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Immigration FAQ
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Why is it beneficial to go through a Certified Immigration Consultant?
Certified Canadian Immigration Consultants (CCIC) have the training and experience that enables them to provide the best information and advice for your application. They attend ongoing professional development courses and seminars to keep up to date with changes and trends in immigration laws.
What is the benefit of being a Permanent Resident, compared to holding a Work Permit?
A work permit allows an eligible visitor to reside and work in Canada for a limited period of time, and restrictions are usually placed on the type of employment which can be pursued. An applicant also needs to have a job offer to obtain a work permit. By contrast, being a Permanent Resident allows the holder to live and work anywhere in Canada, enjoy many of the privileges of Canadian Citizenship, apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years and sponsor other family members for Canadian Permanent Resident status.
Is my current immigration status relevant for Canadian Immigration purposes?
Yes and no. You must submit your Canada Immigration Visa Application to the Canadian Immigration visa Office responsible for the country of your citizenship or to the visa office responsible for the country you are currently residing in if you have been legally admitted to that country for at least one year.
Who qualifies for a Canada Immigration Visa?
Canada immigration visas are given to qualified skilled workers, Provincial Nominees, business persons and to close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
What family members may come with me to Canada when I immigrate?
The family members that can come with you to Canada when you become a permanent resident include: your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent child or your spouse or common-law partner's dependent child and, a dependent child of a dependent child. Your parents, grandparents and other family members are not eligible to come to Canada with you. However, you can apply to sponsor them to come to Canada after you immigrate here.
How long does the permanent resident visa last?
Forever, but you can apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for 3 years. However, as a permanent resident you may lose your right to be in Canada if you are out of the country for longer than they law allows you and/or if you commit a serious crime.
When can I apply for citizenship?
You must have lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days). You must also be at least 18 years old and have permanent resident status. There are a few other requirements you must meet.
Can I have dual Citizenship?
Since 1977, Canada has permitted its citizens to hold dual or multi Citizenship. As a result, Canadian citizens will not lose their Canadian Citizenship if they retain their former nationality or become citizens of another country.
If you intend to become a Canadian citizen, you are advised to verify whether the country of your current nationality permits dual citizenship.
Are there special immigration procedures for different provinces in Canada?
Certain provinces have been given the authority by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to select or nominate candidates for immigration destined to their respective province under the Provincial Nomination Program.
Quebec has exclusive authority to select candidates who intend to reside in that province. These applicants are subject to Quebec's selection criteria, in addition to Federal medical and security clearance requirements. They must also pay an additional fee for processing by Quebec immigration authorities. Applicants who qualify under the Federal selection requirements may not necessarily satisfy Quebec's selection requirements, and vice versa.
Will I have to take a medical examination?
All Canadian immigration applicants are required to undergo medical examinations. These exams are intended to detect any conditions, which may affect the health of the Canadian public, or which may result in excessive demands being placed upon Canadian health or social services. The medical examination includes a standard physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, and X-Rays.
Will my application be rejected if I have a certain disease or disorder?
Each medical case is analyzed individually, taking into account your full medical history. If the disease or disorder poses health risks to Canadians or places excessive demands on the Canadian health care system, it may result in medical inadmissibility.
What happens after my case is submitted?
Once the application is submitted, it will move through various stages of processing at the visa office. The main stages are Acknowledgement of Receipt, Paper Screening, Selection Interview or Waiver decision, Selection Interview date (if required), issuance of Medical Examinations, and issuance of visas.
What happens if there are errors or omissions in my application package?
- Your application may get returned to you, and this will delay the application process.
- Your case may get rejected if some files are missing and you are unable to provide them on time.
- Your visa officer might request that you come in for an interview if your application package is poorly presented with confusing or conflicting information. Attending the interview will delay your application processing time.
- You take the risk of indirectly misrepresenting yourself and possibly being banned from reapplying for two years if your visa officer determines that you misrepresented some information.