抽空从http://cn.yahoo.com 用“移民”为关键词查看了很多移民公司的网页，发现他们大多有一个白人朋友，称某某御用大律师，或某某前移民官。
小子不才，没有如此背景，更没有这般长相，却又想写一点这方面的事情，只好自封：御用移民王大顾问，比美猴王自封“齐天大圣”多留了点儿余地。
或许有一天我真的办一家移民公司也未可知。
其实中国人未见得只讲感情不讲逻辑和法律。
说起去加拿大，想到的第一桩就是“加拿大怎么好？”移民公司是这样回答的：
“生活质量高：最近发布的2000联合国发展报告说，加拿大已经连续七年位居最佳居住地区之首。
今年的调查涉及174个国家人口的生活状态，包括医疗、生活期望值、教育和收入。
在总体排位上，前十名为：加拿大、挪威、美国、日本、比利时、瑞典、澳大利亚、荷兰、冰岛、英国。
”
“为您的生活打开了新的窗口：世界上最先进的高科技及许多的商业机会都集中在美国及许多西方国家，而得到了加拿大身份就意味着您可以自由出入任何西方发达国家而无需办理签证，这为您做生意或旅游而需要经常飞往全世界各地提供了极大的方便。
”
“有利于事业的发展：把自己置身于最先进最发达的高科技工作环境中，最有利于开拓和发展自己的事业，即使数年后再回到国内发展，也将会站在比别人更高的起点上并具有更多的优势。
”
“有利于子女的教育：如果您希望自己的子女将来能够接受先进的西方的高等教育，那么加拿大的全民公费义务教育及对儿童的高福利及公费医疗便给您提供了极好的机会。
”
[*不错，说的全在理儿。
可是拿这同一个题目来考考王大顾问，我却不知道如何回答。
]记分牌上显示：零分。
孙小姐给我来信说：
“以前我曾在一家咨询公司作过事，这个公司的业务就是介绍国内人士出国移民定居。
培训期间，那位加拿大先生（也是移民）大谈加拿大有多好！条件如何比中国优越，直至看到中国的什么都不好。
说国内卫生不好、人的素质低等等。
我一直很纳闷，难道国外真的就那么好！从真正开始工作起，我就开始向国内自己的同胞介绍国外有多好，福利好、工作好，对孩子教育好等等，有时说得我自己都快成了一个外国人了！看了你写的故事后，我才知道，原来也不全是这样的。
关键还是在人。
”
移民公司还说加拿大的好处有：
“免费教育：在加拿大，儿童从小学至中学享受十二年免费教育。
此外，升入大学无需试，但要通过高中的毕业考试，大学教育可靠政府提供的助学金和奖学金或请就学贷款，使学生在无压力的环境下得到高尚而完善的教育。
”
*王大顾问有个问题，什么是“高尚而完善的教育”？ 记分牌上显示：-100。
“儿童福利金：任何家庭的子女从出生到十八岁每月除高收入家庭外，均可以得到联邦政的儿童福利金，以帮助儿童的成长。
”
[*大概就是王大顾问信中多次提到的Child Tax Benefit吧。
见第五、第十八封信。
]
“退休养老金：年满六十五岁的退休人士可领取退体金和养老金。
”
[*要住够十年才有。
刚刚从中国来，是没有这样好事儿的。
]
“医疗保险：加拿大实施公费医疗制度，任何家庭均可享受免费医疗服务，如果住院，医疗费用由国家支付。
”
[*对。
见第十八封信。
]
“失业保险：加拿大有完善的失业保险制度，加拿大人若是失去工作，可领取失业保障金，以补贴失业期间的生活费用。
”
[*对。
可是，你得先有工作，然后才叫“失业”，从中国来，没有找到任何工作，不叫失业。
或许，应该给加拿大政府一个建议，在他们贫乏的词汇里增加一个词，叫“待业Waiting for a job”。
见第十八封信。
]记分牌上上显示：+200。
王大顾问建议，您来到加拿大，可千万不要“待业”等待一个工作。
这里没有国家分配工作一说，您得积极行动起来。
“免费医疗 ：任何家庭若发生突发事件，均可依实际情况向社会福利局申请社会补助金及其它多项伤残或死亡的津贴，补助金及赔偿金。
”
[*对。
看并住院的费用以及住院期间的药费全免，但是平时吃药得自己掏钱。
不到万不得已，不要领社会福利金。
]
“据加拿大移民资料显示，近几年，移民大部分来自亚洲，华人占大部分。
多伦多定居的华人总数超过40万，温哥华也超过25万人。
华语多个聚居的城市是非常普及的。
华资建设，商店彼彼皆是。
中国已经连续三年成为加拿大最大的移民输入国。
据移民配额显示，加拿大1998及1999年移民配额皆为22.5万人，但是随着移民政策的收紧，将对中国大陆的申请人造很大的影响，所以欲申请加拿大移民的申请者应抓紧时间尽快申请。
”
[*叮咚。
这回可是王大顾问抢答：加拿大的移民政策不但没有收紧，反而打算放宽。
前两年，各类移民配额是20多万，实际到达人数只有17-18万。
移民部官员分析，现在移民来源国主要是亚洲国家，受亚洲金融风暴的影响，很多人被批准的人无钱前往加拿大，还有加拿大在海外审理移民的官员不足等原因。
新的移民法规准备放宽对学历的要求，使普通技术工人也有机会移民加拿大。
参加竞选的一个白人朋友许诺说，他要使移民配额增加到每年30万人。
可别误解，这增加的配额,可不是专门给中国的。
]
加拿大政府要打击的是非法移民。
偷渡者没有合法身份，没有安全保障，被犯罪集团控制，很容易对社会带来危害。
《加拿大公民暨移民部》http://cicnet.ci.gc.ca/english/
计分牌显示：+100
“世界上最适合居住的国家之一：加拿大位于北美洲，接连美国，国土面积999.6万平方公里，人口约3000万，是世界上面积最大的但人口密度最小的国家。
主要大城市有：温哥华，多伦多，渥太华，蒙特利尔，卡尔加里等世界著名大城市。
”
[*王大顾问：渥太华、卡尔加里也算世界著名大城市吗？]
“加拿大列居世界七大工业强国之一，社会先进，地大物博，风景优美，资源丰富，商业蓬勃政治稳定，法律健全，教育优良。
根据联合国发表的人类发展指数排名：加拿大在联合国的一百六十个国家中名列第一，是世界上最适合居住的国家。
”
“尊重多元化的移民政策。
加拿大移民政策，除历史，文化教育诸多原因外，更主要的是国家经济发展需要。
”
[*王大顾问提醒大家，在一个先进国家，对人的要求恐怕不会低。
拉板儿车和开汽车总会有差别。
加拿大好比高速公路，上路之前，应当明确地知道，您的车是否能在高速公路上奔驰？那么，您来了需要进一步学习，应该容易理解了吧。
]
“拥有加拿大护照畅行全球：如果您入籍成为加拿大公民，即可以加拿大护照，自由来往于世界100多个国家，可以免签证入境的国家有：澳洲，奥地利，比利时，巴西，丹麦，芬兰， 新西兰，挪威，葡萄牙，沙特阿拉伯，新加坡，西班牙，瑞典，美国，委内瑞拉等国家。
其中美国毗邻加拿大，往来非常方便。
”
[*王大顾问不合时宜地嘟囔：拿到加拿大移民或三年多后拿到公民身份，好比农转非拿到城市户口。
城里人说话做事、城里人受过的教育、城里人口袋里的银子，城里人手头的工作还有城里的媳妇，都不是随城市户口一起发的。
那100多个国家，好比北京、上海、广州等大码头，不象咱县城，没钱可逛不得。
]
“拿到加拿大移民身份,可以随时回国，可是，每年离开加拿大的时间不得超过183天。
拿到加拿大国籍，去中国等几个少数国家之外的100多个国家容易了，可是要回中国就要另外签证了。
不过，只要您不是海外民运分子，去中国的签证只是花几十块钱，一个星期的事儿。
”
理论问题就不再探讨了。
来点儿实际的吧。
第二个问题，找谁办？
移民公司说：移民加拿大，你可自助式，也可通过顾问公司代办，各有利弊。
把移民资讯彻底公开，已是本公司一贯风格。
[*这也是王大顾问的风格。
更是互联网的风格。
]
“自助移民好处是节省几万元顾问费． 弊处在于：
填报工作经历、选择NOC职业、提供雇主推荐书、不知道避重就轻；资讯掌握不全；不懂得写计划书；不懂面谈过关技巧；不知道移民官要求条件；”
[*王大顾问认为，这些问题提得非常中肯。
很多读者给我来信，几乎问到了申请移民的每一个细节。
再看看《自助移加论坛》人气旺得没治了。
不得不改了新地址。
http://pingwatermeet.yeah.net 或者 http://lihuiwen.virtualave.net/canada/mainpage.pl]
还是同一个问题， 相信自己还是相信别人。
所谓独立移民，从申请直至来加拿大后学习、工作，一切事情都得自己操心，要非常“独立”才行。
找移民公司办当然好，但你也丢掉了锻炼自己的一个机会。
如同学习一样，没有考试的压力，你不可能学好。
没有可能移民失败的压力，你也不会去研究它。
有朋友说，我在国内多挣点钱，学英语，等到了加国再学不迟，而且国外的条件肯定比国内好。
我认为，钱是挣不完的。
长本事，比挣有数的钱更重要。
或者，你认为不需要在这样的大事上冒风险。
我不这样想。
办移民并不复杂。
与其花钱请别人办，不如买一台计算机自己办。
自己办移民，是面对加拿大政府的一个好机会。
话又说回来，如果填IMM0008及IMM5406表都有困难，你来到加拿大，遇到的问题可比这个难多了。
至于填报“工作经历、选择NOC职业，提供雇主推荐书、不知道避重就轻；资讯掌握不全”上网查一下就行了。
不懂得写计划书；不懂面谈过关技巧；不知道移民官要求条件”王大顾问在此郑重提醒大家：一定要诚实！不可作假！
第三个问题：留学还是移民？
出国主要有两种途径，一条路是自费留学，另一条是申请移民。
简单讲，移民比留学容易些。
如果你的条件，两者都可以的话，不妨都办。
这是针对年轻，工作经验少，移民怕工作经验不够的人来说；年纪较大，考TOEFL有困难，工作经验丰富的人，移民是最容易的。
其实，留学出国后，如果觉得好，想留下来的话，都要申请移民身份。
而以移民身份出去的人，如果有条件，最好去读书，拿个学位。
其实，出国留学和移民出国，在读书、工作上只是顺序不同。
看你自己的情况而定。
至于申请费用，也很难一概而论。
注意，上学的费用因身份不同而有巨大区别！如果两者都申请到了，应当先移民。
第四个问题：怎么办？
加拿大独立技术移民政策大致是这样的：
1.必须在加拿大境外申请。
加拿大独立移民申请和其他类移民申请一样，都必须在加拿大境外递交申请材料，即申请者可在加拿大境外的任何一个国家或地区的加拿大使领事馆递交移民申请。
2.申请程序简单，一切资料都可以在互联网上查到。
加拿大独立移民正式申请时需递交的申请材料包括：申请表、本人及家庭成员的相片、申请费和签证费等。
这些材料递交后，加拿大移民机构开始对你的材料进行审查，如果认为你基本符合要求，则会通知你体检，并通知你是否需要面试及面试的地点与时间。
一般来说，从递表到面试之间有充裕的时间，做面试的准备工作，尤其要突击英语口语和听力。
3.申请者年龄范围较留学为宽。
从19岁到45岁之间都有资格申请。
4.申请者受教育程度相当于高中毕业以上即有资格。
加拿大独立移民的教育程度要求相当干高中毕业以上水平，只要你有正式的高中毕业证书，或学徒证书，或职业培训合格证书，你就具有了基本的申请资格。
加拿大独立移民为受过中等教育的人们打开了出国之门，不管是硕士、博士，还是技术工人，都有资格申请。
5.可申请的职业领域宽
加拿大根据人才、劳务市场的需求状况来确定独立移民的职业，这些职业覆盖的领域极宽，并不是简单地按照我们的文理科划分。
更不是什么“技术移民”尽管表中列出的多是工程技术方面的职业。
6.一人成功全家移民
独立移民的申请是全家同时申请，只要主申请人获得移民批准，则全家可随同移民，这里的家庭成员是指配偶及19岁以下未婚子女。
如果子女正在全日制读书，未婚子女可以超过19岁。
由于加拿大独立移民与申请职位有极其重要的关系，只有属于加拿大移民部颁发的加拿大劳务市场需求的职业才有资格申请。
因而夫妇双方由谁做主申请人，应由夫妇双方的职业及其他个人条件所决定，以夫妻双方中获得移民批准可能性高的一方做主申请人，只要主申请人的移民申请获得批准，则全家可随同移民。
7.注重申请人的工作经验。
独立移民的审核标准有利于工作经验丰富的申请者，在它的评分体系中有一项是专门针对申请人职业类别和工作经验进行评分。
工作经验越多，得分就会越高，而且必须在其申请职业上有一年以上的工作经验，是申请加拿大独立移民的必要条件。
8.不需TOEFL，GRE等英语成绩。
独立移民虽然也要求语言能力（英语或法语），但这种英语能力是日常工作生活中的实际英语能力，包括日常的听说写三方面。
语言能力分由移民官在面谈中通过和申请人及其家属交谈而决定。
这种英语能力的要求不象TOEFL和GRE考试一样需要极大的词汇量和极强的阅读能力及逻辑思维能力。
因此，高中毕业水平以上的申请者，只要加强听、说、读、写几方面的基本训练，即可达到应付面试的语言水平。
应当说，加拿大对移民的语言要求太低，通过雅斯考试或移民面试，往往使人大意，放松了英语学习。
9.加拿大找到工作不是申请的必要条件。
加拿大独立移民，不以在加拿大找到雇主为申请的必要条件，如果你能在加拿大找到雇主并持有雇主所出具的经加拿大政府审核的雇佣证明，则能使你在移民申请审核的评分中多获得”预定工作”项目的得分。
实际上，能在加拿大国外找到加拿大工作的希望极其校
10.不要求申请人在加拿大有亲属。
在加拿大有亲属不为申请的必要条件。
如果你在加拿大有亲属，“在加亲属”项目上得5分。
11.不需要他人经济担保。
申请加拿大独立移民并不象申请自费留学一样，必须要有一个海外的经济担保人。
加拿大独立移民申请只要求申请人出具一个本人的银行证明，证明其抵加后有足够的资金安置生活，不需求助于社会福利。
你确实需要这么一笔资金，可以先借，来加拿大后，即使打工也很快可以还上。
申请独立移民的过程是这样的：
1．向北京使馆写信索取移民申请表，或从互联网下载打樱
填写IMM0008及IMM5406表。
准备公证书、推荐信、财产证明等申请材料。
这第一步是最关键的。
材料要按要求，一丝不苟，真实可信；
2．加拿大驻北京大使馆或香港领事馆或者任一加拿大海外使领馆提交申请；
3．接获移民局第一封信，获得档案号码（File Number）；
4．接获移民局第二封信，对申请人初步审核结果（Initial Assessment）；
5. 若接获IELTS考试通知；若客户被移民局挑选参加IELTS考试，则IELTS考试通知将与初审结果同时发出；
自一九九九年开始，加拿大使馆通过文件筛选（Paper Screening）方式，挑选部分申请人参加国际英语测试制度（IELTS-雅思）考试，考试合格者有较大机会免面谈。
这样，全部申请时间可能会缩短至8-12个月；
6.若未能免面谈，赴指定签证处与移民官面谈；
移民面谈并没有什么一定之规。
我在这里用“面谈”而不用“面试”，因为这根本就不是考试，移民官要做的是，在面谈过程中，让你证明你提供的材料真实可信。
面谈的内容一般都紧密围绕你的表格和简历进行，所以，不需要准备什么“面试常见问题”，自若、坦诚就行。
当然，去之前，要好好准备英语。
另一方面，面谈通过了，也并不一定表示你的英语程度很好，以后来到加拿大保险能找到工作。
7．赴指定医院体检；
8．获得移民签证；
一般而言，申请人在体检后约2-3个月可获得移民签证；某些具有军队或情报工作经历申请人，获得签证前，可能会受到较长时间背景调查。
全部申请时间约为14-20个月。
若申请人得以通过IELTS考试而豁免面试，则全部申请时间将缩短至8-12个月。
独立移民评估
评分标准IMM0008及IMM5406表
加拿大移民局从年龄、所受教育、职业需求、职业难度、工作经验、语言能力、在加是否有亲属和雇主、加拿大人口因素和个人适应能力等十个方面来给申请人打分，必须得到一定的分值才具备申请资格。
年龄：满分10，21-44岁之间者可得10分。
教育：满分16，本科15分，研究生以上16分。
职业需求：满分10，各专业不同。
见职业表。
职业难度：满分18，各专业职业难度不同，见职业表。
工作经验：满分8，至少有1年所从事专业的工作经验，4年以上分最高，且该项分还取决于职业难度，见下表：
职业难度分 1年工作经验 2年工作经验 3年工作经验 4年以上经验
1-2分 2分 2分 2分 2分
5-7分 2分 4分 4分 4分
15分 2分 4分 6分 6分
17-18分 2分 4分 6分 8分
语言能力：满分15，英、法语均流利者可得15，否则按下表计算：
第一语言 读 写 听
流利 3分 3分 3分
良好 2分 2分 2分
困难 0分 0分 0分
第二语言 读 写 听
流利 2分 2分 2分
良好 1分 1分 1分
困难 0分 0分 0分
在加有无亲属：有，得5分；没有得0分。
有无雇主：有，得10分；没有得0分。
人口因素：本项分由加拿大政府给定，目前为8分。
个人适应能力：面谈时由签证官给定。
做一个自己的评分估算，然后写简历。
移民公司的一项重要服务，是帮你写简历和一份对你职业内容的简介。
他们的秘密武器就是加拿大政府公布的National Occupational Classification (NOC)和NOC — Career Handbook这两本书。
这两本书可以在 http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca 找到。
可以根据Job Futures 网页，润色你的简历，以及准备到加拿大从事的工作。
http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/JobFutures/english/index.htm
注意！这可是王大顾问独家公布。
一旦你成功移民加拿大，别忘了我的移民咨询服务费，我的银行帐号是：1234567-8。
祝大家一切顺利。
王又辛
二零零零年七月十五日
National Occupational Classification (NOC)
http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/career-c…careers_e.shtml
The NOC binder contains the classification structure and descriptions of 522 occupational unit groups that constitute the Canadian labour market. A poster-size NOC matrix, which graphically illustrates the entire classification, and an index of more than 25,000 occupational titles are also included. The NOC replaces the Canadian Classification and Dictionary of Occupations (CCDO).
Gain an understanding of the labour market, how it is structured and how it works
For each unit group, learn the type of work performed, employment requirements, licensing requirements, and other information
NOC — Career Handbook
http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/career-c…h/index_e.shtml
The NOC Career Handbook is the counselling component of the National Occupational Classification. The Handbook provides rating scales and narrative explanations of worker characteristics for all NOC groups. It includes information on aptitudes, interests, physical activities, environmental conditions, and education/training indicators. It also identifies occupational options, common workplaces or employers and similar occupations that are classified in other NOC groups.
Allows counsellors to use the NOC with their clients for career orientation, development and planning purposes
NOC Now Online – Introducing Human Resources
Development Canada’s National Occupational
Classification and Career Handbook Internet
System.
Users now have access to the entire NOC resource via the Internet. The service is free and it features a powerful search engine. Searches can focus on job titles and occupational groups, or on the work and worker characteristics associated with each occupation.
Unique “views” of the underlying database are designed for specialized users such as career counselors and immigration advisors, while retaining the familiar NOC concepts and terminology throughout.
The Internet version makes it fast and easy for users to search for specific information, and to compare occupations side-by-side. The online version complements the two main sets of NOC printed publications:
Occupational Descriptions and Index of Titles A systematic coding framework and formal definitions of more than 500 occupations guide the collection and analysis of data (such as the Canadian Census). This classification system ensures that labour market statistics are collected and assembled in a standard way that is meaningful to users. The NOC allows technical users, such as economists and business analysts, to understand what the statistics refer to.
Other Publications
The NOC system supports a variety of other sources of career information published by the Government of Canada and others. For example, Job Futures is organized according to the NOC coding structure and definitions.
Where to Get the Printed Versions
To obtain the Occupational Descriptions and Index of Titles contact:
Nelson Canada at 1-800-268-2222. Quote catalogue number:
MP53-25-1993E (for English) or F (for French). The cost is $89.99 plus taxes and handling.
To obtain the Career Handbook contact:
Public Works and Government Service at (819) 956-4800 or fax at
(819) 994-1498. Quote catalogue number: MP53-25-5-1996E (for English) or F (for French). The cost is $89.95 plus taxes and handling.
To obtain the NOC Guide contact:
HRDC’s Public Enquiries Unit by fax at: (819) 953-7260. Quote catalogue number: LM-505-03-99. There is no charge for this publication. To download click here.
以下内容来自加拿大驻华大使馆互联网主页：
http://www.canada.org.hk/english/index.html
如果您阅读下面的内容有困难，那就要认真考虑是否真的要移民加拿大？
QUESTIONS ABOUT IMMIGRATION TO CANADA
1) How do I apply to immigrate to Canada? How much does it cost? How long does it take? When will I get an interview?
How do I get an application form? How long does it take?
If you reside in mainland China, we recommend that you apply in Beijing. There are several ways to get an application form: by mail, by fax, in person, or by downloading. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/coming/eindepen.html
Canadian Embassy 中华人民共和国 北京市 朝阳区 100600
Visa Section 东直门外大街19号
19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie 加拿大驻华使馆 签证处
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100600
PRC
Our facsimile number is： +86(10)6532-1684.
It is not necessary to come into the Embassy to pick up an application kit: kits are available at the North Gate of the Embassy, windows A and B, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:15 – 3:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Straightforward applications are usually processed in Beijing within our standard processing times. If you do not complete your application properly or submit the correct documents and processing fees, or if you must attend a personal interview, the processing time may be longer.
Standard processing times for IMMIGRANT CASES
Acknowledgement of receiptof application：30 days from receipt of complete application
Interview (if required)： Varies – see explanations below*
Case Status Enquiries：4 weeks (21 working days) from date of receipt
*PROCESSING TIMES UNTIL INTERVIEW
Processing times vary, depending on the category of the application.
Processing times quoted below are from the date the application is submitted to the date that interviews are now being scheduled for persons who applied in the same category. These estimates do not include cases where all documents are not submitted or cases in which a person may be criminally or medically inadmissable.
How much does it cost?
Immigrant Services CAD$ RMB￥ USD$
Immigrant Application
Principal
Applicant –
Independent $500 ￥ 2,750 $330
Principal
Applicant –
Business $1,000 ￥ 5,500 $655
Accompanying Family Members
Spouse /
Dependent 19
years or older $500 ￥ 2,750 $330
Dependent under
19 years $100 ￥ 550 $65
2) Will hiring a lawyer or consultant help my case?
Only you can decide whether or not you wish to hire a lawyer or consultant, but you do not require one to apply. The majority of successful applicants for immigration to Canada are not represented by lawyers or consultants. Hiring a lawyer or consultant will not speed the processing of your application, nor will it result in any preferential treatment.
3) Should I apply in Beijing or at another visa office?
If you permanently reside in mainland China, we recommend that you apply in Beijing. If you apply at another visa office, the processing of your application may be delayed because that office will have to consult with the Beijing visa office before a decision can be taken in your case. Also, if an interview is required, you will need to get a visa for the country in which the other office is located, and Canada will provide no assistance in obtaining visas for third countries.
4) How can I get an early interview date? Is there a way for me to be on a “standby list” in case of cancellations?
Our office tries to interview as many people as possible each day, in the order that the applications were submitted. Check here to view our current processing service standards. It is not possible to obtain an early interview date by special request.
However, our office is maintaining a first-come, first-served “standby list” for those independent category applicants who are eager to immigrate and are fully prepared to attend an immigration selection interview in Beijing on short notice. To be eligible for the standby list, you must be:
– a principal applicant in the independent category (ND/AR);
– willing to attend an interview in Beijing on as little as 5 days’ notice; and
– prepared to submit complete original documentation as required by a visa officer at your interview.
If you can meet these three conditions, please send us a fax that includes your full name, date of birth, file number, your name, address and postal code in Chinese characters, and your daytime contact phone number(s) and clearly mark it “Attention: NDU Standby Interview List.” Applicants who send faxes without addresses or contact phone numbers will not be added to the list. The address is required to send you a letter listing the documents that will be required at your interview. The daytime phone number must be one at which we can reach you to advise you of the date and time of your interview.
In the event of cancellations in the interview schedule, we will attempt to contact applicants on the standby list in the order that they have asked to be added to the list. There is no guarantee that an applicant on the standby list will receive an interview before his/her case would normally be scheduled.
SOME ANSWERS FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS NEW
1) Can I extend the validity of a visa ?
No. Under no circumstances can the validity of a visa be extended.
2) I am the principal applicant and it is impossible to travel to Canada prior to the expiry date on the visa. What should I do?
The visa must be sent back to the Embassy or Consulate where the visa was issued. Include a covering letter explaining the reasons why it is impossible for you to travel to Canada prior to the expiry date. You will receive a response from a Visa officer regarding what the next steps, if any, might be.
3) Can a dependent travel to Canada before the principal applicant?
No. The principal applicant must land (arrive) in Canada first, prior to his/her dependents. The dependents can travel together with the principal applicant or at a later date.
4) I am planning to leave my spouse/child abroad until I am settled in Canada. What should I do so they can join me later?
If your dependent has a visa and is not travelling to Canada prior to the expiry date, you should return the visa to the Embassy or Consulate where it was issued. Even if your dependents do not want to immigrate to Canada at this time, they must still meet Canada’s statutory requirements in order for you to proceed. Serious penalties, including your deportation from Canada can occur if your dependents are not examined as part of your application.
You can sponsor your dependents from within Canada at a later date. To obtain information on how to do this, please contact a CIC Call Centre in Canada. http://cicnet.ci.gc.ca/english/
5) Why didn’t you return all the original documents that I submitted?
All replaceable original documents, like notarized certificates or copies of original documents are kept on the file for future reference or destroyed. All irreplaceable original documents should have been returned to you. If not, please advise us immediately.
6) My family composition has changed since I applied (marriage, divorce, birth/adoption of a child, etc.). Can I still travel to Canada with the visa you issued?
No. Your visa was issued with special coding based on the family configuration information you submitted with your application. All of your dependents, whether or not they want to immigrate to Canada with you, must still meet Canada’s statutory requirements before you can proceed to Canada. Your visa’s coding must be amended by a visa officer to show that you have complied with all of the requirements of the Immigration Act and Regulations.
If, after you apply for permanent residence but before you land in Canada, your family composition changes by reason of divorce, marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a dependent, you must advise the Canadian government. Do this by writing to the Embassy or Consulate where your application is being/was processed to advise us of the changes. You must also advise which of your dependents will immigrate to Canada with you.
If you already have a visa, you should return that original visa to the office where it was issued with a covering letter explaining what change took place and who intends to immigrate with you. If your dependent has a visa and is not travelling to Canada prior to the expiry date, you should return that visa to the Embassy or Consulate where it was issued.
If you have advised that you have divorced or have a new spouse or new dependent child, you should await a response from a visa officer before proceeding to Canada. Serious penalties, including your deportation from Canada, can occur if your dependents are not examined as part of your application. Please note that even if your new family member is not planning to accompany you to Canada, your old visa is still invalid for travel and you must return it, as you will not be allowed to enter Canada on an invalid visa.
As long as any dependents you had were examined before before you immigrated, you can sponsor your dependents from within Canada at a later date. To obtain information on how to do this, please contact a CIC Call Centre in Canada.
7) I got my passport after my Immigrant visa was issued. Do I have to send the visa back to you? Can I write the passport number on the visa ?
Do not write anything on your visa yourself. Do not send the visa back to the Embassy. Because you did not provide your passport information before your visa was issued, the remarks section of the visa will state “PASSPORT DETAILS TO BE ADDED AT PORT OF ENTRY”. When you arrive in Canada, an immigration officer at the Port of Entry will write your passport information on your visa.
8) I noticed that page 4 is missing in my Immigrant visa. Is this the way it should be ?
Yes.
9) I changed my mind about the place where I would like to live in Canada. Can I live in another city and province than the one indicated on my visa ?
Yes you can, as long as you keep in mind that it requires additional paperwork to settle in Québec, as this province has the right to choose their own immigrants. You will have to contact the “Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l’Immigration (MRCI)” at 415 rue St-Roch, Montréal (Québec) H3N 1K2, Fax: (514) 864 2926.
10) What possessions can I take with me when I land in Canada? Do I have to pay taxes on them ?
Prepare a list of your personal belongings that are accompanying you. Prepare another list of things that you are shipping separately (mail, air, sea) and that will arrive later. As long as you can prove that you personally owned and used these items, you can import them duty-free. If there are possessions you did not declare, you may have to pay import duties. Information about the specific regulations that apply on importing items like pets, cars or jewellery can be found at the Canadian Customs website http://www.canada.org.hk/english/index.html
11) What about cash? Are there any restrictions on the amount I can bring in?
Canada has no restrictions on the amount of money (cash, cheque, bank transfers, etc.) you can bring in, although you may have to declare large amounts of cash (over $10,000 US). More specific information from Revenue Canada on duty exemptions and other useful tips can be found by clicking here.
http://www.canada.org.hk/english/index.html
12) Do I need to have certain vaccinations?
You do not need to prove that you had certain vaccinations when you land in Canada, but it is a good idea to take your vaccination booklet or your medical history with you to Canada. For your children’s school registration, you need to provide their vaccination booklet, showing their immunization history, in order to demonstrate which vaccinations they have already had and enrol them in school.
13) When will I become a Canadian citizen?
After you have lived in Canada for a period of 3 years as a landed immigrant, you can make an application to become a Canadian citizen. Please visit the governmental website that deals with frequently asked questions about becoming a Canadian citizen by clicking here. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/
14) Are there any Canadian organizations that will help me with settling in my new country ?
There are several organisations that provide information and services, as well as free language training, in order to help you settle in Canada. At every major airport in Canada you will find an information desk for new immigrants. There you can find the
contact information of the local settlement organisations. The same information can be obtained by contacting a CIC Call centre.
USEFUL LINKS FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA NEW
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for information on how to immigrate to Canada and how to become a Canadian citizen http://cicnet.ci.gc.ca/english/
CIC’s Links for a long list of links to interesting sites, such as information aboutthe Federal and Provincial institutions, as well as job opportunities and immigration issues
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/links/index.html
WorkInfoNet for information on employment programs, required qualifications, job matching services and job search techniques
Human Resources Development Canada for the address of your local Human Resource Centre, as well as labour market information, learning opportunities and employment related legislation
Ontario Ministry of Education for an overview of the different levels of educational institutions and up-to-date statistics. There are links to related sites, such as educational centres in the provinces and other useful addresses
Revenue Canada for information about the Canadian Tax system, with detailed information on procedures, forms and benefit plans
Obtaining a Social Insurance Number Get a reply on how to obtain a Social Insurance Number card and other frequently asked questions about social insurance and health issues
http://hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/sin/nas2120e.shtml
Please note: as a newly landed immigrant to Canada, you must wait 3 months from the date of your landing before you become eligible for heath insurance coverage. Medical insurance for the first 3 months may be purchased through a private insurance company. Listings of these companies can be found in your local telephone directory. You must obtain this insurance within 5 days of arrival in Canada.
QUESTIONS ABOUT RETURNING RESIDENT PERMITS
1) Do I need a returning resident permit?
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomer/return_e.html
INFORMATION FOR AGENTS
Many agents request meetings to discuss processing issues or individual cases. Unfortunately, we cannot meet with agents individually. Our office holds quarterly general information sessions for immigration and student agents.
The next session(s) will be held as follows:
– General Information for Immigration Agents and Consultants
Tuesday Mach 14, 2000, from 14:30 to 15:30
The sessions will be held at the Embassy in Beijing.
To register to attend, please fax your request to the attention of the Visa Office Executive Assistant, enclosing proof of your Canadian citizenship. We will confirm registration by return fax.
” Newsletter for Agents Volume 1, No. 1″
http://www.canada.org.hk/english/p1151n0101.html
BEIJING: VISA SECTION
NEWSLETTER
VOL. 1, NO. 1, MAY 1999
BEIJING
LAUNCHES
NEWSLETTER FOR AGENTS
Welcome to the inaugural edition of the new Beijing newsletter!
The Visa Section aims to publish this newsletter twice yearly to share information with immigration agents on issues of interest and new developments on processing immigrant and non-immigrant cases at our office.
HAVE YOU REGISTERED?
The Visa Section holds quarterly information sessions with immigration agents. If you are interested in attending such a session, you must be a Canadian citizen and you must pre-register.
To pre-register, please send a fax to the Visa Section, marked “attn: Immigration Program Executive Assistant”. A confirmation will be sent out to you by fax. Pre-registration is required in order that Mission Security will admit you to the Embassy and so that we can ensure that the room booked for the session can accommodate everyone. Please ensure that you pre-register at least 48 hours in advance.
L The next session is slated for Tuesday, September 7, 1999 at 14:30. Visit our website for the most current information on agent’s meetings.
DID YOU KNOW?
We often talk about how busy our section is. Here are some examples of
what we mean:
between 200 and 400 faxes are received each day; 1 staff member
spends a minimum of 3 hours each day just sorting, collating and
date-stamping them
2500 phone calls a week in English and Mandarin are handled
through the Embassy’s OCTEL (voice messaging) system
over 350 persons come personally to the Embassy every day to
submit an application, enquire about an application or be
interviewed as prospective immigrants or visitors to Canada
every day, over 200 persons visit our website’s FAQ page
we issued nearly double the number of immigrant visas in 1998
compared to 1997 and more than 5 times the number we issued in
1994 the Visa Section is now the largest section in the Embassy
we received over 42,000 non-immigrant applications in 1998,
twice as many as in 1994 and nearly 20% more than in 1998
HOW DO I GET A KIT?
Our kits are available by:
Method A: downloading them from:
the CIC Departmental website:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigr/index2.html – be sure to
browse the Country Specific Information
our website: http://www.canada.org.hk – click on Immigration/ Visas, click on Beijing, click on applying for visas and other questions, click on question 2
Method B: collecting the required kit in person, Monday to Thursday, 8:15 – 11:00 or 13:15 – 15:00, except Statutory Holidays
The kits are distributed from our Gatehouse at the street level, eliminating
the need to enter the Embassy to obtain them (limited quantities available to individuals).
Method C: requesting the kit by fax – Please be sure to include your address in Chinese characters if you have a mailing address in the PRC. Please note that we will not fax you back
