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Family Sponsorship Class FAQ

Family Class immigrants are people who are sponsored by a close relative to come to Canada. Sponsors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older. They must show that they are willing and able to provide financial help and support to the immigrating relative. Applications are evaluated on the sponsor’s ability to look after the relative, and on the relative’s ability to successfully settle in Canada.

To sponsor a family member as a permanent resident under family class sponsorship, the sponsor must fulfill the following conditions:
  • Is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada aged at least 18 years.
  • Reside in Canada, if they are a permanent resident. Canadian citizens can sponsor a family member even when living outside the country. However, he or she must reside in Canada when the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident of Canada.
  • Have adequate resources to provide financial support to the sponsored person for the mandated duration.

The following categories of individuals can be sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner;
  • Parents and grandparents;
  • Dependent children;
  • Unmarried children aged less than 22 years; or,
  • Children aged above 22 years and above if they are dependent on the sponsor for financial support due to physical or mental conditions.
  • Other Relatives;
  • Siblings, nephews or nieces, or grandchildren who are orphaned, aged below 18 years, and don’t have a spouse or partner.

The sponsorship of other relatives is generally not available under the Family Class. In order to sponsor other relatives, such as adult brothers or sisters, the application must be made on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Otherwise, if they qualify, they may make an application under a different category of immigrant, such as one of the economic immigration programs.

A sponsored spouse or partner can work, pending processing of their sponsorship application by applying for an open work permit. They can apply under the Spousal Work Permit Pilot Program by either combining the application for work permit along with the sponsorship application, or applying for the temporary permit pending processing of the sponsorship application. Other family members and eligible relatives can apply for the work permit only after their sponsorship application has received in-principle approval.Pending grant of permanent residence, all sponsored persons can study in Canada after applying for and obtaining a study permit.

Canada is a very open and advanced country. Here same-sex marriage is recognized and legalized. Canada does not place restrictions on same-sex marriage when it comes to immigration applicants. However, the marriage must be officially recognized by the country that certified the marriage. The same sex persons can legally marry in Canada or form a common law union. Both relationships are recognized by the Canadian government and the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

A Visitor Visa is different from a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa on how long the visa lasts. Generally, Visitor Visa’s last for 6 months and need an extension and an additional fee, if you wish to stay longer in Canada. The Parent & Grandparent Super Visa lasts for two years. You can also enter Canada more than once with this type of visa. Of course, the requirements to apply for the Parent & Grandparent Super Visa differ from the Visitor Visa.

When you agree to be a sponsor, you must sign a contract called an “undertaking” with the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is a promise to provide financial support and basic requirements for the family members being sponsored. Basic requirements include:
  • food
  • clothing
  • utilities;
  • personal requirements
  • shelter
  • fuel
  • household supplies
  • health care not provided by public health, (such as eye and dental care)
A change in an individual’s circumstances (such as marital breakdown, separation, divorce, unemployment, change in financial circumstances or death of the principal applicant in cases in which there are accompanying family members) will not cancel the undertaking.
When the sponsored family member becomes a permanent resident in Canada, sponsors and co-signers will need to remain obligated to provide basic requirements for the full period of the undertaking.

For spousal sponsorship, the sponsor must support the spouse financially for at least three years after the spouse obtains permanent residence. For dependent children, this duration is for ten years, or up to the time the child turns 25, whichever is earlier.
For parents and grandparents, the sponsor must sign a sponsorship agreement and commit to provide financial support for a period of 3 to 20 years based on the age of the sponsored relative and the nature of the relationship.
The sponsored relative must also promise that he or she shall undertake all necessary efforts to become financially independent.

  • Official proof that you are a permanent resident or Canadian Citizen (e.g. Confirmation of Permanent Residence document, or Record of Landing, or Canadian birth certificate, Canadian Citizenship Card, or Canadian Passport)
  • Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable), or proof of common-law, or conjugal relationship (if applicable)
  • Copy of divorce, annulment, separation or death certificate (if either spouse was previously married)
  • Photographs of the marriage or common-law ceremony (if available)
  • Declaration of severance of any previous common-law relationship (if applicable)
  • proof of employment, and/or proof of income
  • If you are a Canadian citizen but live outside Canada, proof that you intend to live in Canada with your spouse, common-law or conjugal partner and/or dependent children, once they become permanent residents
  • Medical Condition Statement (if dependent child is adopted)
In addition to general and other personal information, these applications ask sponsors to show their income, debts, financial obligations, the number of immigrants they want to sponsor, and the number of immigrants they have previously sponsored.

Family Class applicants and their dependents must also meet certain requirements. They must undergo a security check and a medical exam by a designated physician. They may also be interviewed by an Immigration Officer. Applicants must prove that they are related to their sponsor. Documents such as birth or marriage certificates, voter registration or military records, and family or personal records or photographs can be used to establish this relationship.
Once eligibility under the Family Class has been determined, two steps must be followed:
1) An application for sponsorship must be made and
2) The sponsored family member must apply for permanent residence. The applications for both should be filled out and sent at the same time.

  • Other relatives, such as brothers and sisters over 18 years of age, or adult independent children cannot be sponsored. However, these relatives can apply to come to Canada under another approved class.
  • Relationships entered into primarily for immigration purposes. Even if these relationships later become genuine, any sponsored application for permanent residence can still be refused. These are ‘bad faith relationships’ also commonly referred to as ‘relationships of convenience’.
  • Fiancées and intended common-law partners are not considered close relatives and cannot be sponsored under the Family Class. In such circumstances, the sponsor will have to make a sponsorship application under humanitarian and compassionate grounds, or if the fiancée qualifies, he or she can make an application under the Canadian Experience Class/Skilled worker class.

In order to qualify in for a Parent & Grandparent Super Visa there are some requirements you must meet. You must have a child/grandchild who is either:
A permanent resident of Canada; or
  • A Canadian citizen
  • You must be able to legally enter Canada (e.g. having the correct travel documentation, no criminal record etc.);
  • You must also prove that your child/grand child can meet the minimum income threshold;
  • You must provide documents that state that your child/grandchild will support you financially;
  • You must have Canadian medical insurance that lasts a minimum of one year; and
  • You must do an immigration medical exam
If you apply for the Parent & Grandparent Super Visa, you cannot include dependants in your application. Besides meeting all of the requirements above, an immigration officer may also question you on the following.
  • How politically stable is your home country?
  • How are your family finances (are you able to support yourself)?
  • What are you visiting for (wedding, family visit etc)?
  • What is the relationship between you and your home country?
  • Do you have an invitation from a Canadian host?

Yes. Family class sponsorship results in permanent residence for successful applicants. The Super Visa, on the other hand, is a temporary visa that is issued for a significantly longer duration as compared to a regular visitor visa. The Super Visa is a multiple entry visa with validity for ten years that is issued to facilitate the visit of close relatives of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike family sponsorship, all restrictions applicable to visitor visas, including prohibition from working or studying in Canada, applies to the Super Visa.

General FAQs

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized immigration and citizenship representative, who is hired to evaluate your Visa application and submit it on your behalf. In addition, an RCIC provides you with a beneficial strategy for your Visa options. An authorized RCIC is also a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
RCICs are experts in the immigration field. They walk applicants through the overwhelming immigration system. At Nextwave Immigration Service, we have professional RCIC to help you with the immigration process.

The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) is a national regulatory body that oversees authorized immigration professionals. The regulatory body ensures that RCICs adhere to a professional code of conduct. The body also licenses professionals and processes complaints involving Canadian immigration.
Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires anyone who provides immigration or citizenship advice to be a member in good standing with the CICC.

Would you feel safe flying with a pilot that is unlicensed? Probably not. The same thing applies for your immigration process. You want to feel safe and secure knowing your Visa application is in the right hands.
Immigrating to a different country is an intricate process with a lot of paperwork, form submissions and tight deadlines. An RCIC takes care of these on your behalf, and makes your Visa application a lot easier than attempting it alone. Authorized consultants can get your application submitted correctly the first time around, ensuring that your application is fully optimized so that you stand a greater chance at success.
Each RCIC has experience dealing with the Canadian immigration process. They handle immigration matters both ethically and professionally, and will explain everything regarding your application process.
With more than 60 Visa options available, an RCIC can give you personalized assistance by mapping out the best immigration option for you, based on your personal objectives. Once an RCIC has submitted your application, you will be updated on your application status by your consultant, who will be there throughout the whole process.
If your first language is not English, it will be to your benefit to hire an RCIC to help you understand certain clauses and policies. An RCIC can assist you with information about language tests, employment applications and submission of all the correct documents needed for your application.

Unauthorized agents and consultants charge a fee for their services but are not regulated by the Canadian Council, they are also not acknowledged by the department of Immigration, Refugees and Canadian Citizenship. Any application sent on your behalf will be rejected and sent back to you.
Do not waste your time and money. Avoid being subjected to fraudulent proceedings. Choose the right people for the job.

Once you have successfully completed the evaluation process, you will receive your evaluation results in the form of a Personalized Visa Strategy Roadmap to Canada. In order to fully understand your visa choices, you can then sign the retainer agreement and gain the expertise of a professional RCIC.
RCICs are immigration strategists who will help you understand the best personalized Visa strategy for you. You may receive knowledge of better options and programs that you never knew were available, which will help create better opportunities for your future.
The RCIC that is administering your application will help you make sense of Canada’s complicated Visa system by simplifying the process. With over 60 Visa options to choose from, with a limited time frame, an RCIC is here to assist you in making an educated and favorable choice for your future

This is difficult to comment on until your profile is evaluated and assessed for a visa that your are seeking. After evaluation, we can recommend an immigration pathway or a temporary visa depending on your individual case. Each client’s profile and requirements are unique. This is not where one size fits all approach works. Our team deals only with immigration, citizenship and refugee cases. You can be assured we have handled an immigration case similar to yours with only the best possible results. We must confirm the particulars of your immigration case before we can give you the specific recommendations. You want a full assessment and not a quick answer, as this is a big step in your life and future. All information shared remains strictly confidential.

In order to answer this question, we have to know more about you and evaluate your specific case. As you can see, there are a variety of visas and programs available for immigration to Canada. In fact, there are over 60 categories of Canadian immigration. The best way to proceed is to have a qualified expert assess your qualification for a Canada immigration visa. Depending on your specific details and requirements, our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) will evaluate your profile during the initial assessment process and will recommend the best immigration route suited for you and your family. Upon completion of the assessment, the RCIC will assist you with the preparation and submission of the required applications for your immigration to Canada. For an assessment please fill out the form from the assessment forms section at https://nextwaveimmigration.com/assessment-forms/

There are over 60 different visa and programs offered by Canada that vary in the qualifications needed to apply. Certain visas and programs are also only available to certain provinces and territories within Canada, for example the Quebec Skilled Worker Program
There are a few different Canadian visas that our team specializes in:
  • Express Entry – The new Canadian immigration system which is designed to select skilled workers for immigration to Canada. It includes the following programs:
    • Federal Skilled Worker Visa (FSW) – The most sought after program, as the Canadian government is hoping to attract qualified foreign workers;
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – A program for those who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade; and
    • Canadian Experience Class Visa (CEC) – Temporary workers or students of foreign nationality who have lived and worked in Canada for some time, who have a good understanding of English or French, who have the required occupational skills and knowledge of Canadian society, may apply for a permanent resident visa through this program;
  • Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) - To promote workers in required occupations across all of the Canadian provinces in Canada; Student Visa – Which allows you to legally study and work in Canada, and in some cases to be able to stay and work for up to three additional years after graduation;
  • Quebec Skilled Workers Program – Conducted through the Quebec province, hoping to attract as many qualified foreign workers;
  • Quebec Entrepreneur Program – This Visa allows you to establish your own business in the province of Quebec; and
  • Caregiver Visa –Through this visa you can be sponsored as a live-in caregiver

A Permanent resident card is used to show you are a permanent resident (PR) of Canada. This PR card is used when you travel between countries, and is needed if you want to come back into the country.
If you do not have a PR card when you travel, or have lost it, you need a permanent resident travel document (this document can only be used for a single entry).
Note: you do not lose your permanent residence status, if your permanent resident card expires.

Age
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the time an application is submitted (or have a parent, adoptive parent or legal guardian apply on their behalf).
Official Languages
English and French are the official languages of Canada. You need to demonstrate proficiency in at least one of these two languages in order to become a Canadian citizen.
Criminal History
Certain convictions will render you criminally inadmissible to Canada. Please contact Nextwave Immigration Services for information on how your criminal conviction might affect your application.
Canadian permanent resident requirements are different from citizenship requirements:
The elements required to become a Canadian permanent resident vary depending on the stream through which you are accepted. Once you are a permanent resident of Canada you must remain in Canada for 2 of 5 years in order to maintain it. To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must have permanent resident status and it must not be in question. To be clear, you must not be the subject of an immigration investigation, an immigration inquiry or a removal order.

Different fees are charged by the Canadian government for the submission of applications. This is not unique to the Canadian government, as many countries require application fees to be paid to the governing authority. The fees can range from being only a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on which visa program you are applying for, your family size and age (fees for children are lower than for adults). Payment is usually made when you send in your application and documents, but it really depends on the specific visa or program. You can pay the fee by credit card, bank draft, check or money order, in Canadian dollars.
An important point to note is that government fees are nonrefundable. This is why it is so vitally important to ensure your application is submitted correctly, with accurate information and at the correct time. Failure do to so will likely result in your application being denied, meaning you will lose any fees paid to the Canadian government. Our agents do their best to ensure that our client’s applications are submitted correctly, increasing the chances of a successful application.

The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is an amount that each applicant and his common-law partner must pay in order to get a Permanent Resident Visa. The fee is in the range of hundreds of Canadian dollars, and in the case of children, the requirement to pay the fee depends on their age. This fee is different from other governmental fees, and even if you are already in Canada, as an applicant, you are required to pay this fee. Please bear in mind that governmental fees are constantly changed by the Canadian legislature.

Some of the most important factors a visa officer will consider in assessing your application are the connections to your home country. One of the main tests in issuing a temporary resident visa (or visitor visa) is this: Will the applicant return to his or her country once his or her status expires? In trying to answer this question, the visa officer will first look at your connections to your home country.
  • Employment -- If you are employed, this is a powerful connection to your home country. If you can, be sure to include a letter of employment and confirmation in that letter that your absence to visit Canada has been approved.
  • Family -- If you have family in your country of residence, that is an important connection. If you can, provide copies of the bio-data sections of their passports, along with copies of birth certificates to show relationships. An affidavit is a good idea if you have no documents to prove the relationship. Your family member can swear an affidavit and state their relationship to you.
  • Property -- Owning property in your country of residence is another powerful connection to your country. If you can, provide copies of titles or other documents that show you own the property, and where the property is located.
  • Obligations -- Do you have obligations in your home country? Perhaps you care for an elderly parent, or another relative? Or perhaps you are a leader of a community or volunteer group? Showing evidence of obligations at home will certainly help you show that you will return to your home country after your visit.
  • Available finances -- Another critical factor you must address in your application, is how you will support yourself in Canada. You must think about how you can provide evidence of this. How much money do you have available to you while in Canada? IRCC will do a rough calculation of food and accommodation costs to determine if you have enough funds to support yourself. Provide evidence of cash in your bank, and have traveller’s cheques while crossing the border, don’t rely solely on credit cards, or a visa officer might suspect you don’t have the funds for your trip. Are there currency restrictions in your home country? Take this into account and find a way to address it.
  • Staying with family or friends -- If you will be staying with friends or family, you won’t need as much cash for your trip. You will however need proof that your host will provide lodging and food. Be sure to have your host in Canada sign a letter stating that you will be staying with them and that they will provide food and lodging. The letter should state the amount of time you will be staying with them, and have an address and contact phone number where they can be reached.
  • Ability to leave Canada -- The visa officer has to determine if you have the ability to leave Canada after your stay. Be sure to have booked a return travel ticket to your home country, and
that your passport is valid for your entire stay and return trip. If you don’t have a return ticket because you are unsure when you want to return to your home country, be sure to have enough money to purchase a return ticket to your home country.

In order to extend your stay in Canada, you need to apply for an extension, 30 days before the expiry date of your stay. If you wish to remain longer, you should individually apply for a further extension. You can apply for an extension by completing the extension documents online, to make the application process easier, and reduce the risk of errors that can make the processing period longer.
You can find the documents you need to extend your stay in Canada in this link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visitor.asp
A few things to take note of:
  • The Temporary Visa cannot exceed the validity of your passport, both documents must be valid and legal;
  • You may apply for an extension as many times as you wish, as long as you complete a new application, pay the fee and have valid reasons to extend your stay;
  • You may leave Canada before your Visa expires, however, you need a new document to re-enter Canada; and
  • If your Temporary Visa expires before your extension has been processed, you may remain in Canada under implied status. This allows you to legally remain in Canada, until a decision has been made by the immigration department.

You generally do not need a medical exam if your visit is 6 months or less

The Refugee Class is for immigrants who are in need of protection and are unable or afraid to return to their home country and wish to settle in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor people from abroad who qualify to come to Canada as refugees.

Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), some people are known as “inadmissible” and are not allowed to come to Canada. You could be found inadmissible, denied a visa or refused entry to Canada under IRPA, for a number of reasons, including:
  • security concerns
  • human or international rights violations
  • criminality
  • organized criminality
  • health grounds
  • financial reasons
  • misrepresentation
  • non-compliance with the IRPA or
  • having an inadmissible family member

There are different types of appeals and timelines for each application. If your application is refused, please contact our office to seek advice on the applicable timelines. Certain decisions may be challenged at the Immigration Tribunals, Federal Court or the Refugee Appeal Divisions. In certain circumstances, an applicant can ask to have their application reopened or reconsidered by requesting a review.

A legal agent is an authorized licensed representative that must be:
  • A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
  • A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
  • A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec
Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.

Unfortunately, some believe submitting immigration, citizenship or refugee application is just about the forms. The forms themselves can be extremely complicated and based upon asking the same questions to locate inconsistencies in your answers. On many occasions in an immigration tribunal, I spent hours arguing over what was meant when a form was filled out. To be clear, it’s not only what you include in the immigration forms but the key is ensuring you have the right forms in the first place!! Ensuring what you have written is what you meant, that you have the right supporting documentation, effective legal and factual argument and in short that you present your best and most persuasive case. You wait years for this chance at a new life in Canada. Those that leave it to chance, worry more about cost than possibilities, and believe they know the system by reading a few passages on the website, more often than not, receive a horrible result either in delays or in refusals. It is possible to apply on your own. But, because of how complicated the immigration system has become; I cannot recommend going it alone. In the end it is about your life and future, not forms! Be wise and if you want to make Canada your home – show Canada you are serious about the immigration process.

The last few steps of the immigration process are the most important and you will not be left unaccompanied through the rest of your journey. At at Nextwave Immigration Services, our RCIC will be in contact with you after you have completed the evaluation process and signed the retainer agreement. The RCIC will manage your important documents, recommend the best Visa options and apply on your behalf if you meet all the criteria. The RCIC will advise you on the way going forward. Whichever immigration program you apply for, rest assured that our trusted experts at Nextwave Immigration Services can aid you with:
  • Conducting an Assessment and determining your eligibility for Express Entry System
  • Creation of your Express Entry Profile
  • Facilitation to complete Federal Skilled Trades Class Visa Formalities if you are invited to apply under Express Entry
  • Recommend and advise on any other immigration program that you may qualify for and its application procedure in detail
Aside from our years of experience, we are experienced in niche practice areas within immigration law, such as LGBTQ immigration issues, medical and criminal inadmissibility, and appeals/judicial review applications. We provide professional, accurate, expert services that are client focused and responsive from the point of first contact.

That depends. There are points awarded for close relatives, if they are citizens or permanent residents. These have to be first degree relatives, such as parents and siblings or second degree relatives such as grandparents and grandchildren. In any case, it is important to study the details of your specific case and evaluate your status.

As a rule, you must undergo medical examinations in order to apply for a visa. The Canadian government takes great care of its people and wishes to discourage any burden on its medical system. Therefore, applicants are required to undergo medical exams. If you have any healthcare issues, you are required to disclose them.

The Police Clearance Certificate is a requirement for all applicants aged 18 and above. The certificate is dependent on each country, as is the process of obtaining it.
The law requires such a certificate from every country in which the applicant lived for over six months and it is a requirement which must be fulfilled in order to get a permanent resident or work permit visa.

First, you should be aware that not all applicants are interviewed. If you are invited to an interview, it is usually in order to examine and assess the reliability of the documents and information you have submitted to the government.
You will be required to present a coherent and honest case to convince the officials of your truthfulness.

A permanent resident is a person who has permanent resident status. They are not a Canadian citizen. A permanent resident is considered a citizen of another country, other than Canada.
Refugees can become permanent residents through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, or the Government Assisted Refugee Program.
Note: you do not get permanent residency if you just claim refugee status. Your claim must be approved by the Immigration and Refugee Board. Then you may apply for permanent resident status. A student or foreign workers are not considered a permanent resident.

The question of “how to become a permanent resident of Canada,” differs from candidate to candidate. Arriving at this answer is a matter of finding the Canadian immigration program that suits you best, as the prerequisites for Canadian permanent residency depend on the stream under which an individual qualifies. Canada has created a myriad of immigration streams based on various factors including age, education, work experience, net worth and willingness to invest as well as ties to Canada.

Canadian permanent residents and their dependents are entitled:
  • To receive almost all social benefits that Canadian citizens are entitled to, including Canadian health care.
  • To live, work and study in any Canadian province or territory.
  • To eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
  • To protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

If you intend to retire in Canada, you need to apply for permanent residency. This process is slightly more difficult if you are no longer working. The Canadian government looks at your ability to support yourself in your retirement.
Factors considered to determine outcome of your application depends on:
  • Speak fluent English or French;
  • Graduate with a university degree;
  • Demonstrate that you have enough savings to support yourself and your family;
  • Have a partner who has a university degree; and/or
  • Are willing to invest in Canadian businesses

This is not an uncommon question. Individuals remain in Canada long enough just to receive a PR card and then, for whatever reason, leave immediately to another country, often their home country, where they usually have a lucrative job. This is an issue of retaining residency. First of all, assuming you do not have difficulty re-entering Canada, you may remain in Canada as long as you wish and do not have to leave before the expiration date of your PR card. If you are stopped at the airport you will have to seek relief from the Immigration Appeal Division to attempt to maintain your residency. If you do enter as permanent residents and you need to travel before renewing you may not be allowed back in Canada without having either a PR card or a travel document. In your case, once you apply for renewal of your PR cards, The IRCC will confirm whether you retained your residency – two years of physical residency within the last five years.
There are options but you definitely need professional help with your case. Please contact our office if you are in a similar situation for an expert to explain your options.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age in order to begin the application process for Canadian citizenship.
In order to apply for citizenship on behalf of a child under 18, the following conditions must be met:
  • the individual applying for Canadian citizenship is the child’s parent or legal guardian
  • the child in question must be a permanent resident of Canada, but is not required to have lived in Canada for three years; and
  • one parent is already a Canadian citizen or is applying to become a citizen as well. This stipulation also applies to adoptive parents

Professional immigration services fees depend on your specific case, along with various factors such as:
  • The visa you applied for;
  • Your family size;
  • The complexity of your individual case; and
  • Your economic situation
In some cases the RCIC (under discretion) may agree on a more convenient payment plan that is tailored according to the client’s financial situation.

Typically, a temporary resident visa is issued for up to 6 months. There are circumstances where visitors stay for longer than a 6-month period which are discussed below.

You are considered a business visitor if you wish to:
  • Invest in Canadian businesses;
  • Grow your own business; and/or
  • Improve your business relations
Depending on your documents, you may need either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Visa. If you are a:
  • Dual Canadian citizens need a valid Canadian passport;
  • Permanent resident (PR) you need a legal PR card to travel; or
  • Non-Canadian citizens/residents you will need to have either an eTA or a visa depending on which country you apply from.
For an eTA you should never:
  • Plan your trip for the last minute. Getting the right documents can take time, as well as the processing time for your application to go through
  • Travel without your passport you applied for the eTA with
For a visitor visa, the following are needed to apply:
  • Letter of invitation from your business partner; and
  • Contact details for that person should be available 24/7.
You must prove that you will not:
  • Stay longer than 6 months in Canada;
  • Work in the Canadian labour market; and
  • Conduct most of your business in Canada
You meet Canada’s basic entry requirements if you:
  • Have a valid travel document, such as a passport;
  • Have enough funds for your stay and return home;
  • Plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit; and
  • Do not pose criminal, security or health risks to Canadians

The Canadian Working Holiday Visa is an exciting opportunity for young adults to work, live, and travel in Canada. It is the ideal opportunity to gain professional working experience with diverse cultures, and explore the beauty of Canada at the same time. The Temporary Working Holiday Visa is a program managed by a section of Foreign Affairs and International Experience Canada (IEC). You can apply for a Working Holiday Visa if: The Working Holiday Visa is valid for 12 months (this may vary depending on your country), and a routine interview is conducted to ensure you are a good candidate for the working holiday program.

Compassionate applicants are those who may not normally be eligible to become permanent residents of Canada but may be able to apply on humanitarian or compassionate grounds. These are exceptional cases assessed on a case-by-case basis. Some of the common factors considered include:
  • settlement in Canada,
  • family ties,
  • best interest of children, and
  • Consequences of not granting the request.

If you are a refugee or protected person you may qualify for medical insurance in Canada. There is the Interim Federal Health Program or IFHP that can cover certain individuals if they meet all the set requirements.
You should note that this medical insurance is temporary, and not a permanent medical insurance.

Applications can be refused for a number of reasons. It may be that an applicant does not qualify in the immigration category in which they applied. Or, it may be that they have a criminal history or serious health issue. Contact us to find out if there are obstacles in your immigration application, and how to overcome them.

There are approximately 12 million people living in the U.S without legal status, a situation that is unsettling and exposes foreigners to abuse and a life without certainty. Canada is an attractive alternative because Canadian employers value North American work experience and life in Canada is not significantly different from life in the U.S. Most people assume that their illegal status in the US is grounds for automatic disqualification but this is not the case. Each year thousands of individuals without status in the United States find the home they were looking for in Canada. Please contact Nextwave Immigration Services to find out how we can help if you are without status in the U.S., Canada or anywhere in the world.

If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant
Nextwave Immigration Service is a member in good standing with Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration_Consultants_of_Canada_Regulatory_Council Our membership can be verified at this link: https://iccrc-crcic.ca/find-a-professional/ and then entering Nextwave Immigration Service in the search field.

You are not obliged to hire a representative for immigration matters. It is also true that you cannot expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome. This is true in other legal contexts as well. A legal representative, such as a licensed immigration consultant, plays a critical role in advancing applications and sometimes, selecting the appropriate immigrant category means a more favourable outcome. Catching missing information is another example that will avoid a lengthy delay, which means faster processing. Properly presenting and advocating on behalf of a client in an ever increasingly complex web of regulations, rules and policy often make the difference.

Our office is open from Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Evening appointments are available upon request.

Skilled Immigration FAQs

There are over 100 different pathways to immigrate to Canada. If you wish to find out which way is suitable for your specific situation, you are invited to fill out our assessment form at https://nextwaveimmigration.com/assessment-forms/

Permanent resident status in Canada gives you the ability to live in Canada permanently, provided you stay in Canada for two years every five years. In addition, you will be granted the same rights as Canadian citizens, except the ability to vote or run for office.

Express Entry is the Canadian federal government’s application management system. Based on qualifications, work experience, age and various other factors, applicants are awarded points and then possibly selected from the pool by prospective employers.
It manages permanent residence applications through Canada’s three main economic class immigration programs:
  • The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Canada aims to welcome an average of 110,000 immigrants through Express Entry each year which is over one-quarter of the some 400,000 new immigrants Canada seeks to welcome annually.

CRS stands for Comprehensive Ranking System. The CRS is the point system that ranks eligible candidates through Express Entry. Candidates are ranked based on multiple factors such as their age, work experience, education, language proficiency as well as adaptability. Age (max 110 points);
  • Education (max 150 points);
  • Language proficiency (max 160 points);
  • Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
  • Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
  • Additional Factors (max 600 points)

No, you do not need a job offer to submit your Express Entry profile. The vast majority of candidates who succeed under Express Entry do not have a job offer. However, a job offer may increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence. This is because a job offer, awards you additional CRS points.
If you are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and you do not have the required settlement funds to support yourself, you will need to have a job offer.

The first step is for you to fill out the online form on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. If you are eligible, you will be redirected to create your Express Entry profile, where you will be prompted to provide details regarding:
  • Your passport or travel document
  • Your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and
  • Your language test results
  • Your proof of funds
  • Your job offer in Canada (if you have one)
  • Your provincial nomination (if you have one)

A candidate's profile remains in the pool for a period of 12 months, or until he or she has been selected for a federal skilled worker program. After 12 months, a candidate may create a new profile.

No, the Province of Quebec is one of the 3 provinces in Canada that does not use Express Entry to select skilled workers. They select skilled workers based on their own set of rules and regulations. To immigrate to Canada as a Quebec selected worker, you must apply in two stages:
  • Apply directly to the Quebec government to acquire a certificate of selection. The certificate proves that Quebec has accepted you as an immigrant; and
  • Apply at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizen Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency, once you are approved by Quebec

A skilled worker is a person who has special skills, training, qualifications and experience in a certain trade. The Canadian government uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to categorize skilled job positions for immigration purposes. Skilled jobs are divided into three types, 0, A and B:
Skill type 0: Management jobs, for example:
  • Restaurant managers
  • Mine managers
  • Advertising, marketing and public relations managers; and
  • Financial managers
Skill level A: Professional jobs that usually require a degree, like:
  • Doctors;
  • Architects;
  • Investment dealers and brokers; and
  • Human Resource professionals
Skill level B: Technical jobs and skilled trades that usually require a diploma or apprentice training, for example:
  • Chefs
  • Electricians
  • Medical administrative assistant; and
  • Sport and fitness instructors

You have a few options to choose from if you are a skilled worker who wants to immigrate to Canada. These options will depend on your specific situation. For example, highly skilled workers can explore the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).
Trade workers can look into the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Both of these programs are managed by the Express Entry system. Candidates who wish to immigrate to a specific province or territory may be interested in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

The following factors affect your eligibility
Work Experience
You must:
  • Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC).
  • Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
  • Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
  • Have received payment for your work;
  • Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
  • Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
  • Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC
Language
  • Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
  • Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
  • You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
  • Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply
Education
You must:
  • Have completed Canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
  • Have completed foreign credentials; or
  • Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Proof of Funds
  • You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:
  • You are working in Canada; or
  • You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
  • There is no income requirement for immigrants who arrive under the family class; however the person sponsoring a family class immigrant will need to assume financial responsibilities.
  • You need to prove to the government you have enough money to be able to support yourself and your family upon your landing in Canada. The amount of money skilled requires require depends on the size of your family. Here is the amount of money required by Canada's federal government as proof of funds (PoF)
Additional Factors to Be Considered
  • Age;
  • Valid job offers; and
  • Adaptability

Through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), Canada’s provinces and territories can nominate people who wish to immigrate to Canada and reside in a particular province. Canada seeks to welcome over 80,000 immigrants per year under the PNP.
All provinces and territories, except for Quebec and Nunavut, have its own PNP. Each province determines its own criteria for choosing eligible candidates. PNPs operate Expression of Interest (EOI) systems, similar to Express Entry, and invite the highest scoring candidates in regular draws.
You do not need to have an Express Entry profile to apply. You can apply directly to a PNP stream. These are called ‘base’ streams. You can also apply to PNP streams that are aligned with Express Entry. These are called ‘enhanced’ streams. The benefit of applying to an enhanced stream is that it gives you more options.
Receiving a provincial nomination through these streams awards Express Entry candidates an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This practically guarantees receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw.

In order to immigrate to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you will need a Canadian provincial or territorial government to nominate you.
To get started, you will need to apply directly to the province or territory you are interested in immigrating to. You will then be assessed based on various factors such as your education and work experience. If you meet the province or territory’s labour needs, you may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination.
Once approved, you will be able to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Depending on the program, you may be able to apply through the Express Entry system or through the regular application process. The main benefit of going through Express Entry is a faster processing standard for your permanent residence application.

Yes, you can apply to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) using Express Entry. Firstly, create an Express Entry profile. Then, there are two ways to apply for a provincial nomination under Express Entry:
You can contact the province or territory directly and apply for a nomination under their Express
Entry stream:
  • If the province accepts and agrees to nominate you, you can update your Express Entry profile to show you have been nominated;
  • If you get a nomination through your account, you can accept it online.
  • If you receive a “notification of interest” on your account, it means that a province or territory has taken note of your profile. You can then contact them directly;
  • If you are nominated, you will receive approval through your account, which you can accept online.
Note: If you are nominated by a Province or Territory, you are awarded an additional 600 points in the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). Contact our office for further consultation to determine your eligibility for a suitable provincial program.

This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.
Minimum Requirements
  • Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
  • Meet the language requirements for English and French;
  • Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
  • Meet the language requirements for English and French;
  • Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
  • Have work experience within the past 5 years;
  • Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
  • Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
  • A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority
Skilled Work Experience
These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.
Education
You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:
  • Foreign qualifications;
  • An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
  • A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree
Language Ability
  • Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
  • The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
  • Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.
Be assessed by the province or territory
Each of the provinces or territories has different requirements for the skilled trade industry.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program is for skilled workers with previous experience working in Canada. You must first complete an Express Entry profile in order to immigrate to Canada under the CEC. There are minimum requirements you need to meet to qualify for CEC, you must:
  • Have 12 months+ skilled work experience in Canada, with the proper approval (the work must have been full time, or an equal number of hours in part-time work);
  • Meet the required English or French language standards for your job so that you can write, read, listen and communicate effectively in your job; and
  • Plan to live outside the province of Quebec

You can find out what your education is equivalent to in Canada by obtaining an ECA. Many programs also require you to obtain an ECA to apply.
To get an ECA, you will need to get your education assessed by one of the following organizations:
  • Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
  • International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
  • World Education Services
  • International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
  • International Credential Evaluation Service

You must have two years of relevant work experience to prove that you will be able to become self-employed in Canada. In addition, you will need to score at least 35 points in a selection grid designed specifically for self-employed individuals. You will also be required to pass a medical examination and pass criminal and security checks.

Study Permit FAQ

When we face the question of choosing the best country abroad for education, Canada tops the priority list without any doubt as it is considered best amongst all the countries. It is not only because of the education standard, but also the diversity the country offers. In other words, this country gives the opportunity of meeting people from diversified cultural, social and racial background. Canada has some of the best institutions, amongst other educational institutions in the world. These “state of art” colleges offer vibrant, creative and challenging environment, where students get the opportunity to pick & choose different programs they would like to study. The students in these innumerable “state of art” institutions range from 1,000 to 60,000. These institutions provide rock solid foundation, which is “the key” to develop one’s potential to the optimum. This would eventually boost one’s career prospects and help building a better future! Hence, if “cultural diversity” is one of the many things that you are looking at in your country of education, then Canada is your destination.
Given below is the list of reasons why you should study in Canada.
  • Multicultural
  • High education and living standard
  • Affordable education
  • A very safe country to be in
  • Post-study work and immigration options

Nextwave Immigration Services is a renowned, reliable and professionally managed consultancy firm associated with various aspects of education in Canada. Having its office in Milton Ontario, it is linked with major institutions in Canada, thus making an ideal choice for prospective students who wish to study in Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or Australia. We bring in engaged, easygoing, friendly professionals who work closely with students and guide them through the entire process. Our record speaks for ourselves. We have successfully managed to place students in various institutions throughout Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America and Australia. We have professional networks to achieve your admission approval and qualifications necessary to guide students through the entire process. We, at Nextwave Immigration Services, intend to provide with loads of valuable information, practical resources and insights that we think would help students in settling down to a new country.
Therefore, here we are............To help you change your dream into reality!

The thought of moving away from the comfort of a home, being on your own & especially migrating to another country is certainly a big decision. The inevitable question that comes to one’s mind is” where shall I live”? “How much will it cost”? and so on... Living expenses in big cities will be different from the smaller ones. Average room rent in Canada is around $600. The institution fees structure varies depending upon the program and province. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to send an email at
info@nextwaveimmigration.com

Students may apply to various scholarships and funding depending on the program they choose. Unlike undergraduate course, graduate students enrolled in full-time Master’s or PhD. programs normally receive some funding from the university. The funding would be in the form of TA (Teaching Assistantship) or RA (Research Assistantship) and the level of funding depends entirely on the departments and the program supervisor. Each university has its own scholarships. The students are advised if they qualify for a scholarship at the time of documents evaluation. Scholarships and bursaries are extremely competitive and generally require CLB 9(IELTS academic 8777) and 70% marks or 3.0 GPA

Canadian institutions offer a wide variety of programs ranging from undergraduate programs to postgraduate degrees and diplomas. Students can pick up various programs from a range of reputable institutions consisting of 1,000 to 60,000 students. Universities in Canada offer different undergraduate and graduate research programs.

At times selecting the right institution can be strenuous and confusing. Students often find this difficult and end up making the wrong choice. Our well-qualified counselors at Nextwave Immigration Services are available to guide in selecting the right institution as well as the right program that will boost career prospects. Your choice and your career objective will be completely taken into consideration before we advise you.

Different agencies uses different criterion for university ratings. Student should understand that it’s the department’s ratings that really matters. In other words, some institutions are known for their Engineering programs and some are known for Business schools. Here at Nextwave Immigration Services, we help students understand the institutions’ strengths and help them to take a decision about their choice of education & university selection.

Intakes
  • Fall - September session
  • Summer – January session
  • Obligations -- May session
Fall and winter sessions offer majority of the programs whereas only few programs are offered during summer sessions. Students must carefully consider the graduate & undergraduate programs availability before applying for studying in Canada. Also, not all the institutions offer admissions in summer intake.
Processing Time: Normal processing times have changed drastically in the past 1-2 years for community colleges as well as university. We recommend applying well ahead of the start date. The dates and deadlines change almost every day and thus, we advice students to directly contact us at info@nextwaveimmigration.com or send a message on our WhatsApp number: +1 (647) 960-9820.

General criterion for admissions varies for all the colleges & universities in Canada. For us to guide you better we suggest contacting our office at info@nextwaveimmigration.com and one of our counselors will be happy to help. You Can also send a message on our WhatsApp number: +1 (647) 960-9820.

One of the norms for all visa students is they must maintain the full-time status throughout the duration of their visa. In other words, international students will have to be enrolled in the full-time study throughout their stay in Canada and respective countries.

In Canada, Australia, UK and most EU countries, a student can work 20 hours per week simultaneously while studying full time during the study term and unlimited hours during summer, Christmas and Easter holidays during semester break. Students would require S.I.N (Social insurance number) to work off- campus, student can visit any Service Canada office to get it.

You have a very good chance getting admitted in to MBA program if you have good GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) Score and maintain a minimum of B or B+ average during under graduation. Like any other graduate program, MBA is quite competitive and satisfying the minimum admission requirement doesn’t necessarily guarantee the admission into the program

It depends entirely on the programs. However, who belong to countries where English is not the official language needs to provide a proof of English proficiency while applying. We recommend at least IELTS academic 6.0 in all four skills for undergraduate programs and 6.5 for graduate programs.

In some cases, yes. Admission can also be secured by a Duolingo test report (https://www.duolingo.com/) or a Pearson Tests of English (https://pearsonpte.com/). English Preparation Program can also be taken when student comes to Canada before studying the selected course. Visa approval rate is very high for students taking English Preparation Program. The cost of English Preparation Program is around CAD$2500 for a 3 month course. You also get extra 3 month’s visa to accommodate student for this.

Languages Canada provides a quality assessment of the language schools across Canada and offers lists of approved programs and members. For more information, please visit https://www.languagescanada.ca/en/

Good universities and colleges require a small fee usually upto $100-150 in Canada and US. There are some average universities without application fees. Its a personal choice whether to go for an average college to save a few dollars or to go for a good ranking college/university for which there shall be an admission fees. Most universities in UK and Europe do not charge an admission fees. We can choose FR institutes with FREE application fees for you if paying small application fees is a financial hardship to the client.

It depends on university/college fees and your lifestyle. Each college and university has different fees and each town in the world has different living costs. In Canada, student is expected to have about $10,000 for one year living costs. Please consult us for your individual inquiry.

Yes. The spouse gets an open work permit meaning there is no restriction on location, job type or number of hours of work. This is a great way to get work experience to qualify for PR visa under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Ideal option for older applicants 30+ or less qualified applicants who cannot score high on Express Entry to receive a direct PR.

  • To be eligible for faster processing through the Student Direct Stream, you must be a legal resident living in 1 of the following countries:
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • India
  • Morocco
  • Pakistan
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Senegal
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Vietnam
You must be able to deposit $10,000 in a Canadian bank, pay 1st year tuition fees and score IELTS 6.0 in each skill to qualify under the SDS visa category. Police clearance certificate and upfront medical examination are also required. The processing time is only 20 calendar days.

Applicants enrolled in full-time program in University or Community College in Canada for a minimum of one year, are eligible for open work permit known as Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) upon the completion of their program. Completion of one-year full time program makes you eligible for one-year open work permit (PGWP) and two-year or more programs will give you three years of work permit ((PGWP). Graduates from private career colleges do not qualify for open work permit. Open work permit means that applicant can work for any organization. Getting a job completely depends on how students apply for jobs and perform in interviews. However, Canada offers lot of opportunities for new graduates.

You can apply for your Study Permit/Visa in your country of residence, your country of nationality or the country where you have been legally admitted.

Each university in Canada has its own policy regarding transfer credits from other institutions. Contact the university directly to find out which transfer credits, if any, can be applied towards your intended program of study. You may also want to research if your current institution has any agreements with institutions in Canada that would allow for credit recognition. The international relations office of your university may be able to help in that regard.

Education in Canada is under the jurisdiction of the provinces/territories, so you will need to contact the province or territory where you plan to live, as well as your new city or town’s school board. As a Canadian citizen, your child would not be required to apply as an international student, and therefore would not need a Visa or Study Permit.

To get permanent residency after you have finished studying, you can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP). This program is for students who have passed a Canadian tertiary institution. It is also a useful way to gain extra work experience, to help you apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. The PGWP work permit can last up to three years during your study periods. The study program you apply for, must last a minimum of eight months. For example, if you apply for a four-year course, you can only work for three years. If you apply for an eight-month course, you can only work for those eight months. This applies across all courses that are longer than eight months.

Technology has made it very easy for everyone to find the information about anything on the internet. However, finding the right information that suits your individual circumstances needs guidance. We at Nextwave Immigration Services assist international students in finding appropriate program related to their field of study or area of interest. Our counselors are well informed with the various programs offered and can provide options matching the students’ academic profile. You can contact us at info@nextwaveimmigration.com or send a message on our WhatsApp number +1 (647) 960-9820.

Visitor Visa FAQ

Canada generally welcomes visitors and makes entering Canada relatively simple for them. Visitors (known as “temporary residents”) are people who enter Canada for a temporary purpose and do not intend to remain in Canada or become a permanent resident. Tourists, students, and temporary workers are all considered temporary residents.
Some of the requirements to enter Canada will depend on the citizenship of the visitors. Citizens of the United States, Australia and most countries in Western Europe do not require visas, while visitors from most other countries do require a visa. A temporary resident visa is an official document that is placed in your passport. It shows that you are allowed to enter Canada as a visitor.
Generally, visitors are not allowed to work or study in Canada unless they obtain authorization from IRCC. In many cases, a work or study permit will be required.

Foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries entering Canada by air, including those transiting through Canada, will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. Entry requirements for those coming to Canada by land and sea have not changed.
An eTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Applications for eTA’s are done online on the IRCC website, and in most cases the authorization will be issued immediately after submitting the online form.
If you need an eTA, it is recommended that you apply for it when you plan your trip, as opposed to waiting until you are ready to travel. As well, you must travel to Canada with the passport you used to get your eTA. If you require an eTA, you can only apply for one person at a time. For example, for a family of three, you must complete and submit the form three times.

Foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries entering Canada by air, including those transiting through Canada, will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. Entry requirements for those coming to Canada by land and sea have not changed.
An eTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Applications for eTA’s are done online on the IRCC website, and in most cases the authorization will be issued immediately after submitting the online form.
  • Submit a visit visa application to the responsible Canadian visa office in your country or region.
  • You may need to attend an interview where the visa officer will verify:
  • Your reasons for visiting Canada.
  • Your ability or willingness to leave Canada when the visa expires.
  • Your overall admissibility to Canada.
  • A visit visa is issued and you can come to Canada. At the port of entry an immigration officer will question the applicant to ensure admissibility.
A visitor visa may be for single entry or multiple entry use. Single entry visas may be issued up to six months before the expected date of travel. The maximum validity date for multiple entry visitor visas is up to ten (10) years or one month prior to the expiry date on the passport/re-entry visa, whichever is earlier. POE officers will routinely grant entry for a period of six months to a person requesting entry as a visitor.
A foreign national who has an immigrant visa already in process is not prohibited from applying for a temporary resident visa. If you need an eTA, it is recommended that you apply for it when you plan your trip, as opposed to waiting until you are ready to travel. As well, you must travel to Canada with the passport you used to get your eTA. If you require an eTA, you can only apply for one person at a time. For example, for a family of three, you must complete and submit the form three times.

All visitors, even those who do not need a visa to enter Canada, must meet the following basic requirements:
  • have a valid travel document, such as a passport;
  • be in good health;
  • satisfy an Immigration Officer that you have ties, such as a job, home, financial assets and family, that will take you back to your country of origin;
  • satisfy an Immigration Officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit; and
  • have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives.
  • Visitors may also be required to undergo a medical exam, or provide a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada
Checklist Canadian Visit Visa Documents
  • have a valid travel document, such as a passport;
  • Travel plan itinerary;
  • Return Flight Itinerary;
  • Hotel Reservation;
  • be in good health;
  • have no criminal or immigration-related convictions;
  • have enough money for your stay(4 months of bank statement or other financial proof of solvency);
  • Account Maintenance letter on bank letterhead if bank statement is not available;
  • Tax statements for at least two years;
  • Salary slips if employed;
  • Travel history (all pages with visas/stamps from your old and new passport in the last 10 years);
  • Digital photo (in JPG format around 240KB);
  • Letter of explanation of your trip (optional, explaining your purpose of travel to Canada);
  • Invitation Letter from friend, employer, family or from an event management such as a conference attendance;
  • Travel Insurance/Medical Insurance(Confirmation of insurance certificate from a Canadian Insurance broker);

If you want to extend your stay in Canada, you can apply in writing while your visitor status is still valid. You should allow approximately one month for the processing of this extension. It is an offence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to remain in Canada once your visitor status has expired. Therefore, it is extremely important that you submit your application well before your status expires. You must submit your application to extend stay at the responsible Canadian immigration office. Contact our office for an extension of your authorized stay in Canada.

Everyone who applies for a visit visa, work permit, study permit or permanent residence will need to provide fingerprints and a photo.

Work Permit FAQ

If you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, then you are not automatically entitled to work in Canada. To work in Canada they must obtain a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is illegal for someone who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to work in Canada without a work permit or without special permission. It is also illegal for an employer to hire someone who is not legally entitled to work in Canada.

On July 1, 2020, the new Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) entered into force replacing NAFTA. In the U.S., this new agreement is known as the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA).

A work permit gives workers permission to work at a specific job, for a certain time-period, and for a specific employer. Foreign workers must apply for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to legally work in Canada. The TFWP distinguishes between two groups of workers:
Workers hired through Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
  • Based on employer demand to fill specific job
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required
  • Employer- specific work permits
  • Majority of workers are low-skilled
  • Hired because no Canadians are available
  • Employers pay a $1,000 LMIA processing fee for each position requested
Workers hired through the International Mobility Program (IMP)
  • Not based on employer demand
  • No LMIA required
  • Usually open permits
  • Majority are high skill / high wage
  • Hired because deemed to add value to Canada’s economy and culture
  • Come from highly developed countries
Regardless of which category the worker is applying under, work permit applicants must meet certain basic criteria, as well as additional criteria that may be required depending on where the application is made.
The basic eligibility requirements that all work permit applicants must meet are:
  • satisfy an Officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their employment;
  • show that they have enough money during their stay in Canada to take care of themselves and their family members and to return home;
  • be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity (they may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate);
  • not be a danger to the security of Canada;
  • be in good health and complete a medical examination, if required;
  • not intend to engage in employment with an employer on the list of ineligible employers;
  • not have worked in Canada for one or more periods totaling four years after April 1, 2011, and
  • provide any additional documents requested by the Officer to establish admissibility.
  • Foreign workers who apply while they are outside Canada will submit the application to a visa office outside Canada, and there are no further eligibility requirements.
Foreign workers, who submit their applications from inside Canada, will only be eligible to do so if:
  • you, your spouse or parents have a valid study or work permit;
  • you are a postgraduate of a Canadian university, community college, trade/technical school (or other eligible school or institution);
  • you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more; and
  • you are in Canada because you have already applied for permanent residence from inside Canada.
  • Foreign workers who submit their applications while entering Canada, will only be eligible to do so if:
  • you are temporary resident visa exempt;
  • you already hold a valid medical certificate, if it is required for your job;
  • Your job does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC); or you hold an LMIA from ESDC.
  • TOnce a person has met the eligibility requirements, to apply for a work permit, they must then complete the application and submit the appropriate documents depending on where they are applying from.

Yes, in most cases Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly CIC) respects the principle of family unity. Therefore, a family will typically have one hearing and one decision.

There is no guaranteed way to know if you will be accepted since a single decision maker of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board will hear your testimony and must decide if your claim is credible. That is why it is essential to provide documentary proof of your story and to be well prepared for your hearing, and to hire a lawyer who is an expert in refugee law. Since June 28, 2002, the government of Canada accepts refugees who fear cruel and unusual punishment, a risk to their life, or torture. However, your claim will not be accepted if your fear is one of generalized violence faced by everyone in the country, if it is based on a need for medical treatment, or if you can obtain protection from the authorities in any part of your country. Furthermore, if the Refugee Board believes that you are a member of a terrorist group, have participated in human rights violations or have committed serious non-political crimes, you can be excluded from refugee protection. If you are a citizen in more than one country, you must explain why you cannot obtain protection in all your countries of citizenship. If you can automatically obtain protection in another country then you could be denied protection in Canada.

Processing times vary significantly depending on the applicant's country of origin. Typically, they are between 10 and 20 months for government sponsored refugees and closer to 45 months for privately sponsored refugees.

Canadian employers wishing to employ a foreign worker in Canada must first obtain authorization from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), otherwise known as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Canadian employers must demonstrate that employing a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market in most cases, and that there is currently no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to fill the position. This is typically accomplished by advertising the position on several venues, thus demonstrating there was no suitable Canadian for the job. A LMIA is a very rigorous and comprehensive process that is subject to a high level of scrutiny from the government, and thus must be completed without errors.

Two Canadian federal departments are responsible for work permits. If a Labour Market Impact Assessment is required, the department of Employment and Social Development Canada will review the LMIA application and make a decision on whether or not it approves the application. The process of obtaining a work permit is handled by the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once an LMIA has been approved, you submit a work permit application to IRCC. If an LMIA is not required, you also apply to IRCC to get a work permit. The work permit provides you with the legal authority to work in Canada for a temporary period of time.

Yes. There are essentially two types of job offers that a Canadian employer can make: A temporary job offer is an offer of Canadian employment that is made for a specific period of time – six months, one year, etc… Individuals can only begin working, in most cases, after they receive a Temporary Work Permit. A permanent job offer is an offer of Canadian employment that is made for an indeterminate period of time. Individuals can only begin working after they receive a Canada Immigration Visa.

Under Express Entry, candidates who are successful in obtaining a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) are awarded an additional 50 or 200 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), depending on the position offered. Although this CRS points bonus does not guarantee that the candidate will be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada, the fact that he or she has obtained a qualifying job offer means that he or she is more likely to be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence at a subsequent draw from the pool, therefore fast-tracking the immigration process.

There are significant benefits to obtaining a temporary Canadian job offer: A job offer is the starting point for obtaining a Temporary Work Permit. Coming to Canada on a Work Permit is the quickest way to enter Canada and work. The Work Permit application process can usually be completed in a matter of days or weeks. The Canadian employer of a Work Permit holder in Canada can offer the individual a permanent full-time job of indeterminate length and the new job offer will be considered arranged employment in Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Class.

No. Once in Canada, there are many available rewarding employment opportunities. Each day in Canada more than 50,000 job postings go unfilled. Getting a job offer from outside Canada is more of a challenge but certainly can be accomplished with a little bit of perseverance, especially with the tools and guidance that our Canadian law firm offers. Many Canadian employers have a keen demand for skilled workers and professionals. There is no reason why an applicant from outside of Canada can't be a part of their solution. The Canada Job Bank is an online search engine for open job positions across Canada that helps match candidates with Canadian employers and jobs based on their skills, knowledge, and experience. Under Express Entry, candidates may register with the Job Bank. As of June 6, 2017, registration in the Job Bank is no longer required for candidates who do not already have a Canadian job offer or a Provincial/Territorial nomination. However, it is recommended that they do so, in order to increase their visibility to Canadian employers. Should the Express Entry candidate choose to apply to a job opportunity, the recipient employer will then be required to go through their usual interview or assessment process. If the employer finds that the Express Entry candidate meets their needs, and they are eligible to hire a foreign national, they can offer them a job. Furthermore, candidates in the Express Entry pool have the opportunity to increase their chances of being invited to apply by promoting themselves directly to employers through the Job Search tools and other available resources.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently introduced the Global Skills Strategy for employers hiring temporary foreign workers. The Global Skills Strategy is an initiative to make is easier for Canadian businesses to grow by attracting foreign talent. As part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), it establishes a new Global Talent Stream which offers a faster way to receive a work permit for certain types of foreign workers. The Strategy includes two main components: the Global Talent Stream program for fast-tracking applications, and new work permit exemptions for specific workers

The length of a work permit depends entirely on the nature of the job in Canada and the work permit category under which the applicant has applied. Work permits can be extended from inside Canada, but some work permits have a maximum duration.

Separate and apart from a work permit, an applicant will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) unless the applicant is from one of the following visa-exempt countries. In most cases, citizens of visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in order to enter Canada. Applicants must apply for a TRV at the Canadian visa office responsible for their country of citizenship or the country to which they have been lawfully admitted. An application for an eTA is usually submitted online, although a paper application process is available.

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

Generally, individuals who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents require a valid work permit to work in Canada. However, foreign workers can do some jobs in Canada without a work permit.

As a general rule, the first step is to obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Open work permits are the exception and do not require a prior job offer. Open work permits may be available to the spouses/common law partners of certain work permit holders, the spouses/common law partners of foreign students in Canada, asylum seekers; in-land sponsored family members, and destitute students in Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a department of the Canadian Government, issues work permits.

If you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, then you are not automatically entitled to work in Canada. To work in Canada they must obtain a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is illegal for someone who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to work in Canada without a work permit or without special permission. It is also illegal for an employer to hire someone who is not legally entitled to work in Canada.

On July 1, 2020, the new Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) entered into force replacing NAFTA. In the U.S., this new agreement is known as the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA)

A work permit gives workers permission to work at a specific job, for a certain time-period, and for a specific employer. Foreign workers must apply for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to legally work in Canada. The TFWP distinguishes between two groups of workers:

Based on employer demand to fill specific job Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) required Employer- specific work permits Majority of workers are low-skilled Hired because no Canadians are available Employers pay a $1,000 LMIA processing fee for each position requested Workers hired through the International Mobility Program (IMP) Not based on employer demand No LMIA required Usually open permits Majority are high skill / high wage Hired because deemed to add value to Canada’s economy and culture Come from highly developed countries Regardless of which category the worker is applying under, work permit applicants must meet certain basic criteria, as well as additional criteria that may be required depending on where the application is made. The basic eligibility requirements that all work permit applicants must meet are: satisfy an Officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their employment; show that they have enough money during their stay in Canada to take care of themselves and their family members and to return home; be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity (they may be asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate); not be a danger to the security of Canada; be in good health and complete a medical examination, if required; not intend to engage in employment with an employer on the list of ineligible employers; not have worked in Canada for one or more periods totaling four years after April 1, 2011, and Provide any additional documents requested by the Officer to establish admissibility. Foreign workers who apply while they are outside Canada will submit the application to a visa office outside Canada, and there are no further eligibility requirements. Foreign workers, who submit their applications from inside Canada, will only be eligible to do so if: you, your spouse or parents have a valid study or work permit; you are a postgraduate of a Canadian university, community college, trade/technical school (or other eligible school or institution); you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more; and You are in Canada because you have already applied for permanent residence from inside Canada. Foreign workers who submit their applications while entering Canada, will only be eligible to do so if: you are temporary resident visa exempt; you already hold a valid medical certificate, if it is required for your job; Your job does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC); or you hold an LMIA from ESDC. Once a person has met the eligibility requirements, to apply for a work permit, they must then complete the application and submit the appropriate documents depending on where they are applying from.

Under the Global Talent Stream program, two new categories of workers are now exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit: Workers that are within the National Occupational Classification (NOC) category 0 (executive or managerial) or NOC A (professional) and are coming to Canada to work for 15 days, once every six months, or for 30 days, once every 12 months. Researchers working on research projects at a publicly-funded degree-granting institution or affiliated research institution coming to Canada for 120 days, every 12 months.

Employers can hire workers under the new Global Talent Stream program in one of two categories. Workers must be Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt and: are applying from outside Canada; the job is employer-specific and either skill type 0 (managerial) or skill level A (professional) of the National Occupation Classification; and the employer has submitted an offer of employment using the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee, OR Employers have a positive LMIA for an employer-specific job, which has indicated eligibility though the Global Talent Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The two-week processing standard also applies to spouses or common-law partners and dependents who accompany the workers to Canada. They must apply at the same time as the worker.

An open work permit is one that enables a foreign worker to work for any employer in Canada. Open work permits do not require foreign nationals to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment or a job offer when applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for a work permit. Open work permits are issued to spouses of international students, spouse of a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, a refugee and international students working under the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduation from a Canadian academic institute. Closed work permits require a foreign worker to only work for the employer who has obtained a positive LMIA and provided them with a job offer. If a foreign worker is no longer going to work for this employer, they need to apply to change the conditions of their work permit if they wish to continue to legally work in Canada.

The PGWP is available to international students that have completed an eligible program of at least 8 months of full-time studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The purpose of the PGWP is to enable international students to gain professional work experience which they can go on to use to become eligible for a Canadian immigration program. If you meet the PGWP's eligibility criteria, you can submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The ultimate length of your PGWP depends on the duration of your studies in Canada. The maximum length of time of a PGWP is 3 years. Generally speaking you can only obtain a PGWP once. By the time your PGWP has expired, you either need to have obtained Canadian permanent resident status, or obtained another temporary permit, or leave Canada.

Your spouse or common law partner can apply for a work permit so long as they meet the eligibility criteria of an LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt work permit. One option available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents is the Spousal Open Work Permit.

The Spousal Open Work Permit allows eligible individuals living in Canada to obtain a temporary work permit while their spousal sponsorship application is being processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This work permit enables the person awaiting sponsorship to work for any employer in Canada.

Workers and employers usually need to pay fees for the Canadian government to process work permits. IRCC lists its fees on its website. Workers on an LMIA-required work permit need to pay the work permit processing fee. Workers on an LMIA-exempt work permit need to pay the open work permit holder fee as well as the work permit processing fee at the same time. Employers who need an LMIA need to pay a processing fee for the LMIA application. Employers that do not need an LMIA still need to pay employer compliance fee when submitting their offer of employment onto the Canadian government's Employer Portal.

A medical examination is always required before commencing work in an occupation in which protection of the public health is essential. Otherwise, depending on the country of residence, an applicant may be required to take a medical exam prior to approval of the work permit if the job offer exceeds six months.

The Canadian government charges $155 CAD per work permit application. Additional fees would be necessary if a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is also required.

Applications for a work permit may be submitted online. Applicants must have access to a scanner or camera in order to create and upload electronic copies of all required documents and a credit card. Work permits can also be applied for from outside Canada at the Canadian visa office responsible for the country of the applicant's citizenship, or the country to which the applicant has been lawfully admitted.

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

Refugee FAQ

A refugee is a person who fears persecution if they go back to their country of nationality. Fear of persecution usually means a serious chance of physical harm or detention or some other form of cruel and unusual punishment. In some cases discrimination or harassment could be considered serious enough to amount to persecution.

No. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship standard is whether or not there is a serious possibility that you would be persecuted if you go back to your country.

Some typical examples of refugee cases include: Members of minority religious groups or ethnic minorities who fear persecution from the general population or non-governmental organizations where the police are unable or unwilling to protect them. Members of an opposition political party who fear retribution because of their political opinion or their refusal to support the government. People who are persecuted by a powerful criminal gang or mafia such as drug traffickers. Homosexuals who are persecuted simply because of their sexual orientation. Women who fear beatings from their husbands, violence or other serious forms of punishment from other family members. Women who refuse to conform to expectations such as arranged marriages, dress code and genital mutilation. In fact Canada is a world leader in recognizing gender-based persecution and has issued guidelines to ensure that these claims are dealt with in a fair and sensitive manner. In all the above cases refugees must explain what persecution they fear and why they cannot receive protection from their government.

Yes, in most cases Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC, formerly CIC) respects the principle of family unity. Therefore, a family will typically have one hearing and one decision.

There is no guaranteed way to know if you will be accepted since a single decision maker of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board will hear your testimony and must decide if your claim is credible. That is why it is essential to provide documentary proof of your story and to be well prepared for your hearing, and to hire a lawyer who is an expert in refugee law. Since June 28, 2002, the government of Canada accepts refugees who fear cruel and unusual punishment, a risk to their life, or torture. However, your claim will not be accepted if your fear is one of generalized violence faced by everyone in the country, if it is based on a need for medical treatment, or if you can obtain protection from the authorities in any part of your country. Furthermore, if the Refugee Board believes that you are a member of a terrorist group, have participated in human rights violations or have committed serious non-political crimes, you can be excluded from refugee protection. If you are a citizen in more than one country, you must explain why you cannot obtain protection in all your countries of citizenship. If you can automatically obtain protection in another country then you could be denied protection in Canada.

Yes, if you are outside your country, but this is very difficult in most cases. You must first apply to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). You usually have to show that you will be economically successful in Canada. Also, the refugee definition is more restrictive, you do not have the right to a lawyer at your interview, and the waiting period could be many years. You must also show that you cannot be settled in your country of present residence.

You would have the right to remain in Canada while you apply for an appeal and make submissions for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment. You may also make an application for permanent residence in Canada based upon humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Yes, almost from the beginning of the refugee process.

Yes. Children of refugee claimants can attend public elementary and high schools free of charge.

The federal government of Canada guarantees emergency medical treatment at no charge for those who cannot afford to buy their own medical insurance. Some medical clinics also offer free checkups to refugee claimants.

As of December 2004, refugees entering Canada by land from the United States are no longer allowed to make their refugee claims at the Canadian Port of Entry. However, this does not apply to refugees who make their refugee claim from inside of Canada, regardless of how they arrived. It does not apply to people arriving at Canadian airports even if they first passed through the U.S. Even in claims made at the U.S. - Canada border, exceptions apply for children under 18, and for refugees who have extended family members in Canada including parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts.

As of December 2004, refugees entering Canada by land from the United States are no longer allowed to make their refugee claims at the Canadian Port of Entry. However, this does not apply to refugees who make their refugee claim from inside of Canada, regardless of how they arrived. It does not apply to people arriving at Canadian airports even if they first passed through the U.S. Even in claims made at the U.S. - Canada border, exceptions apply for children under 18, and for refugees who have extended family members in Canada including parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts.
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