An introduction to Immigration to Canada

The political, economic, and legal climates in Canada are constantly shifting when it comes to immigration, both temporary and permanent. As in many parts of the world, there is a movement towards restricting access to Canada for immi grants, but there are also countervailing economic and social realities. Indeed, Canadian immigration law was altered on 28 June 2002 generally making the rules more restrictive By contrast, certain programmes regarding temporary entry have been made less restrictive - for instance for computer professionals - recognising the realities of the economic demand in this sector. As such, though we hope to provide accurate, up-to-date information about Canadian immigration law and policy, you must investigate matters pertaining to your own case with the appropriate government office or professional at the time that you seek immigration, permanent or temporary.

There are a few important principles of which you should be aware, for an understanding of our immigration policies and philosophies. An understanding of these will often lead to a better understanding of the underlying law and regulations, and therefore the guidelines which will affect you.

Guiding Principles

There are a number of principles set out in Canada's Immigration Act. Canada's immigration laws are designed to promote, for example:

Cultural and social enrichment.
Trade and commerce through temporary entry of visitors.
Canada's international humanitarian obligations.
A strong and viable economy.
Maintenance of Canadian society's health, safety and security.

These basic principles are then moulded to fit specific issues. With regard to entry for temporary workers, the philosophy is 'net benefit to Canada'; that is to say, does an applicant provide Canada with some benefit to justify the hiring of a foreign worker; contrast this with the philosophy pursuant to the previous law which was 'Canadians first'. As will be discussed below, this leads to various procedures required to satisfy immigration officials before a foreign worker will be entitled to enter and work in Canada , and also an elaborate system of exceptions which must be considered.

With regard to permanent residence, the guiding principles go on to shape the criteria employed for selection of immigrants. Indeed, recognising demographics, commerce, and other issues, Canada promotes immigration, though in recent times there sometimes appears to be a harsher attitude among those making the selection decisions. Canada's Federal Court is full of cases of rejected immigration applicants and there appears to be no let-up in sight.