Hi John. Did you know this.?
O Canada, You're One Tough Cookie.
Sunday, December 23, 2001; Page B02
Ever wonder whether you have what it takes to be a Canadian? Would-be immigrants to that country are rated using a point system that gauges suitability in 10 areas, including age, education, occupation and work experience.
Compared with the American system, which greatly favors family members of the newly settled, Canada is pragmatic: Having a close relative there earns you just 5 points toward the 70 needed to qualify for an immigration interview. Far more important are your skills -- and your potential to contribute to Canada's future.
Ideally, you should be young but not too young. If you're between 21 and 44, you earn 10 points. Turn 49, and that number drops to zero. Zero is also the number of points awarded for not completing secondary school, while a master's degree earns you 16. But all that schooling is for naught unless Canada needs your skills. You say you're a historian? Congratulations! 18 points. A marriage counselor? Same. (Add another 10 if you have already arranged employment.) Not so fortunate are the hairstylist and machine operator, whose talents garner only 2 points. For skilled occupations, four or more years of work experience is a bonus. So, too, fluency in English or French -- and, better still, both. Voila! Finally, 10 points may be awarded for "personal suitability" as determined by a visa officer, based on such characteristics as motivation, initiative and resourcefulness -- qualities little considered in the American immigration process.
-- Outlook
WHAT IT TAKES: A SAMPLE There are four quantifiable levels of measuring language ability in English and French for independent immigration to Canada in the self-assessment worksheet made available to applicants. To score the second level of "Well," (the range includes "Fluently" and "With difficulty," the applicant must be able to
• comprehend and to communicate effectively on a range of general topics.
• comprehend almost all documents of a general non-abstract nature.
• write a basic report or summary relevant to their education, work, or social situation.
At the low end, "Not at all," the applicant
• is unable to understand and respond appropriately to spoken communication.
• shows no understanding of the written word.
• is unable to express any message in writing.
The calculation of "read, write and speak" language credits is done separately for first and second language capabilities.
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada, www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html
washingtonpost.com
© 2001 The Washington Post Company |
