestricted, although in 1885, under pressure from BC, an Act was passed restricting Chinese immigration through the imposition of a head tax, the first of a series of such measures directed at the Chinese that continued until the late 1940s. Otherwise immigration policy was concerned mainly with quarantine stations, the responsibilities of transportation companies, and the exclusion of criminals, paupers, the diseased and the destitute.But after the massive immigration between 1903 and 1913, WWI and subsequent political upheavals and economic problems, a much more restrictive immigration policy was implemented and remained unchanged until 1962, when Canada's present universal and nondiscriminatory policy was introduced in stages.Policy AgenciesThree different departments or agencies have been responsible for immigration policy in Canada since WWII - the Department of Citizenship and Immigration (1950-65), the Department of Manpower and Immigration (1966-77) and the Canada Employment and Immigration Commission (est 1977).Under the provision of section 95 of theConstitution Act of 1867, (formerly BNA Act), responsibility for immigration matters is a concurrent power divided between the provincial and federal governments. Ottawa, for most of Canada's history, has dominated this policy area, although Ontario since WWII, and Qubec since the mid-1960s, have been particularly concerned with immigration. More than half the total number of immigrants in recent years have settled in Ontario.Qubec created its own Department for Immigration (now called the Department of Cultural Communities and Immigration) in 1968. Its major concerns have been, first, to recruit as many French-speaking immigrants as possible (or immigrants with a good knowledge of French), and second, to ensure that immigrants who settle in Qubec form part of the francophone community. Qubec was the first province to have a special immigration agreement with the federal government. (There are now agreements with several other provinces.) The federal government is also involved in the difficult task of increasing the numbers of French-speaking immigrants to Canada.The Green PaperDuring the 1970s, immigration and population policies were officially reviewed, and a Green Paper on Immigration Policy and a report to Parliament (1975) by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and the House of Commons were prepared. Almost all the committee's recommendations were accepted by the Liberal government and absorbed into a new Immigration Act (1976, proclaimed in 1978) which established for the first time the fundamental objectives of Canada's immigration policy. They include the promotion of Canada's demographic, economic, social and cultural goals; family reunion; nondiscrimination; the fulfilment of Canada's international obligations in relation torefugees; and co-operation among all levels of government, as well as with the voluntary sector, in promoting the adaptation of newcomers to Canadian society.The current Immigration Act, along with subsequent procedures adopted by the Canadian Employment and Immigration Commission, has significantly broadened the constituency that today has a role in shaping policy and establishing annual immigration levels. By means of an extensive, ongoing consultation process, provincial governments, potential employees, ethnic groups and humanitarian organizations all have the opportunity of having their views weighed by appropriate immigration officials.Following such consultation, the government since 1980 has annually tabled in Parliament 1- to 3-year projections of the desired immigration levels. For several of the years since this practice has been adopted, the actual number of arrivals per year fell considerably below the figures appearing in projections. For example, in 1985, the immigration level was set at between 115 000 and 125 000 while, in fact, the number of newcomers reaching Canada numbered barely 100 000.In addition to the provisions encouraging an open consultation process, the Immigration Act contains sections modernizing policy relating to security and the determination of refugee status, and streamlining provisions concerning overall control and enforcement. The basic statute also established the Immigration Board, created in 1967 as a fully independent body whose decisions cannot be overruled by government except in relation to security matters.Immigration and Refugee PoliciesImmigration and refugee policies are planned and must be considered together. In keeping with Canada's international responsibilities as a signatory to the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, refugees normally constitute approximately 10% of the annual flow of newcomers. During major international emergencies, such as the unexpected outpouring of humanity from Southeast Asia 1978-81, the figure reached 25% of all new arrivals in Canada.Although the majority of immigrants seeking refugee status in Canada make legitimate claims, since the late 1970s but especially during the mid-1980s an increasing number of persons reaching Canadian ports of entry, without first having been processed by Canadian immigration offices, have sought to gain admission to Canada by falsely claiming to be refugees. In this way, such persons seek to jump the queue of regular immigrant applicants and become established in Canada, although there is little if any evidence to indicate that such persons have been the objects of persecution in their last state of residence. During the last half of 1986 alone, in excess of 10 000 persons sought to shortcircuit normal immigration procedures by resorting to claims of refugee status.The connection between economic and immigration policies usually arises out of the realization that a relationship exists between the size of the immigration flow andlabour marketrequirements. From decade to decade, or even from year to year, the need for professional, skilled or unskilled persons fluctuates significantly. The pool of available labour in any country also alters over time because of the birthrate and the acceptance, for example, of women in the work force.For most of Canada's history, the government's tools for matching the requirement of the labour market with the flow of immigrants have not been particularly refined or effective. In recent years, this process has begun to change. Today, with the help of computers, improved communications networks and the co-operation of employers, it is possible to tune more precisely the flow of incoming persons bound for the workplace.During the 1980s, immigration policymakers instituted a program to encourage businessmen and entrepreneurs to immigrate to Canada, bringing their managerial skills and capital so as to create additional employment opportunities. Many immigrants have brought substantial capital and jobs to Canada in the past 15 years.Immigration RegulationsImmigration regulations provide for the admission of 3 categories of immigrants: family class (closely related persons), independent immigrants (admitted on the basis of skill, capital and labour-market requirements) and refugees. When processing applicants, immigration officers are instructed to give priority to persons seeking family reunification and to refugees. Independent applicants without family but with required skills or capital are considered next.Many new arrivals in the family or refugee categories have tended to be unskilled or else to possess talents inappropriate to the region or community where they have settled. These priorities, then, can disrupt the labour market; the resulting economic insecurity can create disappointment and hostility among the immigrants or among Canadians who feel threatened by the newcomers.Canada's immigration policy also encourages the dispersal of immigrants across the country. In the decades following the resurgence of immigration after WWII, Montral, Vancouver and especially Toronto received up to 66% of all immigrants entering Canada. Current policy has attempted to encourage immigrants to settle in smaller communities in the less-populated provinces.Administrative arrangements and practices adopted by Employment and Immigration Canada and the Immigration Bureau of theDepartment of Foreign Affairs and International Trade(formerly External Affairs) significantly affect how policy is implemented and whether it achieves its purposes. Since 1967 the selection of applicants for admission has occurred without discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity or geographic region, but because immigration officers are not situated in many states of developing countries, persons in these countries are in effect excluded from Canada even if they are members of an admissible category, unless they are able and prepared to travel to a distant immigration office in another country.The number of applicants being processed at an overseas immigration post can also be easily regulated merely by the size of the staff assigned to this task. The discretionary powers of immigration officials in Canada and abroad necessarily influence the daily administration of policy. Criticism of these discretionary powers can become especially intense because there are no grounds or mechanisms for appeal against negative decisions by officials in the field.Because these and other features of Canada's immigration practices can affect this country's relations with other governments (particularly if these governments perceive Canadian procedures or policies as inequitable), immigration policy is part of Canadian foreign policy. This fact was acknowledged by the government of Canada in 1981, when much of the responsibility for the administration of immigration programs was transferred from Employment and Immigration Canada to the Immigration Bureau in the Department of External Affairs (now Foreign Affairs and International Trade).While considerable discussion both within and outside government regarding the development of a population policy for Canada has taken place since the early 1970s, explicit moves to formulate and implement such a policy or to carry out demographic research only commenced in the mid-1980s. In a report to Parliament in 1985 by the minister responsible for immigration, reference was made to the establishment of a small secretariat to review the social and economic implications of Canada's prevailing population patterns. The review is to be completed by 1989 and interim reports with recommendations may be tabled in Parliament.The 1985 report to Parliament as well as subsequent reports on immigration indicate the existence of a consensus among relevant government departments, employers, ethnic groups and labour organizations supporting the gradual increase in the number of immigrants annually admitted to Canada. It is agreed that a moderate and controlled increase in arrivals is required if Canada's present population size is to be maintained or to grow marginally. Moreover, without additional immigration, the decline in fertility in Canada over the past generation will by the early years of the next century result in an inadequate number of working-age Canadians being burdened with the cost of health and social programs for the much increased number of elderly citizens. Today, estimates suggest that an annual intake of between 125 000 and 140 000 immigrants would be both acceptable and appropriate for Canada's needs.Among the lengthy list of organizations within Canadian society that expect a role in the formulation of immigration policy and regulations are church groups, employers, organized labour and community-based and ethnic organizations. Many of these nongovernmental bodies seek to promote family reunification and to attain financial assistance for immigrant-adjustment schemes.The government has had to acknowledge as well the existence of a not altogether latent sentiment among a portion of Canadian society favouring a reduction or even a halt in the selection of immigrants. The entry into Canada of a sizable number of nonwhite immigrants (about 33% of Canada's immigrants are from Europe; 33% from the Americas, (including the Caribbean); and 33% from Asia, Africa and elsewhere) has created what has been called a visible minority, one that has occasionally been the target of abuse and violence. While the government and interested voluntary associations have attempted to strengthen among the Canadian public a sense of tolerance and compassion for newcomers, the task is not easy. Immigration is an extremely emotional subject, especially when the fate of family members or personal economic security is involved.Canada's immigration policy is non-discriminatory regarding ethnicity; however, individuals suffering diseases likely to endanger public health, or those without any apparent means of financial support, or those known to be criminals or terrorists can be excluded. An undetermined number of persons in these undesired categories gain entry every year to Canada by practices and tactics contravening the spirit and letter of prevailing immigration legislation. Still others who may have been properly admitted to Canada, such as students and visitors on short-term visas, choose to remain beyond the time permitted by Canadian law.The problem of illegal aliens, while not a new one, has in recent years become more awkward for the Canadian government to resolve, especially as the total number of persons entering Canada at border crossings and airports has grown. Once in Canada, illegal aliens may easily escape notice unless they try to acquire some public service which would bring them to the attention of government authorities.The number of illegal aliens in Canada is obviously impossible to determine accurately. Estimates by police and immigration personnel range between 50 000 and 200 000. Where possible, without infringing upon traditional civil liberties, the government is endeavouring to close any remaining loopholes that have in the past facilitated the admission of persons not authorized under prevailing immigration legislation and regulations. Fraudulent claims for refugee status by aliens trying to avoid normal overseas screening and processing constitute one of the more serious problems confronting immigration officials.The practice of admitting to Canada highly skilled persons from less-developed countries continues to provoke some controversy. The governments of the less-developed countries, from which a growing number of immigrants to Canada originate, regard with apprehension the exodus of people they can ill afford to lose. While the view has been expressed within and beyond Canada that Canada should not encourage the outflow of trained individuals from "have-not" regions of the world, Canada, like other liberal democracies, stoutly defends the concept of freedom of movement for all personsCanada Tax Advantages

Information on prospective tax advantages in Canada.People are attracted to Canada for many reasons: stable political climate, safety and security, universal healthcare, good job opportunities, excellent educational facilities, clean air and a well deserved reputation for quality of life are just some of them. Tax benefits, however, are not usually included on this list. They should be.

To begin with, the following principles of taxation apply: Canada taxes individuals on the basis of their residence and not their citizenship. A Canadian Permanent Resident may apply for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport after three years.

Canada taxes its residents on their worldwide income, but allows offshore trusts for new permanent residents.

Canadian citizens who are non-residents of Canada do not pay Canadian tax on their worldwide income. Non-residents pay Canadian tax only on certain Canadian-sourced income and capital gain.

There are no estate duties or succession duties in Canada.

New Canadian Permanent Residents can significantly reduce, or even eliminate, Canadian taxes with proper planning in advance of their arrival. They are permitted to establish a properly structured offshore trust to shelter non-Canadian sourced income and capital gain for up to five years after their arrival in Canada. During this five-year tax holiday the individual can acquire Canadian citizenship and choose to become a non-resident for Canadian tax purposes. In this manner the income and capital gain generated by the trust never falls into the Canadian tax net.