Frequently Asked Questions

Express Entry is Canada's application management system for three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. It uses a points-based system to rank candidates.

The minimum CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score varies with each draw. Recent draws have seen scores ranging from 470-500 points, but this changes based on the number of candidates and government targets.

You can improve your CRS score by: improving language test scores, obtaining Canadian work experience, getting a provincial nomination (+600 points), securing a job offer with LMIA (+50-200 points), pursuing higher education, or having your spouse improve their language skills.

An Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months from the date of submission. If you don't receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within this period, you must create a new profile.

Yes, you can update most information in your Express Entry profile, including language test results, work experience, education, and personal details. However, some changes may affect your CRS score and ranking.

After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit a complete application with all required documents. You must pay the processing fees and provide police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Applicants must meet minimum requirements for education, language ability, work experience, age, and arranged employment.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. You must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on their qualifications in a skilled trade. You need work experience, language ability, and either a job offer or certificate of qualification.

A job offer is not required for Express Entry, but it can significantly boost your CRS score. A valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can add 50-200 points to your score.

The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province or territory.

All provinces and territories except Quebec and Nunavut participate in PNP. Each has its own criteria and streams targeting specific groups like skilled workers, entrepreneurs, students, and semi-skilled workers.

A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence in the next draw.

Yes, you can apply to multiple provinces under PNP, but you must meet each province's specific requirements. However, you should only accept a nomination if you intend to live in that province.

OINP is Ontario's PNP that nominates skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs for permanent residence. It has several streams including Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Worker, and Masters Graduate streams.

BC PNP nominates skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs who have the skills, experience, and qualifications needed by the province. It operates through Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories.

Yes, you must intend to live in the province that nominated you. While you have mobility rights as a permanent resident, the nomination is based on your commitment to contribute to that specific province's economy.

PNP processing times vary by province and stream, typically ranging from 2-6 months for the provincial stage, plus additional time for federal processing after nomination (usually 6 months).

AINP nominates skilled workers and international graduates who can contribute to Alberta's economic development. It includes streams for Strategic Recruitment, Accelerated Tech Pathway, and Rural Renewal Stream.

Yes, if you receive a provincial nomination certificate, you may be eligible for a work permit while your permanent residence application is being processed, allowing you to work in Canada.

You can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, and in some cases, other eligible relatives like orphaned siblings, nephews, or nieces under 18.

You must be 18 or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, meet minimum income requirements (except for spouse/partner sponsorship), sign an undertaking to provide financial support, and not be in default of previous sponsorship undertakings.

Spouse sponsorship typically takes 12 months from the date IRCC receives a complete application. Processing times may vary depending on the country where the sponsored person lives and application complexity.

For parent and grandparent sponsorship, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for 3 consecutive years. For spouse/partner sponsorship, there are no income requirements unless the sponsored person has dependent children.

Yes, through the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP). You must submit an interest to sponsor form during the intake period, meet income requirements, and if selected, submit a complete application within 60 days.

A common-law partner is someone you've lived with in a conjugal relationship for at least one year continuously. You must provide evidence of your relationship, such as joint bank accounts, shared residence, and relationship history.

You can sponsor your boyfriend/girlfriend if they qualify as your common-law partner (lived together for 1+ years) or conjugal partner (in a committed relationship but unable to live together due to circumstances beyond your control).

You need proof of relationship (marriage certificate, photos, communication records), identity documents, police certificates, medical exams, financial documents, and completed application forms for both sponsor and sponsored person.

The undertaking period varies: 3 years for spouse/partner, 10 years or until age 25 (whichever comes first) for dependent children, and 20 years for parents and grandparents from the date they become permanent residents.

Generally no, you cannot sponsor family members if you're receiving social assistance (except disability benefits). You must demonstrate financial ability to support the sponsored person without relying on government assistance.

Yes, most foreign workers need a work permit to work in Canada. Some exceptions include diplomats, certain business visitors, and workers in specific circumstances outlined in immigration regulations.

An LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job.

Processing times vary by country and type of application. Online applications are generally processed faster than paper applications. Current processing times range from a few weeks to several months depending on your location and circumstances.

It depends on your work permit type. Employer-specific work permits tie you to one employer, while open work permits allow you to work for any employer. You may need to apply for a new work permit to change employers.

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions) and doesn't require a job offer or LMIA. It's available in specific situations like spouse of skilled worker, protected persons, or certain pilot programs.

Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit if you have a work permit for a skilled job (NOC 0, A, or B), are in certain programs, or if your spouse meets other specific criteria outlined in immigration regulations.

The IMP allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers without needing an LMIA. It includes categories like NAFTA professionals, intra-company transferees, international agreements, and significant benefit to Canada.

Yes, having a work permit doesn't prevent you from applying for permanent residence. In fact, Canadian work experience gained on a work permit can be valuable for programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

The Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program that provides faster processing (within 10 business days) for employers looking to hire highly skilled foreign workers in specific occupations or referred by designated partners.

Yes, you can apply to extend your work permit before it expires. You should apply at least 30 days before expiry. If your permit expires while your extension application is processing, you may continue working under implied status.

You need a study permit if you plan to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada for more than 6 months. Short-term courses under 6 months may not require a study permit.

A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Only students attending DLIs are eligible for study permits. Each DLI has a unique number that must be included in your application.

You need to show you can support yourself financially during your studies. This includes tuition fees, living expenses (minimum $10,000-15,000 per year depending on location), and transportation costs. Quebec has different requirements.

Yes, with a study permit, you can work on-campus without restrictions and off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided you're a full-time student at a DLI.

SDS is a faster study permit processing stream for students from certain countries (India, China, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Vietnam) who meet specific requirements including English/French proficiency and payment of first year tuition.

Yes, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, and your children can apply for study permits if you're enrolled in certain programs. They can accompany you as dependents on your application.

A PGWP allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions to work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the length of their study program. It's an open work permit.

A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program plus 90 days. This extra time allows you to prepare to leave Canada or apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit or extension.

You can change programs at the same institution or change to another DLI. For significant changes (like changing levels of study), you may need to apply for a new study permit or notify IRCC of the change.

If your study permit expires, you must stop studying and leave Canada unless you apply for restoration of status within 90 days of expiry. You should apply to extend your permit before it expires.

It depends on your nationality. Citizens of visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), while citizens of other countries need a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) before traveling to Canada.

An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It's electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months from the date of entry. The border officer determines the actual length of stay and may stamp your passport or issue a visitor record with specific dates.

Yes, you can apply to extend your stay as a visitor. You must apply before your current status expires and meet certain requirements. Extensions are typically granted for up to 6 months at a time.

You need a valid passport, completed application forms, photos, proof of financial support, ties to your home country, travel itinerary, invitation letter (if applicable), and any other supporting documents.

Generally no, visitor visas don't allow work or study. However, there are some exceptions for short-term business activities and courses under 6 months. You need proper permits for work or extended study.

A Super Visa is a multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows stays of up to 2 years per visit and is valid for up to 10 years.

You should demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit. The amount varies but generally ranges from $100-200 CAD per day of your planned stay, plus transportation costs.

You can apply to extend your visitor status from within Canada, but you generally cannot apply for a new visitor visa from within Canada. First-time visitor visa applications are usually made from your home country.

Dual intent means you can have two intentions: visiting Canada temporarily while also having applied for or intending to apply for permanent residence. Having dual intent is legal and won't automatically result in visa refusal.

You can apply for citizenship after being a permanent resident for at least 3 years (1,095 days) out of the 5 years before you apply. You must also meet language requirements and pass a citizenship test.

Applicants aged 18-54 must prove they can communicate in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher in speaking and listening. You can prove this through language tests or approved evidence.

The citizenship test covers Canadian history, geography, economy, government, laws, and symbols. It's based on the official study guide "Discover Canada." The test has 20 questions and you need 15 correct answers to pass.

Yes, Canada allows dual (or multiple) citizenship. You don't have to give up your original citizenship when you become a Canadian citizen, unless your home country requires it.

Current processing times for citizenship applications are approximately 27 months from the date IRCC receives your complete application. This includes time for processing, test, and ceremony.

If you fail the written test, you'll be scheduled for a hearing with a citizenship officer. If you fail the hearing, your application will be denied, but you can reapply and don't have to wait any specific period.

Yes, you must file Canadian income taxes for at least 3 years during the 5-year period before you apply, if required to do so under the Income Tax Act.

Children under 18 can be included in their parent's citizenship application. Children born in Canada are automatically Canadian citizens. Children born outside Canada to Canadian parents may also be citizens by descent.

The citizenship ceremony is where you take the Oath of Citizenship and officially become a Canadian citizen. You'll receive your citizenship certificate at the ceremony. Family and friends can usually attend.

Canadian citizenship can only be revoked in rare cases involving fraud in the citizenship process. Changes in 2015 eliminated most other grounds for revocation. Once a citizen, you generally remain a citizen for life.

Canada offers several business immigration programs including the Start-up Visa Program, Self-Employed Persons Program, Investor programs through provinces (like Quebec Investor Program), and various provincial entrepreneur streams.

The Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that can compete globally and create jobs for Canadians. You need support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

This program is for people who want to become self-employed in Canada in cultural activities, athletics, or farming. You must have relevant experience and the intention and ability to create your own employment and contribute to cultural or athletic life in Canada.

Investment requirements vary by program. The Start-up Visa requires designated organization support but no specific personal investment amount. Provincial programs may require investments ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million.

Quebec has its own entrepreneur program for people who want to start or acquire a business in Quebec. It requires a business plan, minimum net worth, and investment commitment. The program is currently suspended for new applications.

Yes, successful business immigration programs can lead to permanent residence. However, requirements vary by program and province. Some require active management of the business, while others focus on investment amounts and job creation.

Designated organizations are venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators approved by the Canadian government to participate in the Start-up Visa Program. They must commit to supporting your business idea.

Most entrepreneur programs require relevant business or management experience. Requirements vary but typically include several years of business ownership, management experience, or specific industry experience depending on the program.

Yes, many business immigration programs allow for partnerships. For Start-up Visa, up to 5 people can apply together if they have an essential role in the business. Partner requirements and ownership structures vary by program.

Language requirements vary by program. Start-up Visa requires CLB 5 in English or French. Other programs may have different or no specific language requirements, but language ability often affects your application's success.

Common documents include passport, language test results, educational credentials assessment, work experience letters, police certificates, medical exams, proof of funds, and birth certificates. Specific requirements vary by program.

An ECA is a report that shows how your foreign education compares to Canadian standards. It's required for most economic immigration programs and must be obtained from designated organizations like WES, CES, or ICAS.

You need police certificates from every country where you've lived for 6 months or more since age 18. Contact local police or relevant authorities in each country. Processing times and requirements vary by country.

Immigration medical exams must be done by panel physicians approved by IRCC. The exam includes physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, and chest X-rays. Some applicants may need additional tests based on age or country of residence.

Validity periods vary: language tests (2 years), medical exams (1 year), police certificates (1 year), ECA (5 years). You may need to update expired documents during the application process.

Yes, all foreign language documents must be translated into English or French by certified translators. You must submit both the original document and certified translation with an affidavit from the translator.

Proof of funds shows you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada. Required amounts vary by family size and are updated annually. Funds must be readily available and transferable.

Work experience is proven through reference letters from employers on company letterhead, stating job title, duties, employment period, hours worked, and salary. Pay stubs, tax documents, and employment contracts provide additional support.

You must submit all required documents for a complete application. If documents are unavailable, you can provide an explanation letter with evidence of your attempts to obtain them and alternative documents where possible.

You can submit clear, legible photocopies of most documents with your application. However, you may be asked to provide original documents later. Some documents, like police certificates, must be originals.

Government fees for permanent residence applications include processing fees ($825-1,040 per adult), right of permanent residence fee ($515 per adult), and biometrics fee ($85 per person). Additional costs include medical exams, police certificates, and translations.

Current processing time for Express Entry applications is approximately 6 months after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This doesn't include time waiting in the pool for an invitation, which varies based on your CRS score.

Processing fees are generally non-refundable even if your application is refused. However, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($515) is refunded if your application is not approved. Withdrawing your application may allow for partial refunds.

You can pay online using credit card, debit card, or through Canadian financial institutions. Payments can be made through the IRCC online portal or using the specific payment forms provided by IRCC.

If your application takes longer than normal processing times, you can contact IRCC through their web form. However, applications are processed in the order received, and complex cases may take longer than standard processing times.

Generally, no. IRCC processes applications in the order received. However, urgent processing may be available in exceptional circumstances like medical emergencies or humanitarian situations. You must provide supporting documentation.

Biometrics include fingerprints and a digital photo. The fee is $85 per person or $170 for families of 2 or more. Most applicants for permanent residence, work permits, and study permits must provide biometrics.

You can check your application status online using your UCI (Unique Client Identifier) and application number. Create an account on the IRCC website or use the IRCC secure account to track your application progress.

If you made an error after submitting your application, contact IRCC immediately through their web form explaining the error and providing correct information. Minor errors may not affect processing, but significant errors could lead to delays or refusal.

Yes, you can submit additional documents if requested by IRCC or if you need to update your application. Use the web form or upload documents through your online account if available for your application type.

For English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General. For French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada. All tests must be taken at approved test centers and results must be within 2 years of application submission.

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is the Canadian standard for measuring English language proficiency. IELTS and CELPIP scores are converted to CLB levels. For French, it's NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens).

Yes, all applicants for economic immigration programs must take approved language tests regardless of their country of origin or education. Being from an English-speaking country doesn't exempt you from this requirement.

Yes, you can retake language tests as many times as you want. However, each test attempt requires paying the full test fee. You can use your best scores in your immigration application.

Express Entry awards points for first official language (up to 136 points) and second official language (up to 24 points). Points are awarded for speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities based on CLB levels achieved.

Minimum language requirement is CLB 7 in all four abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) for NOC 0 or A jobs, and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs. However, higher scores significantly improve your CRS ranking.

No, you must use the same test type for all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing). You cannot combine results from different test providers (e.g., IELTS for some skills and CELPIP for others).

Language test results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Your test results must be valid at the time you submit your complete application for permanent residence, not just when you create your Express Entry profile.

Principal applicants must take language tests. Spouses can take language tests to earn additional points in Express Entry (Cross-factor points). Dependent children generally don't need language tests unless they're applying as principal applicants.

Regardless of your fluency level, you must take approved language tests. Self-declared fluency or informal assessments are not accepted. The standardized tests ensure consistent evaluation of language abilities across all applicants.

Medical exams are required for permanent residence applications, some work permits, study permits over 6 months, and visitor visas for certain countries. You'll receive instructions on when to complete your medical exam during the application process.

Medical exams must be performed by Panel Physicians (doctors) designated by IRCC. You cannot use your family doctor or other physicians. A list of panel physicians is available on the IRCC website by country.

The exam includes physical examination, medical history review, blood tests, urine tests, and chest X-ray. Additional tests may be required based on age, country of residence, or medical findings. Mental health assessment may also be included.

Costs vary by country and panel physician, typically ranging from $200-500 CAD per person. This fee is paid directly to the panel physician and is separate from government application fees. Children's exams may cost less.

Medical exam results are generally valid for 12 months from the date of examination. Your examination must be valid when you land in Canada as a permanent resident. Extensions may be possible in some circumstances.

Having a medical condition doesn't automatically disqualify you. IRCC assesses if your condition might endanger public health or safety, or cause excessive demand on health services. Many conditions are acceptable and won't affect your application.

Yes, all family members included in your application (whether accompanying you or not) must undergo medical examinations. This includes spouses, dependent children, and any other family members listed in your application.

You can choose any panel physician in your country or region. However, if you're outside your country of residence, you may need to return home for the exam unless there are special circumstances. Check with IRCC for specific requirements.

Bring the medical forms from IRCC, valid passport or identity document, glasses/contact lenses if you wear them, any medical records related to past conditions, and current medications list. Payment for the exam is also required.

Panel physicians electronically submit results directly to IRCC. You won't receive results directly. IRCC will contact you if additional medical information is needed. Results are typically processed within a few weeks.

Appeal rights depend on the type of application and refusal reason. Some applications (like family sponsorship) have appeal rights to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD), while others (like Express Entry) generally don't have appeal rights but may allow reconsideration.

The IAD is an independent tribunal that hears appeals on certain immigration matters including refused family sponsorship applications, removal orders, and residency obligation cases for permanent residents. It's part of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

Time limits for appeals vary: 30 days for appeals from within Canada, 60 days for appeals from outside Canada. Time limits start from when you receive the written decision. Missing deadlines may result in losing your right to appeal.

Reconsideration is asking IRCC to review their decision based on new information or procedural errors. It's available for certain applications that don't have appeal rights. You must show significant new evidence or procedural fairness concerns.

Yes, you can usually reapply after addressing the reasons for refusal. There's typically no waiting period unless specified. However, simply reapplying without addressing the issues that led to refusal will likely result in another refusal.

Judicial review is a process where the Federal Court reviews immigration decisions for legal errors. It's not an appeal on the merits but focuses on whether the decision-maker followed proper legal procedures and made reasonable decisions.

While you can represent yourself, immigration appeals and reviews involve complex legal procedures. Legal representation is strongly recommended, especially for appeals to IAD or judicial review applications to Federal Court.

IAD hearings are formal proceedings where you present evidence and arguments supporting your case. The Minister's representative may also present arguments. You can have witnesses testify and submit documentary evidence. The hearing is recorded.

Appeal processing times vary significantly based on case complexity and IAD schedules. Simple cases may take 12-18 months, while complex cases can take several years. Check current processing times on the IRB website.

IAD can allow the appeal (overturning the original decision), dismiss the appeal (upholding the original decision), or in some cases, stay a removal order subject to conditions. If allowed, your application proceeds for continued processing.

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Our practitioners handle all types of Canadian immigration applications including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, visitor visas, citizenship applications, and business immigration programs.