Immigrating
If you would like to immigrate to Canada you must meet the requirements of an immigration program and you and your family members must successfully pass medical examinations and security checks.
Canada offers many accessible immigration programs for skilled workers and business people. If you would like to know which immigration program is best suited for you please complete our free assessment form.
If you are interested in learning about Canada’s immigration programs please visit the following links:
The following family members can come with you to Canada:
- your spouse or common-law partner,
- your dependent child,
- your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent child, and
- a dependent child of a dependent child.
Your parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and other family members cannot come to Canada with you. However, once you have settled in Canada you may be able to apply to sponsor them.
Processing fees vary depending on the immigration program.
Processing times vary depending on:
- the immigration program,
- the office processing your application, and
- the quality of your application.
Delays can possibly result from:
- poor documentation and presentation,
- the need for an interview, and/or
- requests for additional documentation.
Applying
- All Economic Class applications must be sent to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
- All Family Class applications must be sent to the Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
- For Temporary Resident Visas, Study Permits and Work Permits:
- o if you need to give biometrics, submit your application in person to the visa application centre (VAC) nearest you,
- o otherwise, contact the visa office that serves your country of residence, your country of nationality, or the country where you have been legally admitted to learn of the options available to you.
- For Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications and Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) applications you must first apply to the province where you intend to live.
Typically, all supporting documentation must be submitted with your initial application. However, in some cases you may be allowed to submit some supporting documentation at a later date.
In general, if you submit documents in a language other than English or French you must provide an English or French translation. The translation must be done by an approved translator and you must provide a certified copy of the original document.
A certified copy is a copy of an original document such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of identity that has been authorized (or stamped) as being a true copy of an original
A locked-in date is the date on which Citizenship and Immigration Canada receives your completed application. The Federal Court of Canada has determined the locked-in date to be the date on which certain selection factors must be assessed.
You must inform Citizenship and Immigration Canada if there are any changes to your case. For example, if:
- you adopt a child,
- you get married or divorced,
- your email, mailing address, or phone number changes, or
- you appoint or change a representative.
If you mail your application we recommend you use a courier service that gives you a delivery confirmation. CIC cannot confirm that your application package has been received until it has been opened by their office.
If you applied online, you will see a confirmation page after you submit your application.
Permanent Resident Visa
A permanent resident visa confers upon you permanent resident status, which gives you the right to live, work or study anywhere in Canada and receive most social benefits, including health care coverage.
However, you cannot vote, run for political office, or hold certain jobs that have a high-level security clearance requirement. To maintain permanent resident status you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. Your permanent resident status may be revoked if you fail to meet the two year residency obligation, or if you are convicted of a serious crime.
Processing fees vary depending on the immigration program and the number of accompanying family members you have and their ages. Once you have decided which immigration program is best for you we will provide you with a breakdown of the applicable processing fees.
A permanent resident visa confers upon you permanent resident status, which gives the right to live, work or study anywhere in Canada. A work permit is a document that allows you to work legally in Canada. It sets out specific conditions such as:
- the type of work you can do,
- the employer you can work for,
- where you can work, and
- how long you can work for.
Skilled Workers
A skilled worker is any worker who has special training and skills. For example, financial managers, nurses, engineers, computer programmers, and professors, among many others. A skilled worker may have attended a university, college, or technical school, or may have learned their skills on the job.
Skilled workers are selected based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French, and other criteria that have been shown to help immigrants become economically established in Canada.
The Government of Canada and most provinces have skilled worker programs that allow you to immigrate to Canada permanently. If you are interested in learning more about skilled worker programs please visit the following links:
If you would like to know which skilled worker immigration programs you can apply for please complete our free online assessment.
Express Entry
Express Entry is used to manage applications for permanent residence under these immigration programs:
- the Federal Skilled Worker Program,
- the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and
- the Canadian Experience Class.
Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry system through their Provincial Nominee Programs.
Through Express Entry, people who meet the criteria for one of these programs will be placed into a pool of candidates. Candidates with the highest scores in the pool will be issued an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
No. Express Entry will not change immigration program requirements. It is not a new program. It is a way for Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to manage the intake of economic immigration applications online.
No. There is no cap on the number of people who may enter the Express Entry pool. However, the number of candidates issued an invitation to apply for permanent residence will be determined by annual federal immigration level plans.
No. Express Entry does not include an eligible occupation list. To be eligible to enter the pool, candidates must have skilled work experience in a National Occupational Code (NOC) 0, A or B occupation.
Candidates must meet the minimum language requirements of one of these immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Express Entry candidates cannot usually come to Canada to work until they have been issued a permanent resident visa. However, employers who need a worker to start before the permanent resident visa is issued, may apply for a “dual intent” Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
A “dual intent” LMIA means a person can come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker (TFW) first and work while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence application. In this case, a candidate must still apply for a work permit and meet the requirements for TFWs.
Express Entry offers the following advantages:
- faster processing times: most applications are expected to be processed within six months or less, and
- an easier way to get a job offer from an eligible employer in Canada.
Must I have a job offer to get into the Express Entry pool or get an invitation to apply for permanent residence?
No. A job offer is not a requirement.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the system that Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will use to assess and score Express Entry candidates. The CRS will include the following factors:
- skills;
- work experience;
- language ability;
- education; and
- other factors known to help immigrants become economically established in Canada.
A candidate’s rank will change regularly, while their score will only change when they update their profile information. Candidates with the highest scores in the pool will be issued an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Candidates will be awarded points for:
- a job offer;
- a provincial/territorial nomination; and
- skills and experience factors.
Candidates in the pool will be issued an invitation to apply for permanent residence when they:
- have a job offer,
- have a nomination from a province or territory, or
- are one of the highest-ranked candidates who qualify for one of the three federal programs under Express Entry.
Candidates who get an invitation to apply for permanent residence must submit their application within 60 days.
In order to be awarded language points for the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) you must take a language test.
If you wish to be considered for rounds of invitations related to the Federal Skilled Worker Program you must get an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) unless you were educated in Canada.
If you wish to be considered for rounds of invitations related to the Federal Skilled Trades Program or Canadian Experience Class, an ECA is optional but may increase your points for the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
No. Obtaining an ECA for immigration does not mean that your work experience and professional credentials are recognized in Canada to get a license in a regulated profession. If you wish to work in a regulated profession you should contact the regulatory authority in the province where you plan to live to find out more about how to obtain a licence.
You will have to submit your language test results and/or Education Credential Assessment (ECA) results when you create your Express Entry profile.
Language test results are valid for 2 years and ECAs are valid for 5 years. Both must be valid at the time you submit an application for permanent residence under Express Entry.
Business Immigration
A business person is an individual who works in business or commerce.
The Government of Canada and most provinces have business immigration programs that allow you to immigrate to Canada permanently. If you are interested in learning more about business immigration programs please visit the following links:
If you would like to know which business immigration programs you can apply for please complete our free online assessment.
Sponsoring your Spouse or Common-law Partner
A spouse is a legal marriage partner. The term includes both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships.
A common-law partner is a person who has been living with another person in a relationship like a marriage for at least one year. The term refers to opposite-sex and same-sex relationships.
There are many documents that you can use as proof of a common-law relationship such as:
- proof of shared ownership of property, and
- bills for shared utilities.
If you would like to sponsor your common-law partner we can ensure that you submit precise proof of your relationship. For more information, please contact us.
Yes, if you live in Quebec, you must submit additional documents to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI).
If you live in Quebec, and would like to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner we can ensure that you submit the correct documents to MIDI. For more information, please contact us.
No, CIC will only contact you if it needs more information or a decision has been reached.
To avoid delays or a refusal you must make sure all the forms are duly completed and you submit the correct supporting documents. At ICP Immigration Inc. we will ensure that your application is expertly prepared. If you would like to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner please complete our free assessment form or contact us.
Sponsoring a Parent or Grandparent
You can sponsor your parent or grandparent if you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and if you are 18 years of age or older. You must also meet certain income requirements.
You may not be eligible to sponsor your parent or grandparent if you:
- failed to provide the financial support you agreed to when you signed a sponsorship agreement to sponsor another relative in the past,
- defaulted on a court-ordered support order, such as alimony or child support,
- received government financial assistance for reasons other than a disability,
- were convicted of a violent criminal offence or a sexual offence,
- defaulted on an immigration loan—late or missed payments,
- are in prison, or
- have declared bankruptcy and have not been released from it yet.
As a sponsor you must promise to provide financial support and basic requirements for the family members you are sponsoring. The promise to provide financial support remains in effect even if your financial situation changes.
Basic requirements are:
- food
- clothing
- utilities
- personal requirements
- shelter
- fuel
- household supplies
Yes, sponsored parents and grandparents must go through medical, criminal, and background checks. If your parent or grandparent poses a risk to the security of Canada, or if their health would cause excessive demand on the Canadian health care system their application may be denied.
Visiting
You may need a visa to visit Canada. People from certain countries need a temporary resident visa to travel to Canada.
A temporary resident visa is a document issued by a visa office which shows you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (a visitor, student, or worker). The document is a specially designed sticker that is placed in your passport. There are two types of temporary resident visas: single-entry and multiple-entry.
A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once. If you leave Canada, you will need a new visa to reenter.
A multiple-entry visa allows you to leave and reenter Canada more than once during a specified period. It can be valid for up to 10 years, or one month before your passport expires.
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay. However, you must apply at least 30 days before your temporary resident status in Canada expires. If your status expires after you sent your application for extension you may stay in Canada under implied status. Meaning, you maintain your temporary resident status until a decision is made on your application for extension.
There is no formal procedure for rejected applications. You should only re-apply if there have been substantial changes in your personal circumstances.
The parent and grandparent super visa authorizes eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit family in Canada for up to two years without needing to renew their status.
A business visitor is a person who:
- comes to Canada to take part in international business or trade activities,
- has no intent to enter the Canadian labour market, and
- works for and is paid by a company outside Canada or by a foreign government.
No, a business visitor does not need a special visa to enter Canada. The temporary resident visa covers all visitors, including those entering Canada on business.
No, you do not need a work permit to carry out business activities in Canada. However, if you plan to carry out secretarial, managerial, technical or production activities, or stay longer than six months, you must apply for a work permit.
Yes, as long as it has not expired. However, you must present proof that your latest trip is for business.
If it is a multiple-entry visa and it has not expired, you can use it to enter Canada for both business and tourism. If it is a single-entry visa, you will need a new visa.
Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
The parent and grandparent super visa authorizes eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status. The super visa can be valid for up to 10 years.
Alternatively, a multiple-entry visa only allows you to stay in Canada for a period of six months at a time.If you wish to stay longer you must apply for an extension.
To be eligible for the super visa, applicants must be the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Dependants of parents and grandparents are not eligible for the super visa.
When calculating family size, include the following people:
- the inviting child or grandchild,
- the spouse of the inviting child or grandchild,
- the dependants of the inviting child or grandchild,
- any other person whom the inviting child or grandchild is currently sponsoring or co-signing for, and
- the parents or grandparents of the inviting child or grandchild who are seeking a parent and grandparent super visa.
Yes, you can cancel your sponsorship application at any time and apply for a super visa.
Studying
If you would like to study in Canada you must first apply to a recognized school, college, or university, and receive a letter of acceptance. You must then apply for a study permit or a temporary resident visa, though not everyone must have these documents. You must also prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your studies.
If you would like to study in the Province of Quebec you must also apply for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, the official document issued by the Quebec Provincial Government authorizing you to study in the province.
You should apply for a study permit as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance. Generally, you must apply before coming to Canada.
While you are completing your studies in Canada it is possible to work. If you hold a valid study permit you may be eligible to work on-campus or off-campus without a work permit if you meet certain criteria.
If you would like to gain valuable work experience in Canada after graduation you must apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. A work permit issued under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program cannot be valid longer than the duration of your study program.
Once you have graduated, you may qualify to stay permanently in Canada either as a member of the Canadian Experience Class, or if you studied in the Province of Quebec, under the Quebec Experience Program or the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. PhD students may also qualify under the PhD stream of the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
If the duration of your course or program is six months or less you can study in Canada without a study permit.
You are allowed to change your school, program, field of study, or level of study without applying for a new study permit.
Temporary Foreign Workers
Generally, you will need any number of the following:
- a job offer in Canada,
- proof that you are certified or accredited to work in that occupation,
- proof from Employment and Social Development Canada that your proposed employer is allowed to hire you,
- a visa to travel to Canada,
- a work permit letter from a Canadian mission overseas,
- a work permit issued at the border and generally stamped into your passport.
Generally, you must apply for a work permit at a Canadian visa office outside Canada. You must do so before entering the country.
Work permits are subject to various conditions. These may include:
- the type of work you can do,
- the employer you can work for,
- where you can work, or
- how long you can work.
Your spouse or common-law partner and children can come with you to Canada if they meet all the requirements for temporary residents.
Maybe. In most cases, they must apply for their own work permit and meet the same requirements as you. However, in some cases they may be eligible to apply for an open work permit.
An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. Therefore, no job offer or authorization from Employment and Social Development Canada is needed.
You may be eligible to apply for an open work permit if you are in one of the following situations:
- you are already working in Canada and your application for permanent residence has been approved,
- your spouse is a foreign student or a temporary foreign worker,
- you have filed a claim for refugee protection in Canada and you are waiting for a decisions on your claim and you cannot pay for your basic needs without working.
Immigrating to Quebec
To immigrate to Quebec you must meet the requirements of a Quebec immigration program and be issued a Quebec Selection Certificate, the official immigration document issued by the Quebec Provincial Government. You must then make a separate application for a permanent resident visa and successfully pass a medical exam and a security check.
Quebec offers a number of accessible immigration programs. If you are interested in learning about Quebec immigration programs please visit the following links:
Studying and Working Temporarily in Quebec
In general, you must:
- apply for admission to a Quebec educational institution and receive a letter of admission,
- obtain a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ), and
- obtain a study permit.
In general, you must:
- obtain a temporary job offer from a Quebec employer (the employer must then take certain steps with the Quebec Provincial Government and the Federal Government),
- obtain a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (CAQ), and
- obtain a work permit.
The official document issued by the Quebec Provincial Government authorizing you to study in the province.
If your studies extend beyond the expiry date of your CAQ or your employer has extended your work contract you must apply for a new CAQ. It is suggested that you submit your application at least three months prior to the expiry of your CAQ.
If you are a foreign student or temporary worker in Quebec you can apply to stay permanently by way of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) or the regular Quebec Skilled Worker Program.
Immigration Representatives
Immigrating to Canada can very complicate. Retaining the services of an immigration representative will ensure that your application is not delayed. At ICP Immigration Inc. we will make certain that your application is expertly prepared and that you submit precise supporting documents which present your case in the strongest possible fashion.
If you would like to retain our services or schedule a consultation with Mrs. Alimohammadi please contact us, we will be pleased to speak with you.
Police Certificates and Criminal Inadmissibility
If you wish to immigrate to Canada, you and your family members must submit police certificates. All family members 18 and older must submit police certificates from each country they have lived in for 6 months or more since their 18th birthday. Police certificates may go by different names in different countries. They are official documents that indicate prior criminal activity.
This will depend on the immigration program and visa office. Police certificates are only valid for a limited period of time. For more detailed information, you should seek expert advice or contact the visa office where you should send your application.
This will depend on the country. In general, you must get in touch with the police or government to obtain a police certificate.
No. You must submit a police certificate from each country you have lived in for 6 months or more since your 18th birthday. However, if a police certificate is not forthcoming from a particular country, a written statement from officials confirming their refusal to issue the document may be required. Citizenship and Immigration Canada may even waive this requirement altogether if a clear obstacle can be demonstrated.
If you wish to enter Canada permanently or temporarily you may be denied entry if you or your dependents are deemed criminally inadmissible.
A person may be deemed criminally inadmissible on the following grounds:
- criminality, or
- serious criminality.
A foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of criminality for:
- having been convicted in Canada of an indictable offence,
- having been convicted outside Canada of an offence that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an indictable offence,
- committing an act outside Canada that is an offence in the place where it was committed and that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an indictable offence, or
- committing, on entering Canada, an offense.
A foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality for:
- having been convicted in Canada of an offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years,
- having been convicted of an offence outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, or
- committing an act outside Canada that is an offence in the place where it was committed and that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.
If you are criminally inadmissible but are otherwise qualified to enter Canada, you may be allowed to enter if you are deemed rehabilitated by an immigration officer or you apply for individual rehabilitation.
You may be deemed rehabilitated depending on:
- the seriousness of your crime and how much time has elapsed since the completion of your sentence - 10 years must have elapsed for one indictable offence and 5 years must have elapsed for two or more summary convictions.
You may be eligible for individual rehabilitation if:
- you were convicted of an offence outside Canada that, if committed in Canada, would be an indictable offence punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of less than ten years, and
- 5 years have passed since the completion of your sentence.
You must also demonstrate that you have been rehabilitated and are not likely to commit other crimes. This may require demonstrating:
- a stable lifestyle,
- community ties,
- social and vocational skills, and/or
- that the criminal offence was an isolated event.
Yes. A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be granted.
A TRP will only be granted if the danger to the Canadian public is outweighed by your need to be in Canada. Therefore, both the seriousness of your prior offence(s) and the legitimate urgency of your need to enter Canada (such as visiting a dying relative) will factor into the decision.
Medical Examination
A medical examination is a physical examination carried out by a doctor appointed by the Government of Canada. The doctor will conduct a complete medical examination and may refer you for x-rays and laboratory tests.
The purpose of a medical examination is to protect the health and safety of Canadians. If your health poses a danger to Canadians, or would cause excessive demand on the Canadian health care system, your application for a permanent or temporary resident visa may be refused.
If you apply for permanent residence, you and your dependents must undergo a medical examination. Some visitors must also undergo a medical examination.
Your medical examination results are valid for 12 months. If you do not come to Canada within that time, you may need to undergo another examination.
Biometrics
Biometrics are ways of identifying you using your unique physical characteristics, such as your fingerprints and photograph.
You must give your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) in order for Canadian officials to confirm your identity.
No, if once you have got approval for your visa you don't need to give biometrics anymore .
If there is no via application centre in your country you must go to the location nearest to you.
You are permitted to wear a head cover, however your whole face must be clearly visible. You may ask to have your photo taken by an operator of the same gender and you may request a privacy curtain.
Your biometric information may be shared with the United States of America.
Citizenship
To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen you must have permanent resident status and you must have resided in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) in the past four years before you apply. This does not apply to children under 18. You may be able to count time you spent in Canada before you became a permanent resident if it was during the past four years.
Each day spent in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident is counted as one-half day.
No, you may apply at any time after you become eligible.
Canadian citizens can apply for Canadian passports and are permitted to vote in federal elections. Citizenship cannot be revoked unless a person obtained citizenship through false representation or fraud.
Only in certain circumstances. For example, you can count time spent outside Canada with your spouse who is working abroad.
Dual or multiple citizenship is permitted under Canada’s citizenship laws. However, some other countries do not allow it. If you are a Canadian permanent resident check with your country of nationality before applying for Canadian citizenship.
Canada can tax you based on money earned in Canada and abroad.
No. Marriage to a Canadian does not grant you Canadian citizenship. To be eligible to become a Canadian citizen you must have permanent resident status and you must have resided in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) in the past four years before you apply.
If you married a Canadian your spouse can sponsor you to become a permanent resident.