Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which is the best way to immigrate to Canada?
A. The best way is to get yourself assessed and know what options you have to immigrate. For instance you may qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Class and also the Quebec Skilled Worker Class. The best way would depend in this instance where you want to live how fast you want to come to Canada and how fluent are you in your French. Once you know what options you have it becomes easier to make a decision
Q. Is it necessary to hire an Immigration Consultant?
A. No it is not, but a good example why it is advisable to do so is this. If you have a fever you may choose to treat yourself, assuming it is just a mild flu. It may turn out to be a much worse scenario and can be even life threatening if you have something like dengue fever. Only a trained doctor could soundly advise you. In the same way Certified Immigration Consultants are trained professionals who can prepare your paperwork, liaise with visa officers and take care of any problem that may arise so that your end result will be successful.
Q. Can I sponsor my family to come to Canada?
A. Under the Federal system you can only sponsor your spouse or minor child to immigrate on a permanent basis. Under some Provincial Systems you may sponsor your brother/sister, niece/nephew, uncle/aunt or even a cousin. But you must be living and working in these Provinces that allow such sponsorships. You may now bring your parents under a super visa which is issued for 10 years and renewable every 2 years. This is however not a permanent visa.
Q. I am applying for residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Class. I live in a Country where English is my first language. Do I need to submit IELTS results with my initial application to CIO? Do I need to submit Police reports as that will take a few months since I have worked in different countries. I want to submit my application soon before my category reaches the cap.
A. Unfortunately we are provided with no choice when it comes to IELTS. No matter what Country you live in you MUST submit your original IELTS results with your initial application to CIO. However you have the option of submitting your police clearances once your application has been approved by CIO and transferred to your preferred visa post. If so it is best that you submit proof of applications for clearances with your initial application
Q. Is it better to apply for permanent residency or come to Canada on a work permit?
A. Once again that depends on what your intention is. Do you want to live in Canada permanently or temporarily? Do you wish to come with your family or alone? If your intention is to come to Canada on a permanent basis with your family, and you have been informed you qualify to apply for permanent residency , then that maybe your best option. Permanent residency provides you with many advantages and benefits in comparison to being a worker in Canada. However if you wish to test the waters, and you have an employer willing to hire you then it is best to come on a work permit and if you feel that Canada is the place where you would like to call home, then apply for residency while working in Canada.
Q. I am in Canada as a foreign Worker and I want to apply for Permanent Residency. Under which program should I apply?
A. If you have been working for a period of 2 years in Canada under a skilled category you may qualify to apply under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which is by far the quickest and easiest way to apply for residency. However know what options you have before you decide and make sure you meet all the criteria of CEC. You may also qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Class ( with or without arranged employment) or under a Provincial Nominee Program
Q. I have been working in Canada for the last 3 months in a skilled position. My employer is happy and want to support me in my residency. Do I need to wait 6 months to apply for residency?
A. No you don’t. If you qualify under the Federal Skilled worker Class ( with or without arranged employment) you can apply right away. Chances are your arranged employment may not need to be approved by Service Canada.
Q. I am working in Canada in an unskilled position. However I have skilled worker experience and a degree in my Country of Citizenship. Will I ever be able to apply for residency since I will be working in an unskilled position?
A. If your work experience in your Country of Citizenship falls under the Federal Skilled Worker Class demand list you may have a chance of applying for residency right away. Another option maybe to change your job after your contract is over or ask your boss for a promotion so that you can work in a skilled position in Canada and thereby qualify to apply for residency.
Q. I am a student is Canada studying for a 2 year degree. I will be completing my degree in 5 months. I would like to stay in Canada and work and maybe even apply for residency. How can I do this?
A. Once you finish a 2 year degree you will become eligible to apply for an open work permit. If you are looking at applying for your residency under the Federal Canadian Experience Class it is necessary that you seek out a skilled job and apply for your residency as soon as you complete one year of work experience. If you find a job in a Province such as Saskatchewan you may become eligible to apply for residency earlier. Your requirements to apply for residency will largely depend on the Province you study and work.
