Reply #27: sorry! [View All]

[iverglas]

I know it isn't good news.

The issue isn't really discrimination. It's a matter of selecting immigrants who are going to contribute to the economy, at least as much as they are going to draw from it. If there were no selection criteria, imagine the people who would be moving here in late middle age to retire, and ultimately the burden on the health care system, just for starters. I don't have to imagine, actually; a buddy of mine in the system told me about having to close the door daily on aging couples in the US south hoping to move to a kindler gentler place, when they became unable to pay for their health care and medications.

(And there is no way of making arrangements for people who promise never to draw on the social safety net if they are granted residence; someone could come here with a million dollars, swear to live on his/her means alone, and lose it in a stock swindle. Or just say "sorry, I changed my mind" -- and we could not create a separate class of Canadian residents who aren't eligible for universal benefits; they're universal, and that's the point and the principle. And it would amount to allowing some people to buy their way in, thus displacing others who would be in a position to contribute economically but couldn't afford the ante, and that's kinda not considered a good idea.)

To be honest, I'm always surprised when USAmericans are surprised at these facts. Surely none of you guys imagines that things are any different for someone wanting to go live in the US.

My colleague suggested you look at the CIC site, and of course you should. The thing is, saying "look at this" doesn't mean "if you look here, you'll find a way in". You won't. And I constantly hope that people who are told such things aren't misled into thinking there's a magic key to the door to be found.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/qual-1.html

Skilled workers are people who may become permanent residents because they are able to become economically established in Canada.

To be accepted as a Skilled Worker, applicants must:

- meet the minimum work experience requirements;
- prove that they have the funds required for settlement; and
- earn enough points in the six selection factors to meet the pass mark.

The following categories will help you determine if you can apply as Skilled Worker. You can assess your chances of being accepted. Consult each of the following areas for the current regulations regarding:

... http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/qual-5.html

Factor Four: Age
Maximum 10 <points>

21 to 49 years at time of application - 10
Less 2 points for each year over 49 or under 21

View the full age chart to determine your points.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/skilled/qual-5-3.html

53 years of age - 2
More than 53 years of age - 0

Throw in:

BA - 20 points (for the sake of argument)
English proficiency - 16 points (the maximum)
4+ years' experience - 21 points (the maximum)

... and that's it, unless you have an arranged/approved job offer (not an easy matter).

And that's 57 points. And the absolute minimum passing score is 67. And the thing is that if you're not planning to be employed, you just don't fit into the "skilled worker" category to start with, and there isn't another one available.

It's charming to say "Canada needs lots of immigrants", but the thing is that the sentiment is entirely irrelevant to any individual would-be immigrant, and it would simply be misleading to suggest that Canada's need for immigrants is somehow going to result in any particular individual being accepted, or even having a chance of being accepted.

But don't rule out the half-year here, half-year there option. It's what Canadians who winter in Florida do. And the cost of out-of-country health insurance coming in this direction would undoubtedly be cheaper. ;)