A member of the G8, Canada is the sleepy giant, the country with the second biggest surface area in the world. The greatest part of Canada’s potential riches lies locked in the enormous forests and the mineral deposits deep under ground. The population of this country is widespread and most of the inhabitants live within 320 kilometer of the border of the United States. To the north of Canada there are large areas which are totally unpopulated. Most of the population is either English or French speaking. Canada consists of 10 provinces and two territories. The capital city of Canada is Ottowa and Toronto is by far the biggest city.

Canada has many rivers and in the region of 250 000 fresh water lakes and the country has roughly one third of the world’s fresh water within its borders. Approximately 90% of Canada’s agricultural products are cultivated in the Great Lakes basin and the St Lawrence lowlands and consist mostly of grain products of which wheat is the most important. This country has two of the world’s largest fish catchment areas namely, Grand Banks and the northwest coast off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Almost half of Canada’s surface is covered by forestry. Pulp from these forests supply more than half of the world’s newspaper paper. Various other wood products are also manufactured. The United States is Canada’s biggest trading partner, which amounts to almost two-thirds of its exports.

Most people are put off emigrating to Canada on account of the climate. It is correct that Canada does have long cold winters and warm mild summers, but society is geared for these winters and adverse weather conditions. Houses are specially built with double glazed windows, central and under floor heating, even plug-in heaters for your car. Buildings are interconnected to enable you to move about from one building to the other and do your shopping in the comfort of your jeans and T-shirt.

Canada has an active immigration policy and encourages new immigrants into its economy. The requirements are mainly based on your qualifications, age, ability to speak English and/or French and your years of work experience. Certain other factors will also enhance your ability to qualify for entry in this country of splendor, beauty and wide-open spaces. Canada awaits.

General Skills Visa

These visas are based on an individual who attains the pass mark of 75 points. In order to attain this pass mark the applicant needs to have a qualification, current work experience, English/French language ability and be under 55 years of age. Additional points can be obtained by proving spousal skills, having studied in Canada, having legally worked in Canada or having a family relation in Canada. This visa affords the successful applicant and his/her family permanent residency.

Work Visa

This visa does not entitle the holder to Permanent Residency and expires on the expiry of the work contract. Work visa holders must convert to PR if they intend staying in Canada after the expiry of their work visa.

Business Visa

There are numerous business visas that businesspersons can pursue to obtain permanent residency in Canada. These visas are complex and have various different criteria attached to them that potential business applicants must achieve in order to obtain Permanent Residency. Some of the business visas include Entrepreneur visa, Investment Visa, Retirement Visa etc. Should you have queries in this regard please do not hesitate to contact us.