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For ease of use, we have divided our Canada Immigration FAQs into various categories.

Canadian Immigration FAQs

Where do I apply for a Canada Immigration Visa?

That depends upon the Canadian immigration category under which you are applying.

Candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class and the Canadian Experience Class must first create an online profile, as these programs are processed through the Express Entry immigration selection system. Applications made to these programs are submitted online.

Under the Family Sponsorship category of Canadian immigration, applications should initially be submitted to the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Mississauga, Ontario.

Under the Provincial Nominee Program category of Canadian immigration, or if you intend to reside in the province of Quebec, you must initially submit an application to the province in which you intend to reside.

Do I need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

To get points for your education under the Comprehensive Ranking System, you must either have been educated in Canada, or have a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes for your completed foreign education.

What are Biometrics?

For the purposes of Canadian immigration, biometrics identification is the collection of an applicant's fingerprints and photo for facial recognition.

Why applicants are required to submit biometrics?

It is important for Canada's immigration authorities to be able to identify anyone applying to come to Canada as a visitor, student, worker, permanent resident, refugee claimant or asylum seeker. Biometric screening is used to protect the safety and security of Canadians and ensure the integrity of Canada's immigration system.

How often will I need to submit biometrics?

Applicants will need to give their biometrics once every 10 years. Applicants don’t need to give their biometrics again until the 10-year period expires.

How do I know if I need to give my biometrics?

Foreign nationals who apply for a visitor visa, a work or study permit (excluding United States nationals), permanent residence,or refugee or asylum status will be required to give their biometrics.

What is meant by the "locked-in" date?

A locked-in date is the date on which the Canadian Immigration Visa Office receives completed application forms and proper payment of the processing fees. The Federal Court of Canada has determined the locked-in date to be the date on which certain selection factors must be assessed.

What is the most suitable immigration program for me?

In order to answer this question, we have to know more about you and evaluate your specific case. There are a variety of visas and programs available for immigration to Canada. Depending on your specific details and requirements, our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) will evaluate your profile during the initial assessment process and will recommend the best immigration route suited for you and your family. Upon completion of the assessment, the RCIC will assist you with the preparation and submission of the required applications for your immigration to Canada.

Fill our free online assessment form today to know your eligibility.

Express Entry FAQs

Which immigration programs are covered under the Express Entry system?

The Express Entry system applies to the following Canadian economic immigration programs:

the Federal Skilled Worker Class
the Federal Skilled Trades Class
the Canadian Experience Class
a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs.

Provinces and territories are able to recruit candidates from the Express Entry system for a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs in order to meet local labour market needs.

What is an Express Entry profile?

Potential candidates make an expression of interest (EOI) in coming to Canada by creating an Express Entry profile and providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal information. This profile is self-declared; that is to say that the material provided by the potential candidate is based on his or her own assessment of his or her personal information.

Is there a government fee to create an Express Entry profile?

Creating an Express Entry is a completely free electronic process. Government doesnt charge anything.

What is the Express Entry pool?

Potential candidates who create an Express Entry profile and are eligible for one of Canada’s economic immigration programs enter the Express Entry pool. These programs are the Federal Skilled Worker Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Class, the Canadian Experience Class, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs. The federal government and provincial governments, as well as Canadian employers, are able to select candidates from this pool. Candidates who are selected then receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ (ITA) for immigration to Canada under one of the programs.

What does ‘invitation to apply’ mean?

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is offered to any candidate in the Express Entry pool who has been selected to apply for immigration to Canada by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). A candidate who receives an ITA will have meet the requirements in one of IRCC’s draws from the pool. This includes meeting the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off threshold for that draw.

Are there any eligible occupation lists for any of the programs under Express Entry?

There are no eligible occupation lists for any of the programs. Under previous versions of the Federal Skilled Worker Class, there were lists of eligible occupations deemed in demand by the government of Canada. Under the most recent version of the Canadian Experience Class, there was a list of ineligible occupations. These lists are no more. It must be noted, however, that in order to be eligible for any of the programs under Express Entry, the candidate needs to have work experience in an occupation that has a National Occupation Classification (NOC) code of skill type 0, A or B.

Do candidates know their points total and rank in the Express Entry pool?

Candidates know their points total (or score), but do not know their rank within the pool. They do, however, know the minimum score that was required for the most recent draw from the Express Entry pool. Therefore, they have a target that they can aim to meet and surpass in order to increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.

Provincial Nomination Program FAQs

Does a Provincial Nomination guarantee a Canada Immigration Visa?

No. IRCC must be satisfied that a Provincial Nominee meets statutory requirements — health, security and authenticity of documents — before issuing a Canada Immigration Visa.

What criteria do most provinces look for in their Nominees?

Most provinces are looking for individuals who will contribute to the province's economic growth, and are willing to settle in that province. Criteria that provinces take into consideration may include the following:

Job offer in the province
Education
Work experience in critical industries
English and/or French language skills
Close relations in that province
Ability to adapt to life in that province

What is a "base" Provincial Nomination?

Provinces and territories are also able to make nominations under their regular, or “base”, PNPs outside the Express Entry system. Individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada, but who are not eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, may still be able to make an application to immigrate to Canada through a base PNP, as long as they are eligible for the provincial program. Base nominations may therefore provide Canadian immigration opportunities to individuals who are not eligible for Express Entry.

Candidates who receive a base nomination have their applications processed outside Express Entry. The route from a successful base nomination to permanent residence is a two-step process. Candidates must first satisfy the criteria for a PNP stream, apply, and receive a nomination certificate. With this certificate in hand, candidates may apply to the federal government for permanent resident status.

What is the advantage of obtaining a Provincial Nomination?

A Provincial Nomination means that your application for a Canada Immigration Visa will be processed quickly and it provides another way of qualifying for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa apart from the Federal Skilled Worker category of Canadian immigration.

Work In Canada FAQs

What is a work permit?

Work visas and employment authorizations are known as work permits in Canada. A work permit is a document issued by officials of the Canadian Government that allows a foreign individual to work at a specific job for a specific employer.

What is the processing time for a work permit?

Most work permit applications are processed and issued within a matter of days or weeks, depending on whether or not a medical examination is required and the workload at the particular visa office to which the application was submitted.

What is the first step to obtaining a work permit?

In general, the first step is to obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer. However, open work permits are an exception, and they are not subject to this requirement. Open work permits may be available to the spouses/common law partners of certain work permit holders, the spouses/common law partners of foreign students in Canada, asylum seekers, in-land sponsored family members, and destitute students in Canada.

Is it possible to apply for a Temporary Work Permit and a Canada Immigration Visa?

Yes. Individuals may apply for a Temporary Work Permit on its own or in combination with an application for a Canada Immigration Visa. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly CIC) recognizes the concept of "dual intent" whereby an applicant desires to work in Canada temporarily and thereafter reside and work in Canada permanently.

How long is a Post Graduate Work Permit valid?

The PGWP may be issued for a maximum of three years, depending on the length of the graduate’s program of study in Canada. For example, if the study program was one year in duration, the PGWP will usually be issued for the same length of time (i.e. if a candidate’s study program was 12 months, the PGWP would be valid for 12 months). If, however, study program was two years or more in duration, a PGWP may be issued for up to three years. Three years is the maximum duration of a PGWP. The permit cannot be valid for longer than the length of the program of study completed in Canada.

Can a PGWP be renewed?

A PGWP cannot be renewed beyond the maximum duration allowed according to the holder’s study program. When a PGWP is about to expire, the holder must apply for a different permit or visa if he or she wishes to continue working in Canada.

When must my PGWP application be submitted?

It is important to apply for a PGWP before a study permit expires. You do not have to wait until you physically receive your diploma or attend your graduation ceremony before you apply. A notification that outlines that you are eligible to receive your degree, diploma or certificate may be sufficient. For example, a transcript or an official letter. It is important to apply within 180 days of receiving a written confirmation that you have completed the requirements of your study program.

Study In Canada FAQs

How much does it cost to study in Canada?

Tuition fees vary based on institution. Please contact the administration where you intend to study for more information.

Do I need to show proof of funds when applying for a study permit?

Canada study permit applicants need to prove they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, and financial capacity to support living expenses for the first year of study. This table shows minimum funds required to support yourself as a student and family members who come with you to Canada:

Number of people	All provinces except Quebec
Single student	Tuition plus $10,000 for a 12-month period (or $833 per month)
For one accompanying family member add:	$4,000 for a 12-month period (or $333 per month)
For each additional family member, add:	$3,000 for a 12-month period per dependent child of any age (or $255 per month)

In Quebec, the financial requirements for prospective students are different. In addition to tuition fees, a prospective international student is required to show that he or she has the following funds, dependent on his or her situation.

Number of people	Total amount required
One person under age 18	$6,377
One person age 18 or older	$12,750
Two persons age 18 or older	$18,702
One person over age 18 and one under age 18	$17,137
Two persons over age 18 and one under age 18	$20,950
Two persons over age 18 and two under age 18	$22,611

Are scholarships available to international students in Canada?

Scholarships may be available to international students from private, government or public institutions in Canada. There may be scholarships available to international students from the study institution of choice.

Is a study permit required for short courses?

An applicant is not required to obtain a study permit for a program, which is less than six months in duration. However, if a course is longer than six months, the prospective student will need to apply for a study permit. There are benefits to applying to a study permit even if you are applying to a program that is less than six months. Even if you do not need a study permit, it may be beneficial to apply for one. In the event that you decide to continue studying in a new program after completing your short-term studies, without a study permit, you may be required to leave the country and apply through a Canadian visa office outside Canada. To apply for a permit for a short-term course or program, your studies must be at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Does a student need a new study permit if they change institutions?

If a student is transferring from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another, even if it is at the same level of study, he or she must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) by updating his or her online account and ensuring that the school is a DLI. The same applies for post-secondary students changing their level of study (i.e. from a bachelor’s to master’s program). Please check the conditions listed on the study permit to verify whether the permit restricts the holder from studying at a particular institution or program.

If a student transfers to a school, college, or university in Quebec, he or she will need to apply for a Certificate of Acceptance to Quebec (CAQ) and, if necessary, a new study permit. Primary students who are entering high school, as well as high school students who will move on to post-secondary education, must apply to modify their study permit.

Settling In Canada FAQs

How long can I wait to land in Canada after my Canada Immigration Visa is issued?

You must land in Canada before the expiry date, which appears on your Canada Immigration Visa. Usually, the expiry date is one year from the time medical examinations were completed. As this is not always the case, be sure to verify the expiry date as soon as you receive your Canada Immigration Visa.

Can the expiry date on my Canada Immigration Visa be extended?

The expiry date on your Canada Immigration Visa will not be extended. Failure to land in Canada before the expiry date may result in the necessity of re-application.

What documents do I need with me when I first land in Canada?

When you first land in Canada, you will need your valid passport containing your unexpired Canada Immigration Visa and a document titled Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Your accompanying dependents, if applicable, will need the same. It is a good idea to also have evidence of your settlement funds and an inventory of all personal belongings in your possession, as well as other items that you now own but intend to bring to Canada at a later date.

Must I stay in Canada after landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident?

Permanent Residents are not obliged to remain in Canada, and are in no way restricted from departure at any time. However, as a Canadian Permanent Resident, you must accumulate two years of "residency days" in each five-year period in order to meet your Canadian residency obligations.

Does Permanent Resident status in Canada permit me to enter/work in the United States?

Permanent Resident status in Canada does not affect US immigration requirements for eligibility to legal employment. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which applies to citizens of Canada, does facilitate US employment in certain cases.

What is the Canadian Permanent Resident Card?

The Canadian Permanent Resident Card is a small, secure plastic card containing personal information on the cardholder and that confirms the cardholder's status as a Permanent Resident of Canada.

I do not know where to live in Canada. Where do I start?

I do not know where to live in Canada. Where do I start?} Canada is a huge country, with diverse cultures, communities, climates and employment opportunities. Begin researching these details by reading the About Canada pages. It is important that you move to an area where you can obtain employment. You should also do some research about the cost of living in different regions and cities of Canada.

I have school-aged children. How do I send them to school?

All children between the ages of 4 and 16 to 18 years, depending on province, are required by law to attend school. The school year runs from September through June. Registration can be held as early as February prior to the September academic year. Every region of Canada has its own school boards. You will have to contact the local school board where you intend to live for complete details.

Business Immigration In Canada FAQs

How can I prove that my net worth has been lawfully obtained?

You must demonstrate the origin and accumulation of your wealth through reliable, third-party documentary evidence: tax returns, pay stubs, deeds of purchase/sale, statements from stockbrokers, business/real estate valuations, etc. You must be able to demonstrate that your assets were gained through means, which are considered legal, including gifts or inheritances.

When must I commit my investment amount, as an immigrant investor?

Under the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program, the investment is only made once a candidate's application is approved. Information about the management of the fund, terms, and conditions, will be provided to immigrant investors in the agreement to be entered into with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Are exploratory visits to Canada necessary for Self-Employed Persons?

As a Self-Employed person you are encouraged to make an exploratory visit to Canada to properly assess the business/cultural/artistic environment of the area in which you intend to locate.

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