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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the different categories of immigration?
• Economic class immigration
Independent skilled worker, entrepreneur, investor, self-employed
• Family class immigration
Spousal and family sponsorship, parents and grand parents
• Temporary permits
Student visa, temporary work visa, visitor visa, live-in caregiver visa
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
For a more detailed explanation and criteria for these categories, click here
Q. What are the rules for becoming a Canadian Citizen?
In order to become a Canadian citizen one must be a Canadian resident first. If one is over the age of 18 and lived in Canada for 3 years (1095 days) out of the last 4 years before applying, one is eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship. Children do not need to meet this requirement. A citizenship test is then taken to test the applicant’s knowledge of Canada and proficiency in English and/or French. Provided you have no criminal charges, you can now apply for Canadian citizenship.
Q. What do I need to do to maintain my status as a Permanent Resident of Canada?
You need to spend at least 730 days in the last 5 year period before the date of application This means that you can spend 3 years in any 5 year period out of Canada, provided you spend 2 years in Canada. There are some exceptions to this rule: eg. a permanent resident can accompany a Canadian citizen who is their spouse, common-law partner or parent, the time spent with them counts as being resident in Canada. Also if a permanent resident is employed abroad by a Canadian company or the Canadian provincial or federal government, then time spent working outside is counted as time spent in Canada. This also applies to their permanent resident spouse and children.
Q. After becoming a permanent resident of Canada, how long must I wait before applying to become a Canadian Citizen?
Generally speaking three years or 1095 days.
Q. What members of my family can come to Canada as a part of my application?
Your spouse, common-law partner and all dependent children up to the age of 22 can come to Canada as part of your skilled-worker, entrepreneur, investor or PNP application. Work-permit applicants are generally not allowed to bring family with them.
Q. Where will my application to immigration to Canada be submitted?
Since September 2003, visa applications for all categories are processed at the Canadian visa office servicing the applicant’s country of nationality or in the case of someone living abroad, the visa office of the country where the person has legally resided for the last one year.
Q. As a licensed professional such as a medical doctor or engineer or a lawyer, what do I have to do to be able to pursue my occupation in Canada?
Depending on the province in which you reside, overseas professional degrees may or may not be accepted. Nursing and dentistry degrees are given part-credit in most cases and Bridge Programs (2 yrs.) exist in which the applicant can enroll and get equivalent Canadian professional designation.
Q. As a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, what members of my family can I sponsor to Canada?
All members of your immediate family, plus your parents and grandparents can be sponsored. The Canadian sponsor has to sign an undertaking with the government of Canada ensuring that the newcomers they are sponsoring do not become a burden to social and welfare services: 3 years for spouse and 10 years for dependent children.
Q. What are the processing and right of permanent resident fees for a permanent resident application?
Processing fee = $475 per adult, $150 per child Right of Permanent Residence Fee =$490 per adult
Q.What are Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)?
Most provinces in Canada have an agreement with the Government of Canada that allows them to nominate immigrants who wish to settle in that province. If you choose to immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee, you must first apply to the province where you wish to settle and complete its provincial nomination process. The province will consider your application based on its immigration needs and your genuine intention to settle there.
Here is a list of the provinces and one territory currently participating in this program. Since the criteria vary among the provinces, you should visit their websites for more information.
• Alberta
• Manitoba
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Ontario
• Saskatchewan
• British Columbia
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Yukon Territory
After you have been nominated by a province or territory, you have to make a separate application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for permanent residence. A CIC officer will then assess your application based on Canadian immigration regulations.
You will have to pass a medical examination and security and criminal checks.
You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependants after you arrive in Canada.
Provincial nominees are not assessed on the six selection factors of the Federal Skilled Workers Program.
Before you apply, make sure you are familiar with the current application procedures. After you apply, make sure you return to this web page to find out about the steps that follow.
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