The new pass mark was announced by Denis Coderre, citizenship and immigration minister of Canada, on September 18.

This was stated by Shah Jaheer Ahmed, chairman of Southeast International Ian Wong and Associates, at a press conference in the city on Tuesday.

He said the people having lower education but competent for technical jobs can now apply for immigration.

Ahmed said the pass mark is determined on the basis of applicant's age, educational qualification, working experience and language proficiency.

He said the students who have completed 16 or 17 years of education, can manage a job there.

Besides, anyone having either close relatives in Canada or spouse with 16 to 17 years of education can also apply for immigration, he added.

Ahmed said, "International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a must for everyone for immigration."

He said each applicant has to pay 550 Canadian dollar to Receiver General of Canada for the entire process.

"If he or she wants to take his or her family will count extra 550 dollar for spouse or each child over 18 years and 150 dollar for children bellow 18 years," he added.

Ahmed said his company would charge around Tk 2.5 lakh as consultation fee only on receipt of visa.

He said around 70,000 to 80,000 Bangladeshis are now living in Canada.

Canadian Immigration Law Specialist Ian R J Wong also spoke at the press conference.