Throughout the world, Canada is known as a prosperous and strong nation valued for its stability, respect for diversity and democratic institutions. With a huge landmass, a relatively small population and abundant natural resources, it has prospered to the point where a recent United Nations study lists it as the best place in the world to live. This is why Canada has recently become the destination of choice for many of the world's immigrants.

This year Canada will admit approximately 235,000 immigrants according to the new immigration policy. On a per capita basis, this level of immigration ranks among the highest in the world. Unlike the United States and other countries, there is no quota based on either nationality or occupation. The Canadian Government's new immigration plan for the next five years and beyond is to emphasize the admission of a greater number of skilled immigrants with abilities to contribute directly to Canada's economic and social development.

Canada needs more immigrants. The 2001 census, released earlier this year by Statistics Canada, showed a decline in the rate of increase in Canada's population. Immigration was declared the primary contributor to the national population increase of 4 percent, ahead of birth rates and natural increase for the first time since the Second World War.

Under the new Immigration Act enacted on June 28, 2002 many occupations that could not qualify under the previous legislation are now able to qualify e.g. Doctors, Dentists, Teachers, Nurses, Lawyers, Managers, all other professional and technical occupations, skilled trades. Unmarried live-in couples are now recognized and may apply for Permanent Residence. The Canadian Government lowered the pass mark to 67 points on September 18, 2003. I strongly recommend that you proceed immediately with the assessment of your qualifications for Permanent Residence since, according to the present Immigration Act and its Regulations, the Minister of Immigration can change the pass mark at any time, without notice