Hi,

I am living in United Kingdom for the last 20yrs, originally from Kenya, (Wanainchi!).

I was working for a BC based multinational and visited Vancouver on business and quite like the surroundings and the lifestyle that most people were living.

I am thinking of applying for Canadian Settlement Visas but was not sure which to apply, skilled or Business. Since the change of the points system under the Skilled Visa my score is 73. I am not sure whether I would get through the qualification process although they do say that one can provide supporting evidence of financial independence.

I do not have a problem on the financial front, or should I apply I have been a freelance self employed IT consultant for the last 12yrs in UK, I also have vast experience of setting up new businesses.

Any advice will be appreciated.

You all are doing a great job helping our people to move on in the world..Keep it up

Thanks

Londonwalla,

Our exper massood seems to be away for holidays, please wait for few more days.

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A Proud Indian Canadian

I am not the immi.expert, but I have come accross some people who have immigrated here under skilled category visas as well as business visas. As per the new point system, you definately require 80 out of 100 points. I have no idea how come you ended getting 73. I've heard that if you have a Uni degree, good work experience, fluent english and yes, acceptable age, then there should n't be any problems getting a score of 80. A job letter from a canadian firm, blood relations and french as a second language add up many points. You may want to look into that.

As for Business category, your past education, business history, financial statements, funds available, etc... are the main factors to be considered. Once you meet the requirement, you will be granted a business visa for a stipulated time period. Within that period you are required to start a business in canada. You may start any business even if it is a different field.
Applications are normally processed faster from Europe as compared to the 3rd world countries.

Hope this helps.

New Year Greetings to All!

Thanks for the input, guju_canadien.

Although I have been very successful IT consultant I do not hold any degree level education as a result my score is a maximum of 73 and that includes my wife's BCom indian degree but with no work work experience.

Having lived in the UK for the past 21 yrs I do not have any problems with some of the issues under which points are awarded so that is why I am seeking advice from individuals who may have moved to Canada from the UK with a similar background.

All the help will be greatly appreciated and thanks to everyone who contributes to this great website and source of information for some of us.

Londonwalla,

If you have enough money, and really can start a businees here, I think you should come on those category.

I am not sure, but if you are on investor visa, your spouse can not work. Again, I am not much sure about it, but you have to confirm.

How about self-empolyeed category?

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A Proud Indian Canadian

You need 75 points to qualify under the points system. 73 won't be sufficient although under the new law, visa officers [those who decide] have been given wider discretion to to grant visas to applicants who THEY feel clearly demonstrate that they'll be able to establish themselves successfully in Canada. I have NOT seen this type of discretion being exercised by visa officers since the coming into force of the new law [28 June 2002].

You may try applying with 73 [relying on discretion] but there's no data on which i can rely on to advise you whether you'll be successful or not. Note that the application fee [C$550 per person over 22] is non-refundable. Your call entirely.

There is a possibility that the government will bring down the pass mark to 70 in a few years [3 years may be] after the huge backlog is cleared.

Before dismissing this category, I would invite you to send me your details so that I can do an accurate assessment [if you have doubts about your score].

As for other categories, you may look into applying as entrepreneur or self-employed. I invite you to read further on these categories at http://www.passportcanada.com/business/index.htm

Let me know if you need further help/info.

By the way, i just got back from London last night ... I enjoyed the sales.

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Massood Joomratty, LLB(Hons), LLM

http://www.passportcanada.com" target="_blank">Your Canadian Immigration Lawyer

http://www.joomratty.com" rel="nofollow">LINK
+1-604-590-0607