Immigration To Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and their corresponding answers with reference to Canadian Immigration.

Q.What does Canadian Immigrant Visa / Permanent Resident Visa mean?
A.An Immigrant Visa is a document, which allows a person to live and work anywhere in Canada, and confers upon that person permanent resident status. It comes with certain responsibilities and can be revoked if the holder is out of the country for too long, or is guilty of some criminal activity. A person who is a Canadian permanent resident may apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years.

Q.Who qualifies for an Immigrant Visa?
A.Immigrant Visas are given to qualified skilled workers, businesspersons and to close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. A person with specific occupational skills and experience qualify in the skilled worker class. These skills must be readily transferable to Canada. Everyone who applies is assessed and chosen by the same standards. These standards show how well a person can adjust to Canadian life and settle successfully. It depends on the following factors:


>> Education
>> Work experience
>> Age Arranged employment
>> language proficiency in English or/and French
>> Education of the spouse
>> Blood relations in Canada

You also must have a medical examination and your background checked. This is to see if there are health or legal reasons that would stop you from being admitted to Canada as a permanent resident. You should also have enough finanacial resources for settlement.

Q.Who all can be included in my application for an Immigrant Visa?
A.Your spouse and any dependent children may be included in the application. Children must be under the age of 22 years. If they are 22 and older, they should not be married and financially dependent upon the parents. Your accompanying dependents will be subject to medical and security clearance requirements. Other family members, such as your parents, generally cannot be included in the application but you may be able to sponsor them as part of the family class after you land in Canada.

Q.How do I find out if I qualify for immigration to Canada?
A.We recommend that you submit us your detailed resume for an assessment of your eligibility for immigration, which we will evaluate at no charge. We will inform you whether you qualify as an Independent applicant, a business applicant, or a family class applicant.

Q.How is an Employment Visa different from an Immigrant Visa?
A.An Employment Authorization permits are temporary visas. Holders of employment authorisation are eligible to visit, reside and work in Canada for a limited period of time, and restrictions are usually placed on the type of employment that can be pursued. It will not, by itself, lead to Canadian permanent resident status. By contrast, a Canadian Immigrant Visa entitles its 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 family members for Canadian permanent resident status.

Q.What are the rights and obligations of a permanent resident of Canada?
A.As permanent residents, you and your dependents have the right to live, study and work indefinitely in Canada. Your permanent resident status gives you the right to apply for Canadian citizenship, and to hold a Canadian passport, once you have met citizenship requirements. Meanwhile, as a permanent resident you are entitled to all social benefits as accorded to Canadian citizens. You are obligated as a resident to pay Canadian income tax on your earnings. There are very few limitations imposed on you in Canada by virtue of your permanent resident status. You may be unable to vote in Canadian elections or ineligible for certain jobs requiring high-level security clearance. Your permanent resident status is in effect until you become a Canadian citizen or until you abandon Canada as your place of permanent residence. Short trips outside Canada for business reasons will not normally affect your permanent resident status. However, if your absences are frequent and/or lengthy enough to indicate that you are living somewhere other than Canada, you may be deemed by law to have abandoned Canada and will lose your permanent resident status.

Q.Where do I submit my application for a Canadian Immigrant Visa?
A.You have to submit your application for a Canadian Immigrant Visa to a Canadian visa office in country of your origin or where you have lived legally for more than one year.
Applicants under the Business Immigration Program must submit their applications to one of nine designated Visa Offices, which specialize in the evaluation of these files.
If your destination is the Province of Quebec, you must submit an application for a Canadian Immigrant Visa and an application for a Quebec Certificate of Selection to a Quebec Delegation in your region. This procedure is required because Quebec has exclusive jurisdiction to select immigrants who intend to reside in that Province.

Q.What documents should be submitted in support of my application for permanent residence?
Supporting documents usually include evidence of employment, education, assets, civil status, and an absence of criminal convictions. Each visa office has specific requirements regarding the submission of supporting documentation. It is advisable to seek guidance or instructions regarding the submission of supporting documentation. Please get in touch with our offices for details.

Q.How long does the immigration process take?
A.Every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible. But every year the number of qualified persons who want to immigrate to Canada is much greater than the number of persons the government plans to admit. The speed with which your application will be processed will depend upon the priorities in effect at the time you apply. The priorities are listed in the Immigration Regulations.
The average processing time of all worldwide visa offices is approximately 18-30 months for applications where a selection interview is required. Where interview waiver is granted , processing time may be less.

Q.What does the File Number / lock in date indicates?
A.A lock-in date is the date on which a visa office receives a completed application form, with full payment of the processing fees and issues you a computerized file number. The Canadian Immigration Laws have deemed the lock-in date to be the date on which factors such as age, current immigration laws & regulation's must be assessed. Thus, no points will be lost if the applicant's age changes during the processing of the application, or the regulations/Laws changes.

Q.Will an immigration officer interview me?
A.Most Skilled Worker applicants for permanent resident status are required to attend a selection interview with an immigration officer. Such interviews are held to ensure the information in the application is accurate, to verify documentation, to test language ability, and to verify suitability of the applicant to relocate and settle successfully in Canada, generally for quality assurance purposes. Visa offices may grant certain Skilled Worker candidates an interview waiver, depending on the qualifications of the applicant, the quality of the supporting documentation, and the overall credibility of the applicant. Almost all applicants under the Business Immigration Program will be required to attend a selection interview.
Q.Is there anything I can do to obtain an interview waiver?
A.Applications, which are complete in all respect, and the applicant has achieved a high sore in IELTS increase the chances of an interview waiver. However, interview waivers are granted at the discretion of the immigration officials. It is not possible to apply specifically for a waiver.

Q.Am I required to carry certain amount of funds with me?
A. The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new skilled worker immigrants.
You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada. You cannot borrow this money from another person. You must be able to use this money to support your family.
You will need to provide proof of your funds when you submit your application for immigration.
The amount of money that you need to have to support your family is determined by the size of your family.

Number of
Family
Members

Funds Required
(in Canadian dollars)

1

$10,168

2

$12,659

3

$15,563

4

$18,895

5

$21,431

6

$24,170

7 or more

$26,910

You do not have to show that you have these funds if you have arranged employment in Canada.

Q.How Much Money Should you Bring?
A.Find out how much it costs to live where you are planning to settle in Canada.
· Bring as much money as possible to make moving and finding a home in Canada easier.

Q. Am I supposed to disclose the amount of Money which I carry with me?
A. Yes,if you are carrying more than CDN $10,000, tell a Canadian official when you arrive in Canada. If you do not tell an official you may be fined or put in prison. These funds could be in the form of:
· cash;
· securities in bearer form (for example: stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills); or
· negotiable instruments in bearer form (for example: bankers’ drafts, cheques, travellers’ cheques, money orders.)

Q.Will my application benefit if I have a close relative in Canada?
A.Skilled Worker applicants will be awarded bonus points if the close relative is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and over the age of 19 years. The applicant is then referred to as an "assisted relative". To qualify as a close relative, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be the applicant's uncle, aunt, brother, sister, parent nephew or niece.

Q.Do I need a job offer to move to Canada permanently if I have no relatives in Canada?
A.No. You do not need an offer of employment to qualify for permanent residence in Canada. You may qualify under Canada’s Skilled Worker Class; Investor Class; Entrepreneur Class or Self-employed Class for permanent residence, all without a job offer. For more information on each of these immigration classes, please consult us.

Q.Is work experience a requirement?
A.Work experience is a critical requirement for a Skilled Worker immigrant. Applicants must be able to demonstrate at least one year's work experience in an occupation appearing on the National Occupations Classification List. Work experience should be accumulated after the completion of a formal education or apprenticeship in the field of occupation or in a related field of occupation.


Q.What is International Educational Assessment Services? Who is it for?
A.In Canada, education is the responsibility of each province. These services provide individuals with an assessment of education completed in other countries. The services issue a report, which indicates how education from another country compares to education within a specific province of Canada. The assessment report may be presented to any employer in Canada and may help immigrants enter the Canadian workforce. It also helps employers understand how education from another country compares with Canadian provincial standards. However, it is not essential for working in Canada

Q.Do professionals need registration and licensing to work in Canada?
A.Approximately 20 % of occupations in Canada are regulated professions and trades. These are to protect the health and safety of Canadians. People who want to work in regulated occupations need to obtain a license from the provincial regulatory body. Licensing requirement may include education from a recognized school / college or Canadian work experience or completion of a technical exam. Final assessment by the provincial authority can only be done after you are in Canada with permanent resident status.


Q.Do I become a permanent resident of Canada as soon as my landing documents are issued?
A.No. You will only become a permanent resident when you cross a Canadian port-of-entry with your valid passport and your valid Canadian Immigrant Visa.

Q.When can I land in Canada after my Immigrant Visa is issued?
A.You must arrive in Canada before the expiry date, which appears, on your Immigrant Visa. Usually, it is one year from the time medical examinations was completed. As this is not always the case, be sure to verify the expiry date as soon as you receive your Immigrant Visa.

Q.Can the expiry date on my Canadian Immigrant Visa be extended?
A.As a general rule, the expiry date on your Canadian Immigrant Visa will not be extended. Failure to land in Canada before the expiry date may result in the necessity of re-application. You have to reapply all over again.

Q.What papers I should carry with me when I land in Canada?
A.You must have your valid passport and your valid Canadian Immigrant Visa. It will be helpful to have an inventory of all belongings that you intend to bring in after landing. You should also have your settlement funds.

Q.When can my dependents land?
A.Accompanying dependents cannot land before the principal applicant has landed. The accompanying dependents should either land along with the principal applicant or after the principal applicant, but in either case prior to the expiry date indicated on their Canadian Immigrant Visas.

Q.Must I stay in Canada for a specific period following landing?
A.Permanent residents are not obliged to remain in Canada throughout , and are in no way restricted from departure at any time. However, the longer a permanent resident is absent from Canada after landing, the greater the risk that permanent resident status may be jeopardized. You are supposed to stay in Canada for 730 days (cumulative) in a period of 5 years to keep your permanent resident status alive.

Q.When can Canadian Citizenship be obtained?
A.Canadian Citizenship can generally be obtained after three years of permanent residence in Canada.

Q.Does Permanent Residence status in Canada permit me to enter/work in the USA?
A.Permanent resident status in Canada does not affect US immigration requirements for eligibility to legal employment. The North American Free Trade Agreement, which applies to citizens of Canada, does facilitate USA employment.

Q.What is the job-market like in Canada?
A. Canada is a large and diverse country. Job opportunities and labour market conditions are different in each region. It is important to obtain as much information as possible about working in the area where you want to live. However, the job opportunities are reasonably good. One can get a temporary job on arrival in any field , but it may take a few months before one can find a suitable job in one’s own field.
Some professions and trades are regulated in Canada, which means that you must be licensed to work in these occupations.

Q.After I land in Canada will I be able to get a job?
A.Please note that immigration is open to only those professionals whose skills can be immediately transferred to Canada. Not every professional qualify for the same .If you have qualified to immigrate to Canada, you will find work. You may not necessarily find work in your field immediately on landing; it may be in some other field. But once you are through with the initial settlement / adjustments, you can then be selective in seeking just what you are looking for.

Q.Why would my immigration application be refused? What are the consequences of a refusal?
A.Among the most common reasons for refusal is failure to meet the following requirements of Canada immigration law:
· You are unable to prove to the visa officer that you meet the immigration criteria.
· You and/or your dependents fail to meet the prescribed medical standards.
· You and/or your dependents do not pass criminal or security checks.
If your application is refused, a visa officer will advise you in writing of the reasons for the refusal. You are free to apply again for immigration to Canada anytime. The fact that they have previously refused you will not affect your subsequent application. However, you must show that you have overcome the reasons why they refused your first application.

Q.What are the medical requirements for Immigrating to Canada?
A.You and your dependents whether accompanying you or not, must undergo and pass a medical examination. To pass the medical examination you and your dependents must not have condition that is a danger to public health or safety or would cause excessive demand on health and social services in Canada. The factors considered during the medical assessment include whether or not hospitalization or medical, social or institutional care are required and whether or not employability or productivity could be affected.

Q.Why hire services of a Consultant ?
The process of assessment requires a thorough understanding of laws and regulations, policies and procedures, which are constantly under review and are modified to meet the objectives of the current Government of the day. The factual position is that the rights of applicants are often preserved, and even enhanced, statistically, chances of succeeding are increased if effective counsel or acknowledgeable consultant represents you. Admittedly, even the Government of Canada acknowledges in its own writing that " When lawyers and consultants present their clients’ cases in a clear and concise manner, processing is expedited and simplified." (Canadian Embassy, Moscow, "Guidelines For Representatives" – October 28,1996). An experienced consultant is intimately familiar with the intricacies of Canadian immigration laws. In addition, the experience directly translates into very valuable knowledge of the immigration system, which cannot be replaced by any amount of study.

Canada's Settlement services are limited. One can learn about them from Canada Immigration Centers, Human Resources Canada Centers. Consultants, private organizations have the resources to provide this type of assistance. Coupled with they're own initiative, resourcefulness and researching the client's employment prospects, finding out possible employers.
Apart from immigration approvals, these strings of other services provided by the consultant makes the added difference.

Q.What are the application fees charged by the Government of Canada in a permanent residence case?
A.Canadian High Commission fee schedule for the Independent category is as under:-
Processing Fee:
$550.00 (CAD) / RS. 22000.00 per adult applicant (over the age 22);
$150.00 (CAD) / RS. 6000.00 per dependent/child ( under the age 22);
Right Of Permanent Residence Fee:
In addition, on case approval, $490 (CAD) / RS. 19,600.00 Right of Permanent Residence Fee will be charged by the Government of Canada for each adult applicant. There are no RPRF for children.

Q.What is the Right of Permanent Residence Fee?
A.All adults immigrating to Canada must pay this fee and can do so any time before landing documents are issued. The Right of Permanent Residence fee is fully refundable if for any reason the applicant or accompanying dependents do not land in Canada as permanent residents.

Q.I know that I can qualify for immigration, what next?
A.If you would like us to represent you in your application for permanent residence, advise us by email, phone, fax or mail, we need to sign a formal retainership agreement against which we will provide you with application forms, checklist of documents to be submitted with the application that are essential.
Here is a list of the Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's) and their corresponding answers with reference to Canadian Immigration for Business Category.

Q.What is the Business Immigration Program?
A.The Business Immigration Program is a category of immigration under which individuals with business/managerial experience and relatively good net-worth may apply for Canadian permanent resident status. There are three sub-categories under the Business Immigration Program: Investors, Entrepreneurs and self-employed Immigrants.

Q.As a Business Immigration Program Applicant, am I required to live in the province that I originally indicated as my intended destination?
A.When you become a permanent resident, you may live, work and engage in business activities in any Canadian province or territory.

Q.How can I qualify as an Immigrant Entrepreneur?
A.To qualify as an Immigrant Entrepreneur, you must:
· have successfully managed a commercial enterprise (or a part of a commercial enterprise)
· have sufficient assets to establish or acquire a business in Canada
· establish, invest in or acquire a business in Canada within two years of arrival and
· Actively participate in the management of the business (the business must employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident, other than yourself and your dependents).

Q.Is there any minimum net worth requirements for Immigrant Entrepreneurs?
A. Yes. CDN$ 300,000. In respect of an Entrepreneur selected by a province, the minimum net worth required by the laws of the province.

Q.What are the terms and conditions of the Entrepreneur Visa?
A.An Immigrant Entrepreneur must, within two years of landing in Canada, establish, purchase, or make a substantial investment in a business in Canada so as to make a significant contribution to the economy. Active and on-going participation in the management of the business is required, and employment opportunities must be created or continued for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents, other than the Immigrant Entrepreneur and the Immigrant Entrepreneur's dependents. Efforts to comply with these terms and conditions must be demonstrated to immigration official throughout the two-year period.

Q.Must I, as an Immigrant Entrepreneur applicant, make an exploratory visit to Canada during the immigration process?
A.As an Immigrant Entrepreneur you are encouraged to make an exploratory visit to Canada to properly assess the business environment of the area in which you intend to locate.

Q.Must I, as an Immigrant Entrepreneur applicant, submit a detailed business plan?
A.A detailed business plan is not required. In most cases, a shorter informal business proposal will suffice – an outline of the type of business and the general plans for its operation.

Q.As an Immigrant Entrepreneur, will I be permitted to change my business plan?
A.After landing in Canada, you may find that the local economic climate does not lend itself to the type of business plan originally proposed. In such cases, you are well advised to modify your business plan. However, a meeting with immigration official should be held to ensure that the new business is acceptable.

Q.Is there any minimum net worth requirements for Immigrant Investor?
A. Yes.An Invester needs to have a minimum net worth of CDN$ 800,000 and make an investment of CDN$400,000. In addition he must have business experience.

Q.How can I qualify as a self-employed Immigrant?
A.To qualify as a self-employed Immigrant, you must demonstrate an intention and ability to establish or purchase a business in Canada that will keep you employed and makes a significant contribution to the economy or the cultural or artistic life of Canada. The business must generate sufficient revenues to support you and your dependents. Farmers, artisans, sports personalities, actors, consultants, and operators of small business outlets that may be in demand in outlying communities are examples of the applicants who may qualify.
Assessment in this category is based on:
· business ability and experience (when applying under the economic contribution component of the self-employed Immigrant description);
· Artistic qualifications (when applying under the artistic/cultural component of the self-employed Immigrant
description); and net worth (sufficient to establish/purchase the proposed business).

Q. Which type of applicants have better chances to become eligible under the PNP category?
A. Such individuals who have:
· sufficient training and work experience in their occupation;
· sufficient language ability
· guaranteed job offer
· settlement supports

Q.What is the Canadian Government fee applicable in the Entreprenure category?
A.(PROCESSING FEE)
$1050.00 (CAD) for the principal applicant .
$550.00 (CAD) for a family member of the principal applicant who is 22 years of age or older, or is less than 22 years of age and is a spouse or common-law partner.
$150.00 (CAD) A family member of the principal applicant who is less than 22 years of age and is not a spouse or common-law partner.

Q. What is the self –directed job search program ?
A.The Self-Directed Job Search Program is designed for those who want to start a job search in the USA or Canada from home without delay. A revolutionary low cost, low-risk way to obtain employment from a distance.
THE PURPOSE
• Provides the information necessary to apply for positions from your home country.
• Allows you to network with employers, so that they can consider you for current and future opportunities that match your individual qualifications.
• Helps you demonstrate employability for the purpose of immigrating to Canada or the USA.

Q.What the client will receive?
A.Revise market-effective resume in Canadian or U.S. format.
· A cover letter designed to get employers' attention.
· Target list of relevant employer companies in the cities of your choice, prepared on an individual case-by-case
basis It includes names of managers, addresses, phone numbers and fax numbers of employers in any 2 cities and
the surrounding areas.
· Merged cover letters (and corresponding resumes), address and return labels for every employer contact .
· Strategies for effective telephone presentations and interview attainment.
· Complete instructions towards a successful job search.
· Advice on the job search process. We answer your questions and concerns.
· The optional Self-Directed Gold* Job Search Program includes available website addresses of employer companies
and a copy of your documents on floppy disc. You can study the websites so that you are informed about the
companies when you speak with employers. As well, you can supplement your hard-copy applications by checking
company postings and applying online.


BENEFITS
· Saves you time and effort by providing you with the tools you need conduct an effective job search from a
distance without delay.
· Take advantage of Canada’s Employment experience, our ability to research employer contacts and the extensive
database of employers that we have amassed over time.
· A professional North American-format resume and cover letter at an affordable price.
· Gauge the level of interest in your qualifications and experience, in Canada before you move.
· Access the "hidden" job market (According to Canadian statistics, 75% of all job openings are not advertised).
· Increase your chances of finding employment by utilizing professional documents that are accurate, in the correct
format and effectively communicate your skills and credentials.