
Frequently Asked Questions
We have tried to answer some of the most common as well as unique questions about immigration to Canada.
FAQ's
Browse through an explanation for some of the usual concerns about your immigration applications to Canada.
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Please note, the answers are our point of view and should not be considered as legal alternatives or approach.
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If you need professional help, please book a consultation.
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must prove your English or French language ability:
take an approved language test (IELTS - G or CELPIP-G)
get the minimum results required by your program
include the results when you complete your Express Entry profile
First official language
Minimum level for all four (Listening, Writing, Speaking, Reading) abilities
English - CLB 7
French - NCLC7
Second official language: Minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5.
You must meet the required language levels for each language ability (writing/reading/listening/speaking). You must meet the minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark(CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 for reading and writing. The language test results need to be recognized by the government of Canada. Canada recognizes English and French as its 2 official languages.
Yes. You need to inform the IRCC if you intend to change your study institute or study program.
If you wish to transfer to a school, college, or university in Quebec, you 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.
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must prove your English or French language ability:
take an approved language test (IELTS - G or CELPIP-G)
get the minimum results required by your program
include the results when you complete your Express Entry profile
First official language
Minimum level for all four (Listening, Writing, Speaking, Reading) abilities
English - CLB 7
French - NCLC7
Second official language: Minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5.
If you leave Canada after your studies have been completed, you can now apply for a PGWP from overseas. Previously post-graduate work permit applications needed to be submitted exclusively from within Canada. If a PGWP application is submitted from outside of Canada, additional documentation may be requested depending on the visa office that will process the application.
Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience.
It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day we make a decision on your application.
Your experience is relevant if you have:
taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or
been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics
If you have more than 2 years of relevant experience, you may score additional points.
You must meet the required language levels for each language ability (writing/reading/listening/speaking). You must meet the minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark(CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 for reading and writing. The language test results need to be recognized by the government of Canada. Canada recognizes English and French as its 2 official languages.
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must prove your English or French language ability:
take an approved language test (IELTS - G or CELPIP-G)
get the minimum results required by your program
include the results when you complete your Express Entry profile
First official language
Minimum level for all four (Listening, Writing, Speaking, Reading) abilities
English - CLB 7
French - NCLC7
Second official language: Minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5.
Canada allows spouses and common-law partners of Canadians or permanent residents to obtain an Open Work Permit while their Inland spousal sponsorship application for permanent residence (PR) is being processed.
In order to be issued an open work permit, you must:
Have submitted an application under the Spousal/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Immigration Program;
Reside at the same address as the sponsor (spouse/common-law partner);
Have a valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student, or worker); and
Meet all eligibility requirements under spousal or common-law partner sponsorship, your spouse must meet all the eligibility requirements.
Canada allows spouses and common-law partners of Canadians or permanent residents to obtain an Open Work Permit while their Inland spousal sponsorship application for permanent residence (PR) is being processed.
In order to be issued an open work permit, you must:
Have submitted an application under the Spousal/Common-Law Partner Sponsorship Immigration Program;
Reside at the same address as the sponsor (spouse/common-law partner);
Have a valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student, or worker); and
Meet all eligibility requirements under spousal or common-law partner sponsorship, your spouse must meet all the eligibility requirements.
NO, Super Visa holders are not allowed to work in Canada. They can apply under the Parent and Grandparent permanent residence program. There is a limited supply of visas under this program, and applications can take a long time to be processed, however, once granted permanent residence to Canada, they can work freely.
The other alternative is to apply for a work permit. If your parents qualify and are issued a work permit, then they will be able to work in Canada based on the conditions of their work permit approval.
NO, Super Visa holders are not allowed to work in Canada. They can apply under the Parent and Grandparent permanent residence program. There is a limited supply of visas under this program, and applications can take a long time to be processed, however, once granted permanent residence to Canada, they can work freely.
The other alternative is to apply for a work permit. If your parents qualify and are issued a work permit, then they will be able to work in Canada based on the conditions of their work permit approval.
PNP's are more flexible in rules and requirements. Express entry is not a program, it is a electronic system to apply for permanent residence of Canada. Programs like FSW, FST, CEC need to applied though EE system. The biggest difference between the 2 is that PNP is a 2 step process and takes longer than receiving an outcome through Express Entry.
A valid job offer for Express Entry is one which is:
full-time and non-seasonal,
for at least one year,
in a skilled job listed as Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B in the 2016 National Occupational Classification.
is supported by a positive LMIA from the ESDC.
A job offer must be in writing, and must set out details of the job they are offering you, such as:
your pay and deductions
your job duties
conditions of employment, like your hours of work.
Not necessarily.
For most temporary work permits, in order to be eligible for a work permit, an applicant’s job offer must be valid and must be either:
Supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA); or
Exempt from requiring an LMIA.
Please note that the province of Quebec has its own process for determining the validity of an offer of employment.
A valid job offer for Express Entry is one which is:
full-time and non-seasonal,
for at least one year,
in a skilled job listed as Skill Type 0, or Skill Level A or B in the 2016 National Occupational Classification.
is supported by a positive LMIA from the ESDC.
A job offer must be in writing, and must set out details of the job they are offering you, such as:
your pay and deductions
your job duties
conditions of employment, like your hours of work.
There is a five-year sponsorship restriction for anyone who has been sponsored as a spouse/common-law partner himself or herself. This means that you cannot sponsor a new spouse or common-law partner within the first five years after you become a permanent resident, even if you have left your sponsor and you have now remarried.
Yes, you are allowed to leave the country while you study in Canada. Please note that a study permit does not give you the authority to return to Canada. A study permit is not a travel document. You will need the appropriate temporary resident visa (Tourist Visa) or eTA in order to return to Canada.
There is a five-year sponsorship restriction for anyone who has been sponsored as a spouse/common-law partner himself or herself. This means that you cannot sponsor a new spouse or common-law partner within the first five years after you become a permanent resident, even if you have left your sponsor and you have now remarried.
The child or grandchild who invites you must prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income. The following documents are examples of what can be used as proof of funds:
Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
Employment Insurance stubs
employment letter including salary and date of hiring
pay stubs
bank statements
Proof of Income for Self Employed Individuals can be ascertained from (but not limited to) the following:
Earning and Income Tax Statement for Self Employed. These documents prove your wages and taxes as a self employed individual.
Profit and Loss Statement/ Business Balance sheet.
Bank Statements.
Provident fund contributions as an employer.
Contact us for a more detailed approach.
The child or grandchild who invites you must prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income. The following documents are examples of what can be used as proof of funds:
Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
Employment Insurance stubs
employment letter including salary and date of hiring
pay stubs
bank statements
If your profile was found eligible for the pool, you can still update it after you’ve submitted it.
On the other hand, if your profile is found ineligible, you won’t be able to make changes to your profile. You’ll have to create a new profile. Be sure to do so if your circumstances have changed and you now have enough points to qualify.
If your profile was found eligible for the pool, you can still update it after you’ve submitted it.
On the other hand, if your profile is found ineligible, you won’t be able to make changes to your profile. You’ll have to create a new profile. Be sure to do so if your circumstances have changed and you now have enough points to qualify.
A job offer is considered valid if it is supported by a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). Such a job offer needs to be from a Canadian employer in good standing. A valid job offer for the FSTP needs to be at least 1 year long and allow you to work full-time(30 hours per week, 1560 hours per year) and be compensated by wages or commission earned based on the required wage rate.
Not all job offers require an LMIA. There are expemptions to jobs that do not require and LMIA.
Any skilled work experience that you gained in Canada which was legally and lawfully obtained by working a total of 1560 hours (30 hours per week and was paid for as wages or earned commission.
The 1560 hours of work experience could be full-time or equivalent part time work experience gained while working 1 job or more than 1 job at a time.
Any volunteer work or unpaid internships are not counted as work experience for immigration applications under CEC.
There are a few choices to consider here. Some provinces offer non-express entry program streams as well. You can apply to the province directly and seek permanent residence.
A job offer is considered valid if it is supported by a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). Such a job offer needs to be from a Canadian employer in good standing. A valid job offer for the FSTP needs to be at least 1 year long and allow you to work full-time(30 hours per week, 1560 hours per year) and be compensated by wages or commission earned based on the required wage rate.
Not all job offers require an LMIA. There are expemptions to jobs that do not require and LMIA.
You can apply for Canadian citizenship again. This new application must include all the required forms and documents, including a new application fee. There is no waiting period before you can reapply. However, you should make sure you meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship before you reapply.
Language tests: Average cost – $300 per test.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200
Biometrics: $85 per person
Government fees: $1,325 per adult & $225 per child
Medical examination fees: average cost – $450 per adult & $250 per child
Police clearance certificates varies with country of residence.
You need to provide police clearance certificates for all countries where you have resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age.
Language tests: Average cost – $300 per test.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200
Biometrics: $85 per person
Government fees: $1,325 per adult & $225 per child
Medical examination fees: average cost – $450 per adult & $250 per child
Police clearance certificates varies with country of residence.
You need to provide police clearance certificates for all countries where you have resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age.
It is highly unlikely that the assessing officer will consider the distance as a work restriction. You will need to prove to the IRCC about the genuineness of not cohabiting together. Give as much proof and explanation as possible to make your case strong. The assessing officer may question why the sponsorship wasn’t filed from outside Canada as you are already living separately even if you are maintaining a common address.
Stress on clarification for - What were the reasons for living apart?
These Canadian provinces offer some PNPs that do not require a job offer from a Canadian employer:
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Alberta PNP through Express Entry.
Prince Edward Island PNP through Express Entry.
Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP)
Language tests: Average cost – $300 per test.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200
Biometrics: $85 per person
Government fees: $1,325 per adult & $225 per child
Medical examination fees: average cost – $450 per adult & $250 per child
Police clearance certificates varies with country of residence.
You need to provide police clearance certificates for all countries where you have resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age.
Language tests: Average cost – $300 per test.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200
Biometrics: $85 per person
Government fees: $1,325 per adult & $225 per child
Medical examination fees: average cost – $450 per adult & $250 per child
Police clearance certificates varies with country of residence.
You need to provide police clearance certificates for all countries where you have resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age.
Language tests: Average cost – $300 per test.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200 if applicable
Biometrics: $85 per person
Government fees: $1,325 per adult & $225 per child
Medical examination fees: average cost – $450 per adult & $250 per child
Police clearance certificates varies with country of residence.
You need to provide police clearance certificates for all countries where you have resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years of age.
The rule of 2nd generation would apply in this case. Please contact us as we would need more information to assist your query.
To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, an international student must:
be
18 or older;
have continuously studied full-time in Canada in a study program at least eight months long;
have a document from your school (transcript, official letter, certificate, etc.) that confirms you completed and passed all your program requirements;
have graduated from a:
public post-secondary school, such as a college, trade/technical school or university, or CEGEP in Quebec or
private post-secondary school that operates under the same rules as public schools (currently applies only to certain private post-secondary institutions in Quebec) or
private secondary or post-secondary school (in Quebec) that offers qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer, leading to a diplôme d’études professionnelles (DEP) or an attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP) or
Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree) but only if you are enrolled in a study programs leading to a degree as authorized by the province.
5. apply for a work permit within 180 days of when it was confirmed that you completed your program; and
6. have held a valid study permit at some point during the 180 days before applying.
The regulatory organization which governs your skilled trade in the province or territory of your choice needs to assess your skills, trades experience, training, and determine if you are eligible to write an exam to be certified.
You will likely need to physically travel to the province or territory to write the exam for certification. In addition, you may need an employer in Canada to train you and provide you with work experience before you write the exam.
To learn more about getting assessed, you should go to the website of the body that governs trades for the province/territory where you would like to live and work. The process is different, depending on where you want to go.
The regulatory organization which governs your skilled trade in the province or territory of your choice needs to assess your skills, trades experience, training, and determine if you are eligible to write an exam to be certified.
You will likely need to physically travel to the province or territory to write the exam for certification. In addition, you may need an employer in Canada to train you and provide you with work experience before you write the exam.
To learn more about getting assessed, you should go to the website of the body that governs trades for the province/territory where you would like to live and work. The process is different, depending on where you want to go.
For Family Sponsorship purposes, a dependent child means a child who is:
Under 19 and unmarried on the date the application for sponsorship is submitted (and still unmarried on the date the child lands in Canada); or
Of any age or marital status and is a continuously enrolled full-time student, who is financially dependent on his or her parents since before the age of 19 (or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner, if this happened before 19); or
Is financially dependent on a parent since before the age of 19 because of a disability.
For Family Sponsorship purposes, a dependent child means a child who is:
Under 19 and unmarried on the date the application for sponsorship is submitted (and still unmarried on the date the child lands in Canada); or
Of any age or marital status and is a continuously enrolled full-time student, who is financially dependent on his or her parents since before the age of 19 (or since becoming a spouse or common-law partner, if this happened before 19); or
Is financially dependent on a parent since before the age of 19 because of a disability.
The federal skilled program is for applicants who have jobs and work experience in skill level 0,A or B. If your job experience falls under NOC C, try the Federal skilled trades program (FST) or one of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Anyone born in Canada is most likely a Canadian citizen by birth. If you are unsure of your legal status in Canada, reach out to us and we will help you verify it.
You would need to provide enough proof that your education was completed genuinely. Share all documents you received from the university when you enrolled with them. Student ID, fee receipts, course curriculum, details of course and program from the website or brochure. University's accredition and examination roll number or even any information from the local learning centre you attended classes in person at.
You need to have a minimum of 1 year of full time work experience in a NOC 0, A or B job if you are applying under the FSWP. This experience needs to be in the last 10 years at the time of submitting your application. You can score additional points as your years or work experience goes up.
Even when applying under the CEC program, you will need to show a minimum of 1 year of work experience.
Only Canadian citizens have the option to apply for Spousal sponsorship while not being in Canada themselves. They, however, need to prove that they will move back to Canada once the sponsorship application has been approved.
Permanent residents of Canada can only be a sponsor while they are living inside Canada.
Only Canadian citizens have the option to apply for Spousal sponsorship while not being in Canada themselves. They, however, need to prove that they will move back to Canada once the sponsorship application has been approved.
Permanent residents of Canada can only be a sponsor while they are living inside Canada.
You have 90 days to apply for a restoration of your study permit. If 90 days have passed since the expiry of your study permit, you will need to leave Canada, unless you have a valid status to stay in Canada as a visitor or temporary foreign worker.
Please note:
It is illegal to remain in Canada beyond the validity of your status in Canada.
It is illegal to work without a required work permit.
It is illegal to study without a required study permit.
Failure to compy with the above may result in an admissibility hearing that could lead to removal from Canada.
Receiving a nomination from a province is 1 of 2 steps. A provincial nomination does not guarantee you a PR, it grants you additional 600 points, which may however, assure you an ITA - Invitation to Apply at the federal level (2nd step).
Once IRCC verifies your point claims, medical eligibility, criminal background and admissibility etc., then only do they send you a CoPR. Even then, you may be questioned at the point of entry by a CBSA officer who may deny you entry to Canada.
It's always advisable to clarify any situation that has raised a concern. Withdrawing one applicaiton (any) without giving reasonably acceptable explanation may jeopradise both the applications' outcome.
Be honest. Explain what ever it is. Withholding facts or trying to avoid such a situation by way of withdrawal may lead to concerns of misrepresentation.
If more than 50% of your course is completed though distance learning, you are not eligibe for a PGWP.
If less than 50% of your course is completed though distance learning, you may be eligible for a PGWP. The duration of your PGWP will be the same as the duration of the length of your program, including both in-class and distance courses.
For any points you claim while applying at either the provincial or federal level, you will need to show proof of your claim. Proof of points earned based on your education qualifications needs to be done by submitting your ECA report from an approved agency.
However, if you are applying after completing your education from a DLI in Canada, you do not need to submit an ECA report.
If your PR card expires while you are outside Canada, you will need proper authorization to return to Canada - it's called a PRTD. There is also a question about - meeting your physical presence requirements. Do you?
Also, PR cards need to be either collected in person or are only mailed to the permanent resident inside Canada. Your PR card can not be delivered to you outside Canada or to anyone on your behalf inside Canada. If you are not present to collect your new PR card, it may get revoked.
Canada reserves the right to disqualify an applicant based on medical grounds if:
the applicant poses a danger to public health,
the applicant poses a danger to public safety or
the applicant places excessive demand on health or social services.
Contact us for further clarification.
If you are from the EU and qualify under under 204(a), T43, you may be able to do so. This is specifically for EU citizens. If you are from a non EU country, like Australia/NZ, you may not be eligible for a work permit at the port of entry but can explore the option of a WHV -working holiday visa under the International Experience Canada class.
Since you have not been working for the employer, you may have difficulty in getting a WP extension even if your employer is willing to apply for an LMIA for you. It's better to apply for spousal sponsorship and work permit because then you will have the implied status to work for your current employer.
Make sure while you apply for a restoration of status as a temporary visitor you include in your application the restoration fee + the work permit fee. If as a foreign national you do not have status, and you apply for 2 different applications, always pay the restoration fee and the fee for the permit you are applying for.
It is the clients responsibilty to check all details while submitting the application. You may be charged with misrepresentation as you omitted to mention key details about your family members. Misrepresentation doesn't need to be intentional, meaning it doesn't matter who did what. You are still responsible for what was submitted. What you can do now is declare them, provide a genuine explanation, and hope for the best.
It is the clients responsibilty to check all details while submitting the application. You may be charged with misrepresentation as you omitted to mention key details about your family members. Misrepresentation doesn't need to be intentional, meaning it doesn't matter who did what. You are still responsible for what was submitted. What you can do now is declare them, provide a genuine explanation, and hope for the best.
If you are a live-in caregiver, you will need to prove why you can only go back to your house on the weekends. If this is your job requirement, you will need to prove that it is. Also, you should submit as much proof possible to support cohabitation with your partner. This can be in the form of bills paid by you or both, lease agreements of rent in both of your names, pictures, certificate from the employer clarifying why you can not leave on the weekdays, affadavit from friends about genuinesness of your relationship etc..
Police Clearance Certificates are a mandatory requirement of the IRCC. You need to provide a PCC for all countries you have lived in for more than 6 months since turning 18. If you do not have some of them, apply for them as you will need to submit them. If you can't get all of them, at least show proof that you tried multiple times to get one but couldn't and explain the reasons in your LOE hoping for a positive outcome.
YES, you can chose not to include him on your application. But you still need to declare your relationship. This way, you will be eligible to sponsor him later if he changes his mind. Not declaring him is misrepresentation, and it will affect your own status along with the possibility of not being able to sponsor him in the future.
YES, you can chose not to include him on your application. But you still need to declare your relationship. This way, you will be eligible to sponsor him later if he changes his mind. Not declaring him is misrepresentation, and it will affect your own status along with the possibility of not being able to sponsor him in the future.
YES, you can apply to change your DLI. You need to follow proper procedure whether you're inside Canada or outside Canada. Also, check to see if there is any cancellation fee you will be charged from your current DLI. It is your duty to inform the visa post as soon as possible about this change/development.
Canada stopped accepting proxy marriages as of June 2015. IRCC no longer recognizes marriages conducted this way. Check to see which definition applies best to describe your relationship:
Source for below definitions: Canada.ca
You can sponsor the person as your spouse if your marriage is a legally valid civil marriage.
You can sponsor the person as your common-law partner (same or opposite gender) as long as you’ve been living or have lived with your partner for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like relationship.
You can sponsor the person as your conjugal-partner if you’ve been in a genuine (real) relationship for at least 12 months where marriage or cohabitation (living together) hasn’t been possible because of barriers such as sexual orientation, religious faith, etc.
All family members must be examined as part of the e-APR, whether they are accompanying the principal applicant or not. Family members can be added to the application at any time during the process, including after the visa is issued, but prior to obtaining permanent resident status. Applicants are instructed to inform IRCC immediately if their family composition has changed (e.g., birth of a child, marriage, divorce).
Section A11.2 does not apply when an applicant adds a family member to their application after the e-APR; however, the family member will have to be assessed, and the principal applicant must provide IRCC with the Additional Family Information form [IMM 5406 (PDF, 570KB)] and pay the applicable fees online. The applicant still needs to meet the income requirements and is not exempt from that.
Source Canada.ca
You are a PR until you renouce it. If you have not renounced it or it has not been revoked, you should apply for a PRTD to be able to enter Canada as a PR. You will however, need to explain why you were outside Canada for such a long duration. If you are issued a PRTD and you return to Canada, you can apply for a PR card once you have met the residency requirements.
You are a PR until you renouce it. If you have not renounced it or it has not been revoked, you should apply for a PRTD to be able to enter Canada as a PR. You will however, need to explain why you were outside Canada for such a long duration. If you are issued a PRTD and you return to Canada, you can apply for a PR card once you have met the residency requirements.
You can come via the Canada-US land crossing (in a private vehicle) if you still hold your CoPR letter. You may be questioned as to why you are returning after so long. Once you are allowed inside Canada, you can apply for a new PR card after meeting the residency obligations.
You need to apply for a PRTD with a valid explanation for your absence from Canada for so long. But it is advisable to do so before turning 23 years old.
What about your parents? They may need to renounce their PR status and if you are allowed to return as a PR, they will need to apply for a family sponsorship instead once you get your PR card renewed.
YES, for you to apply for spousal sponsorship in Canada, you need to have a valid status in the country. Since you are already waiting for an outcome on your extension application, you are in implied status in Canada. And that's considered a valid status. We would however recommend that you apply for a restoration of status along with your inland spousal sponsorship application. Also, in order to apply for a work permit you'd need to have a valid status in Canada.
Being an only child and being single is not a ground for refusal. What matters is how strong your ties to your home country are and how well are you able to convince the visa officer that you will return to your country once you have finished your education.
Usually, ties to home country are supported by ownership of property, family relations, friends, job opportunities, career advancements based on your education, or for that matter lack of ties to Canada. These are some examples that are mentioned here for better explanation.
Here are some pointers:
1. Ensure that you are not ineligible.
2. Make sure you fill in all information accurately and do not skip any section.
3. You will need your language test report along with your ECA credentials to complete your profile.
Lastly, just make sure you have the 67 eligibility points to qualify.
Your work experience is calculated based on months and not days. Here's what you need to do:
1. You do not have to decline the invite if you get points before you actually complete 1- year of experience.
2. You need to make sure that you submit your eAPR only after completing the one year of work experience for which you have claimed points.