If you have past inadmissibility issue to Canada due to a criminal, medical or security reasons but have valid reasons to travel to Canada then you may be eligible Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Applying for Temporary Resident Permit allows you to travel to Canada on temporary basis as it only takes cares of your inadmissibility on temporary basis.
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Express Entry (EE) was introduced by the Federal government in 2015 as an online immigration application system offering Canadian permanent residence to foreign skilled workers. Candidates are ranked based on their individual profiles and only those with the highest rankings are invited to apply for permanent residency.
The Express Entry system allows Citizenship and Immigration Canada to analyze and choose immigrants under the following economic programs: (1) Skilled Worker program; (2) Skilled Trades program; or (3) Canadian Experience Class. In order to qualify for Express Entry, you must meet the eligibility criteria for any of the abovementioned programs.
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If you are a Canadian permanent resident or citizen and interested in helping your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner immigrate to Canada, the Family Class Sponsorship Program may enable you to do so, via its Spousal Sponsorship subsection.
There are various eligibility requirements for both the sponsor and sponsored individual for purposes of meeting this subsection; chief among being the burden of establishing that their relationship falls within one of the following categories recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
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Are you overwhelmed with taking care of your children and need an extra hand but cannot afford to put them in childcare due to your financial circumstances or are you a caregiver and like to work in Canada to potentially obtain permanent residency in Canada? If this is your case then blog is for you.
Canada is now accepting applications to its two new caregiver immigration pilot programs which include
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If you have migrated to Canada and been separated from your parents and now like to sponsor them you may be eligible under Parental Sponsorship. Canada believes in family reunification and puts every effort to reunite families together. In 2019, citizenship and immigration Canada accepted 27000 invitations.
There are three factors the immigration officer looks at which include are you eligible as a sponsor? Have you submitted your interest to sponsor form? Have you received an invitation to apply? If you are interested in reuniting with your parents then continue reading our blog to understand what the process of sponsorship involves.
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Are you planning to visit Canada by air? Are you from a visa-exempt country that requires an eTA to travel to or through Canada? People enjoy flying by airplane because it may be faster, more enjoyable, and less of a hassle than driving. If you are a traveler from a visa exempt country you may need to get an eTA to be able to enter Canada. Many travelers may not know they need an eTA until they are at the airport and they are told to go back because they cannot enter Canada without an Electronic Travel Authorization.
An eTA is an acronym for Electronic Travel Authorization which is an entry requirement for specific visa exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It can be valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. Please be aware that your passport and your eTA go hand in hand, it’s important to keep in mind you need to have a valid passport and a valid eTA this signifies that if your passport expires you will also need to get a new eTA.
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Are you an international student and like to continue your studies in Canada but not sure how to start? If this is the case, then this blog is for you.
To be able to study in Canada you first need to apply at a designated learning institution and get the acceptance letter. Once you have received the acceptance letter you can then apply for a study permit.
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Have you recently received a decision on your spousal or common law application and the application was refused due to the officer not being satisfied with the genuineness of the relationship?
If this is the case then this blog is for you.
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Are you a permanent resident or Canadian citizen? Do you wish your parents or grandparents could come and visit you for long periods of time? Are you confused about what a super visa is? Family is one of our main priorities at all times, and not having them in Canada can be tough. This blog will answer all of your inquiries about Canadian super visas.
Like a regular visitor’s visa, a super visa is a travel document that allows you to travel to Canada. It lets the immigration officer know that you are fully eligible to enter the country. A super visa varies in the sense that even though it is still a multiple entry visa (meaning that you are allowed to enter and exit Canada as many times as you want as long as the visa is valid), but the only difference is that the maximum period that an individual can stay in Canada for is 2 years. A super visa is usually valid for about 10 years.
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ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS OF EXPRESS ENTRY
Are you interested in coming to Canada? Do you want to immigrate as a permanent resident? Do you want to give your family and yourself a better quality of life by immigrating to Canada? Do you want to apply for Express Entry? Or have you applied and you're not sure as to what to do next? Do not worry, as this blog will fully explain what the process of express entry entails.
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Are you interested in visiting Canada? Is your purpose of travel business? Are you interesting in investing in a Canadian company or are you invited for a business conference? If you have answered yes to any of these questions then they will be answered throughout this blog.
In Canada, a business visitor refers to an individual who comes to Canada with the intention of doing business but not entering the Canadian labour. This means that they are specifically not to partake in work during the time period of their stay. Furthermore, they could also be coming to Canada with the intention of investing in a Canadian company, looking for ways to grow their business internationally, and finally, in order to network with other business owners. Furthermore, their stay usually ranges from a couple days to a couple of weeks, however, as per the fact that they are travelling as visitors, they can stay for a period of up to six months. Business visitors are not to be confused with business people. Business people come to Canada to partake in work under free trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) .
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Has your permanent card expired? Will it soon expire? Are you travelling outside of Canada and your card is going to expire? Not to worry, this blog will answer all of your questions regarding the process of renewing a permanent residency card.
Permanent residency refers to the status that has been given to individuals who have immigrated to Canada and are to stay permanently. Nonetheless, they are not Canadian citizens, but citizens of other countries. Permanent residents are given most of the same benefits and privileges that Canadian citizens are, these include:
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Does your spouse live outside of Canada? Would you like to sponsor them to become a permanent resident of Canada? Are you confused about the process? Has your application for a spousal sponsorship been previously refused? Not to worry, as the whole process will be explained to you over the course of this blog.
In Canada, spousal sponsorship refers to the process of bringing your spouse to Canada and for them to obtain their permanent residency. Along with your spouse, if they have any dependent children, you are allowed to sponsor their children as well.
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Are you a foreign caregiver looking to move to Canada? Are you looking to learn more about the immigration process regarding caregiving? Are you confused about the new pilot programs introduced for caregivers? There are numerous options in order to immigrate to Canada, and if you have answered yes to any of the questions above, you have come to the right place, as this blog will explain to you all about caregivers in Canada and what it entails.
There are many options and pathways to become a caregiver in Canada. The goal of these pilots and programs are to allow you to work in Canada as a caregiver, and possibly apply for permanent residence along with your family. Recently, the Government of Canada has introduced two new pilots in order for you to apply to work as a caregiver in Canada.
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Are you looking to visit Canada? Do you want to visit the many beautiful sites that this country has to offer? Have you applied for a visitor visa and it was refused? Are you confused about what the process around applying for a visitor visa is like? Don’t worry any further, this blog will answer all your questions regarding visitor visas in Canada.
In Canada, a visitor visa refers to a travel document that allows individuals to visit the country, if their purpose of travel is tourism. This document is put in your passport and it lets the immigration officer know that you meet all requirements to enter the country. A visitor’s visa is required in most situations where an individual wants to visit Canada, but it is not always the case. The need for a visitor visa depends on the individual’s nationality, method of travel and the travel document that will be used. A visitor’s visa is not the same things as an eTA (electronic travel authorization), but it works the same way. If you have an eTA, you will most likely not need a visa to enter Canada.
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Do you want to have the opportunity to study in Canada? Are you unsure of the process and want to learn about it? If you have answered yes to any of these questions don't worry as many students get stuck at this point as well. Obtaining a study permit is a lengthy process with multiple requirements that an applicant must complete.
A study permit is a physical document that the government of Canada issues which allows foreign nationals to partake in studies at designated learning institutions (DLI) within Canada. One important piece of information when dealing with study permits is that it isn’t a visa, and one should apply before one travels to Canada.
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There is a wide array of options that are made available to you to help you immigrate into Canada. Most of the time you are required to obtain a valid job offer for you to apply successfully. However, the application process becomes a bit more complicated when an individual is applying who are self-employed. If this bring concern to you there is no need to worry as this blog will give you answers to any of the questions that you may have.
Just as the name entails, the self-employed persons program is a program run by the government of Canada that allows individuals to immigrate, permanently, to Canada as a self-employed person. If this program brings interest to you, you must:
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As you may know, Canada has many tourist hotspots that attract foreign travelers to visit. For example, Banff National Park, Niagara Falls, Toronto’s CN Tower, Whistler, and many more. There are also many young individuals who want to work in Canada, while having the ability and opportunity to visit the aforementioned tourist hotspots. If you are a young individual who wants to work and travel in Canada, you definitely have the opportunity to do so. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has introduced the International Experience Canada Program that allows youth to travel and work in Canada. In this blog, you will learn relevant information about the International Experience Canada Program.
The International Experience Canada Program, as previously mentioned, is a program that allows youth to travel and work in Canada temporarily. Citizens of countries with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada who are between 18 and 35 years old may be eligible for the International Experience Canada Program applications. There are three types of travel and work experience under the International Experience Canada Program: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op Internships
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In order to ensure the security of every Canadian citizen and permanent resident, the immigration officers are vigilant when it comes to accessing foreign nationals’ admissibility. If you have a spouse who has a criminal record, he or she may be denied entry to Canada. Furthermore, this inadmissibility will prevent you from successfully sponsoring your spouse. Fear not, you still have an option to sponsor a spouse with criminal record. Before applying for spousal sponsorship, there is a need to overcome your spouse’s criminality, depending on the nature of the crime and what sentence they received. In this blog, you will learn about how criminal rehabilitation can help you in the process of sponsoring a spouse with criminal record.
One of the most important steps prior to sponsoring a spouse with criminal record is to have the spouse’s criminal record expunged, obtain Criminal Rehabilitation, or be deemed rehabilitated. Rehabilitation means that you lead a stable lifestyle and that you are unlikely to be involved in any further criminal activities.
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Immigrate to Canada
Do you dream about moving to Canada? Are you unaware of the available possibilities that allow you to achieve your dream? If so, there is no need to worry as this article will explain express entries, which not only will give you a greater chance of being selected but also give you the ability to be considered a skilled immigrant who should be move to Canada. Information about express entries will be explored in greater detail throughout this blog.
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Canada is one of the most popular countries that people tend to travel to. Some travel to Canada to visit their friends and family, whereas some travel to enjoy Mother Nature that Canada has to offer. In order to visit Canada, you will need to apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) if you are not from a visa-exempt country. However, visitor visas have their expiration dates. Once your visitor visa expires, you need to exit the country immediately. If you would like to extend your stay in Canada, you definitely have the option to do so. In this blog, you will learn about the basics of applying for a visitor visa extension.
If you would like to extend your visitor visa, you will need to apply for the extension at least thirty days before your current status expires. If Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada approves your application to extend your stay in Canada, you will receive a visitor record. A visitor record is a document that says how long you can stay in Canada. It will include an expiration date and a date that you must exit Canada by.
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Do you wish to permanently settle in Canada with your beloved spouse? If so, you, as a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, might have considered sponsoring your spouse through the spousal sponsorship program. However, many individuals get confused as to what the spousal sponsorship entails and what steps they need to take to compile a strong case. If is this the case for you, do not worry! At Akrami & Associates, we can try our best to unite you and your spouse permanently. In this blog, you will learn about the essence of a spousal sponsorship application, the interview.
To detect marriage fraud, immigration officers will scrutinize your application. More specifically, Immigration officers will need to determine if your relationship with your spouse or partner is genuine. This is why applicants will often get notifications for an interview with immigration authorities. You might be wondering if attending this interview is necessary. The answer is yes. The reason behind this is that many people will get married simply to obtain Canadian permanent residence, and Immigration will obviously prevent any marriage of convenience. If you are required to attend the interview, you will receive a notification regarding the date and location for your interview. This may not be the most pleasant process, but it is essential to permanent residence applicants are not using their marriage in an illegal way. The questions you may be asked include but are not limited to:
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“Honesty is the best policy.” This saying is particularly true when it comes to submitting applications to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. If an immigration officer finds out you are being untruthful about your application, your application can be refused. Moreover, the immigration can charge you with misrepresentation. If you are not confident to submit your own applications without any errors in them, then it is highly recommended that you seek professional guidance. In this blog, you will learn about document fraud and misrepresentation.
As previously mentioned if you submit any incomplete, inaccurate or inconsistent documentation or information to Immigration, they have the authorization to investigate further and may deem the documentation as fraudulent. Certain documents that can be altered or falsified include but are not limited to:
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Do you want to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker? Do you have a specific province in mind where you would like to work and live? The provincial nominee program looks for foreign workers who have skills, education and work experience to be productive members of that specific province or territory. In this blog, you will learn about 4 of the most popular provinces that people tend to immigrate to
The Provincial Nominee Program is one of the most common pathways to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Under the program, Canadian provinces and territories may nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who will bring their expertise and experience to contribute to economy.
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Having someone that you love around you is a wonderful thing! Unfortunately not everyone is fortunate enough to have that experience. At Akrami&Associates we value the importance of having loved ones around you because we know it is vital to a person’s happiness. We do our best to keep loved ones together and unite families. We aid with Spousal Sponsorships and stand beside you throughout the whole process. It can be difficult to bring a spouse into Canada because of different issues that need to be addressed and requirements that need to be met. Akrami&Associates is a leading firm in spousal sponsorships. Our company offers high success rates and tries to achieve the best results we can with the most effort.
One of the main advantages for an in-land spousal sponsorship application is that the Applicant can apply for an open work permit that will allow them to work legally while they wait for their application to be processed. The Applicant spouse in the inland sponsorship application must have valid temporary resident status either as a visitor, worker or student, to qualify to apply for the open work permit.
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If you are a foreign national that is currently working in Canada and would like to obtain permanent residency in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class may be for you. The Canadian Experience Class category is available through the Express Entry immigration selection system. The Canadian Experience Class category is intended for foreign nationals who have work experience in Canada and have gained the appropriate skills to assist them for any future work in Canada and, thus, hopefully resulting in permanent residency in Canada. These potential permanent residents of Canada who have work experience within Canada will essentially benefit the Canadian economy going forward. Therefore, in this article, I will address how to apply for Canadian Experience Class and other very important information to consider if you would like to apply under this economic immigration category.
In order to apply for the Canadian Experience Class economic immigration category, you must meet all of the eligibility requirements. Not everyone will be eligible to apply. Below are the two main requirements in order to apply for the Canadian Experience Class.
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Family is the most important thing in the world! We sometimes get caught up in the everyday life that we do not make time to call, or visit our parents and grandparents. At Akrami & Associates understand the beauty of having someone around you who once took care of you. The feeling is unmatchable! Life is more enjoyable when it is spent with the people who mean the most to you, and when you are separated by thousands of kilometers it can seem almost impossible to include them in your life. That is the reason why at Akrami&Associates we do our very best to help our clients achieve success at bringing their parents and grandparents into Canada. Keep in mind that the process of bringing your parents and grandparents into Canada can be difficult but every step along the way is important and requires an intense amount of attention.
A Super Visa is essentially a Visitor’s Visa which is granted only to the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Super Visa can have a validity of up to 10 years. Once the visa is granted to the individual, they are given a maximum amount of time that they can stay inside of Canada per visit. This amount of time is usually given by the officer on the border on the day of entry.
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The Super Visa application is a great alternative for Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada who would like to reunite with their parents or grandparents for longer than six months in Canada. In the past, the only option was the parent-grandparent sponsorship; however, now individuals can choose to apply for the super visa. For the super visa application, it is very important to understand and recognize the requirements from the sponsor as well as from the applicant. Therefore, in this article, I will address some useful and beneficial application tips when applying for a Super Visa to Canada.
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, then you are on the right track to being eligible to apply for the Super Visa for your parent or grandparent. In addition, you must also meet the minimum low income cut off. It is important to note that the minimum necessary income is determined and based on your current family size and the amount of individuals you intend on sponsoring to Canada. The amount of individuals will be either one or two – i.e. your parent or grandparent and their spouse or common-law partner. Keep in mind, for this specific type of Immigration application, dependents are not allowed to apply. In other words, any dependent child of the parent or grandparent would not be eligible to apply and, thus, cannot be included in the application for Super Visa.
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If you would like to reunite with your Conjugal partner in Canada, then it is best to understand what a Conjugal sponsorship entails before attempting to submit your application. If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you may be eligible to sponsor your Conjugal partner to Canada for permanent residency. Much like any other immigration application, in order to qualify for a conjugal sponsorship, there are specific eligibility requirements that must be met by the sponsor as well as the sponsored Conjugal partner. Therefore, in this article, I will address the most important information you should know about Conjugal sponsorships in Canada.
According to Canadian Immigration, a Conjugal partnership is defined as an individual who has been in a marriage-like commitment with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada for a minimum of one year but who currently lives outside of Canada. Additionally, they are unable to live with their partner due to special circumstances. These special circumstances often include separation due to war, persecution and/or other legal barriers that prevent these partners from living together. It is important to note that the Canadian government also recognizes opposite-sex relationships as well as same-sex relationships under the conjugal sponsorship category.
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Are you a Canadian company looking to hire a foreign worker to work for your company? Before you can hire the foreign worker, you may need to have a Labour Market Impact Assessment – which is a document that allows you to extend an offer of employment to a foreign worker. In this blog, we will provide some useful information about the Labour Market Impact Assessment process, when it is required and how to get one.
The government of Canada understands Canadian companies may sometimes experience temporary labour or skill shortages. In cases where a Canadian company cannot find qualified Canadian workers to fill these shortages, the company may need to hire a foreign worker. The Labour Market Impact Assessment Process is required to show that hiring the temporary foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian job market by ensuring that qualified Canadians are not bypassed for a foreign worker.
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Has your permanent resident card expired? Are you traveling outside of Canada and don’t have enough time to renew your expired permanent residence card? Are you confused about what is required to renew a permanent residence card? If so, this blog may help answer some of the questions you may have about the permanent residence card renewal process.
Having a valid permanent residence card is important if you plan to travel outside Canada and will need to re-enter Canada by plane, train or boat. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to board and re-enter Canada. It is important to note that you still have status as a permanent resident even if your card has expired. The card is however important for establishing your permanent residence status while traveling outside Canada and when you need to return. For this reason, it is always advisable to apply for a renewal.
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Are you interested in traveling to Canada to visit a friend? Perhaps you have a family member that you have not seen for many years and you want them to come to Canada for a visit. Or maybe you have an upcoming business conference in Canada but not sure what you need to do to get a visa to enter Canada. Whatever your reason for wanting to travel to Canada, this blog how to get a visitor visa may be of use to you.
A visitor visa or type of temporary resident visa that will be issued for persons who have demonstrated to a Canadian visa officer that they meet the requirements to enter Canada as on a temporary basis – or as a Visitor. The person will need to exit Canada at the end of his or her authorized stay.
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Canadian employers looking to hire foreign workers will first need to determine whether they require a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Employers requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment can only hire the foreign worker through the government of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). There are two streams under this program – the low-wage stream and the high-wage stream. The stream under which the employer may apply will be determined by the wage being offered and the location of the position. In this blog, we will focus on the high-wage stream, its requirements, the application process and the do’s and don’ts for employers looking to hire foreign workers through this stream.
Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, employers may use the provincial and territorial hourly wage as a guideline for setting the wages for the temporary foreign worker they are looking to hire. If the wage being offered will be at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage, then the employer must apply under the stream for high-wage positions.
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Do You Want to Immigrate to Canada in 2019
Canada is one of the most popular countries that individuals dream of immigrating to. This is due to the exceptional work and education opportunities that Canada has to offer. Furthermore, the multiculturalism in Canada is also one of the primary reasons that drives one’s desire to immigrate. While many people are thinking about immigrating to Canada, they may also be considering about seeking help from an immigration lawyer or a consultant. Well, here comes the most important question: is hiring an immigration lawyer of a consultant necessary? In this blog, we will break down the advantages of hiring an immigration lawyer or a consultant.
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Many parents want to have their children have the best education possible. As you know, the Canadian educational system is highly respected worldwide, so this is why many children want to come to Canada to study. In order to legally study in Canada, most international students, including minor children, require a study permit. However, study permits are not easily approved. Don’t worry! If you are interested in applying for a minor’s study permit, then continue reading this blog for useful information!
A minor’s study permit allows minor children to study in Canada, as long as they abide to the conditions laid out by the permit itself. Similar to a regular study permit, a minor study permit allows a minor child to study in Canada at a designated learning institute for a specific period of time.
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Canada is one of the most popular countries that a foreign national can dream of traveling to. Not only that, many people want to experience different cultures while gaining work experience in Canada. Do you want to make this dream come true? Well……the Canadian Government has heard your voices! The Canadian Government has a program named International Experience Canada (IEC), which is designed to help young foreign nationals work in Canada. If this sounds confusing to you, don’t worry. In this blog, you will learn about the International Experience Canada program, so that you may be able to work and enjoy beautiful tourist spots that Canada has to offer.
If your country of origin has an agreement with the Canadian government, then you may be eligible for one of the three IEC programs. There are three IEC programs are:
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In this article, I will address questions and answers for Temporary Resident Visas. This is intended for you to better understand what can ensue when you are in the process of applying for a Temporary Resident Visa to Canada. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, then I suggest you read our article on “How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa” before reading this question and answer article. This article is intended to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to any immigration matters regarding Temporary Resident Visas.
A: This is a very good question. In the past, Temporary Resident Visas were either issued as a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. Now, thankfully, Immigration Canada is only issuing multiple-entry visas. A multiple-entry visa allows the foreign national to enter Canada and exit multiple times. However, it is important that the foreign national only travels in and out of Canada during the validity of their Temporary Resident Visa. If you attempt to enter Canada and your multiple-entry Temporary Resident Visa has expired, then you will need to reapply for another one to once again enter Canada.
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Obtaining permanent residency in Canada can be a very exciting but anxious time for many foreign nationals. It can be exciting because Canada is full of prosperous opportunities; however, it can also be a very anxious time because many foreign nationals do not know what to expect. This is especially the case when arriving at as Canadian border or port of entry. It is important for foreign nationals to understand what will happen once they arrive. Therefore, in order to better prepare yourself for what to expect when arriving in Canada, in this article, I will explain in detail what to expect at the Canadian border or at a Canadian port of entry as a permanent resident.
For those who don’t understand what permanent residency status is in Canada, I will define three important terms to know about permanent residency. The first important term I will define is permanent resident status. As per Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)’s website, permanent resident status is defined as the position of a foreign national who has legally immigrated to Canada but is not yet a Canadian citizen. Furthermore, the second important term I will define is a permanent resident. As per CIC’s website, a permanent resident is a foreign national who has legally immigrated to Canada and acquired permanent resident status and has not lost that status under section 46; they are also not yet a Canadian citizen. Lastly, the third important term I will define is permanent resident card. As per CIC’s website, a permanent resident card is a wallet-sized plastic official document that is issued to all new permanent residents of Canada, as well as to existing permanent residents, when requested, to confirm and validate their status in Canada. Note that this card includes identity details and the signature of the foreign national it was issued to.
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Humanitarian and Compassionate consideration can apply to many different circumstances when applying for permanent residency. Please note that not all circumstances can be justified and proven with supporting documentary evidence; therefore, one should recognize that these types of applications are not easily approved. They are only approved as a last resort. Furthermore, the processing times for these types of applications can take many years. In order to prove that you have an exceptional situation that falls under the H&C consideration, it is essential for you to supply the Immigration officer with as much evidence and documentary in order for your application to be as strong as possible. Therefore, in this article, I will explain how to apply for humanitarian and compassionate consideration and other very pertinent information you should know with regards to H&C applications.
Humanitarian and Compassionate Consideration, also commonly referred to as H&C, is a type of application for permanent residency in Canada for specific foreign nationals who would not qualify under any other immigration class. These foreign nationals must also have compelling humanitarian and compassionate grounds to prove when applying for this type of application.
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Express Entry Candidates Invited to Apply for Permanent Residence
The Government of Canada invited 3,350 Express Entry candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence in a draw held March 20, 2019. Based on the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada’s website, the cut-off score for the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in the draw on March 20, 2019 was 452, which was two points lower than the minimum score in the previous Express Entry draw held March 6, 2019. This means that all candidates with a CRS score of 452 or above would receive an ITA in the invitation round held March 20, 2019.
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There are many students worldwide who dream of the opportunity to study abroad, and many have an interest specifically in Canada. If you have been thinking about studying in Canada, then this article is for you! There are many things you need to know about the application process, and our other blogs about study permits can provide information on all the details of the application, though, there are also some very important questions individuals often ask, that we would like to address directly. So, allow us to begin.
A: First and foremost, you must be accepted into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. You absolutely cannot apply for a study permit without one. Then, you’ll need to start preparing your application. You’ll need to prove to an immigration officer the opportunity to study in Canada is very advantageous to you, and that you are in a financial position which allows you to support yourself while you are in Canada, and pay for your return to your country of origin. Then, you’ll need to prove you have every intention of returning to your country of origin. You can do this by proving you have strong ties to your home country. Also, you must not be inadmissible for any reason, or, go through the relevant application process to become eligible to travel to Canada.
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Any foreign national will experience some anxiety or fear when crossing the Canadian border, especially when the Immigration officer asks questions regarding your criminal inadmissibility. Foreign nationals who have criminal inadmissibility or, in other words, a criminal record will have more questions and more examination from the Immigration officer when attempting to cross the border. Therefore, as a criminally inadmissible foreign national, you should be well-prepared and anticipate all questions that the Immigration officer may have for you. You should know what to do at the Canadian border, which is explained in our article “Top 5 Dos When Crossing the Border with Criminal Inadmissibility.” In addition, you should know what not to do at the border. Therefore, in this article, I will explain the top don’ts when crossing the border with criminal inadmissibility.
It is very important and essential for foreign nationals to know exactly what to expect when entering Canada, specifically through a Canadian border. It is also very important for foreign nationals to know what not to do at the Canadian border. Immigration officers at the border are very observant with who enters Canada, especially with inadmissibility. Therefore, in order for foreign nationals with inadmissibility to better prepare themselves before entering Canada, please read the following top 5 don’ts when crossing the border with criminal inadmissibility.
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Canada is known for its extraordinary education system, and this is why so many foreign students dream of studying in Canada. When deciding to come to Canada to study, you should always consider several important factors before you apply for a study permit. For instance, you should make sure you choose the right educational institution for you and your preferences. In this blog, you will learn about how to find the right educational institution that best suits you, educational institutions you can choose from, and other important information.
In Canada, there are plenty of educational institutions for you to choose from. However, deciding which one will suit you the best can somewhat overwhelming, especially if you are coming to Canada as an international student. To begin, you need to decide which type of program interests you the most. For instance, you should determine if you would like to complete a degree, diploma or certificate. Another factor to consider is how that degree, diploma or certificate will affect your career or life in the long run
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Are you an employer who is thinking about hiring international students to broaden your company’s cultural diversity or to give international student the opportunity to thrive in Canada? You definitely have the option to do so. You, as an employer, may hire eligible international students while they study or after they graduate. In this blog, you will learn relevant information about the process of hiring international students, as well as the eligibility of the students.
You may be able to hire students who are still completing their programs. In other words, students may work off campus without a work permit as soon as they begin their studies in Canada. Study permit holders may work for any eligible Canadian employer for up to 20 hours a week during the school year and during schedules breaks. The students need to meet the following requirements:
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As you may know, you can sponsor your spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to obtain permanent residency in Canada, given the fact that you and your significant other both qualify for the sponsorship. But did you know you could also sponsor your relative as well? The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has certain requirements in order for Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents to sponsor their relatives. In this article, you will learn about the requirements for both the sponsor and the principle applicant, the essential documents needed for this type of sponsorship applications, as well as other information regarding this type of sponsorship.
First and foremost, the person needs to be 18 years of age or older. They also need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or in some special cases, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. Last but not least, the sponsors need to financially support themselves and their relatives. That being said, the sponsor needs to meet certain income requirements to be able to sustain their relatives’ basic needs. This includes shelter, food, water, safety, clothing, and so on. The sponsor also needs to write an agreement, stating he or she will give financial support to the relative and any other eligible relatives coming along on the date they become a permanent resident for up to 20 years.
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Many countries, including Canada, permit dual citizenship. This means you do not have to give up your previous citizenship once you become a Canadian citizen. This does not apply to other countries, though. Each country has its own set of rules and laws regarding dual citizenship, and therefore, individuals seeking Canadian citizenship should consult their native government, embassy, or consulate for complete information regarding the impact on their current citizenship status should they become a Canadian citizen.
Having dual citizenship can be both beneficial and harmful. Apart from possibly having your previous citizenship revoked, you may be caught between two countries’ legalities, taxation, compulsory military service, and other potential problems. As a result, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding dual or multiple citizenship in each country of citizenship. In this blog, you will learn about how to return to Canada as a dual Canadian citizen.
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If you are a foreign national who wishes to come to Canada to study, work, or settle, you may encounter situations where Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada requires you to meet the language requirements for either English or French, which are Canada’s two official languages. English is the most commonly spoken language in most provinces and territories. French is the main language spoken in Quebec and in some areas of Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba. That being said, the Canadian government offers all official federal government services, publications and documents in both English and French. In order to allow you to adjust to Canadian life, you must be proficient in either English or French to be able to effectively communicate with people. In this blog, you will learn about the importance of language skills, as well as some ways to improve your language skills.
Since English and French are Canada’s official languages, having skills for either language is very important to help you settle in Canada. You may choose to focus on learning or improving one or the other. This will likely depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.
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Hiring a foreign worker may be beneficial for a Canadian company to acquire a wide variety of talents and skills. If you are an employer who wants to attract top talent to work for your company, and wants a fast and predictable process to do this, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has introduced Global Skills Strategy to help employers get highly-skilled workers faster. The benefit of Global Skills Strategy is that it features faster application processing times, work permit exemptions and enhanced customer service. The average processing time for the Global Skill Strategy is two weeks. If you want to know more about the Global Skill Strategy, please continue and read this blog.
Generally speaking, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt workers, LMIA-required workers, and the spouses and dependents are eligible for the two-week processing. However, eligible applicants should take some more specific details into consideration.
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An individual may be inadmissible to Canada due to a variety of reasons; one of the most common types of inadmissibility is criminal inadmissibility. While entering Canada with a criminal record is possible, there are many misconceptions that need to be dispelled. In this blog, you will learn about common myths about criminal inadmissibility to Canada, so that you may be better prepared prior to coming to Canada with a criminal record.
Often times, foreign travelers assume that they will be admissible if they were admitted to Canada with a criminal record before. Unfortunately, this is not always true. Whether or not you are inadmissible is at the discretion Canadian immigration officers. That being said, while a previous officer might have deemed you admissible, another office may not do the same. Anyone with just a minor offence on their record, or who has had any interaction with the criminal justice system, stands a chance of being denied entry to Canada.
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Are you a foreign national looking to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident but do not qualify under any of the permanent residence class categories? Do you believe there are compelling humanitarian and compassionate factors that should qualify you for permanent residence? If so, read this blog to learn more about humanitarian and compassionate permanent residence applications, how these applications are processed and whether your application meets the requirements to be approved under this special category.
If you are a foreign national looking to immigrate to Canada, before you enter Canada, you are required to do two things. The first requirement is that you must submit your application for permanent residence from outside Canada. Second, you must demonstrate in your application that you meet the eligibility requirements for permanent residence as a member of one of the class categories and obtain a permanent residence visa. Once issued the Visa, you can travel to Canada and land as a permanent resident.
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There are some situations where you have to give up your Canadian Citizenship. However, there are so many benefits associated with Canadian citizenship. For example, you have the right to vote or to participate in political elections. Furthermore, you do not have to constantly worry about having expiration dates of your visa, permanent resident card, or a permit. Last but not least, you children will automatically be Canadian citizens, if you have Canadian citizenship. Of course, there are many more benefits of having Canadian citizenship, and those benefits may attract people who have renounced their Canadian citizenship to resume it. In this blog, you will learn about relevant information about how to resume your Canadian citizenship.
If one of the following conditions applies to you, then that means you are a Canadian citizen:
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Do you need to apply to renew your permanent resident card but do not meet the residency requirements? Depending on the reason why you were not able to meet the residency requirement, you may still be eligible to apply to renew your card. In this blog, we will go over the application process for renewing your permanent residence card, the residency requirement and the options available to those who may not meet the residency requirement.
Your permanent residence card is an important document for travel. It allows you to travel and re-enter Canada by air, bus, car, train or bus. Therefore, it is important to maintain its validity by renewing it before it expires. One of the requirements for renewing your expired permanent resident card is the residency requirement. In order to meet the residency requirement, the applicant must reside in Canada for at least two years out of the five years prior to the date of submitting the application for a renewal.
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Preparing for your Trip to Canada
If you are a foreign national who is about to come to Canada, you may be aware of the fact that you need to prepare some documents prior to your arrival. You may come up with the question “Do I need a visa? ” Well, this question can be answered depending on your country of origin. You will be subject to certain requirements before you are permitted to enter the country. In this article you will learn about information on the documents all travellers need to travel to Canada, to help you understand the things you will need to take care of, depending on your circumstance.
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In order to ensure the security of every Canadian citizen and permanent resident, the immigration officers are vigilant, when it comes to accessing foreign nationals’ admissibility. That being said, having a criminal record can deny your entry to Canada. If you have a family gathering or a business meeting, being inadmissible to Canada can severely affect you, your friends, family, or even your employment. Have you ever wondered if you can overcome your inadmissibility to Canada? If so, you will learn about Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), which is a document that allows you to overcome your inadmissibility to Canada for a limited amount of time, in this blog post.
There are many different reasons that may cause an individual’s inadmissibility. One of the most common reasons is security. If you have committed a crime, human or international rights violation, or terrorism, you are going to be inadmissible to Canada. Crimes may include: driving under the influence, organizational crime, or any serious crime that would be punishable by a maximum prison term of at least 10 years in Canada.
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As you may know, many individuals may immigrate to Canada with their work experience, education, proficiency in English/French, age advantage, and so forth with Express Entry. There are many sub-programs under the Express Entry system. For example, you may immigrate to Canada with the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. Since there are so many programs under the Express Entry System, individuals often get confused about what each program does and what each program’s eligibility requirements are. In this blog, you will learn specifically about the eligibility requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker program.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program allows foreign individuals to immigrate to Canada based on their skilled work experience, language ability, and education. However, simply having skilled work experience, language ability, and education does not guarantee you will be invited to apply for permanent residency by the Canadian government. In order to be a successful candidate, you will need to have a decent score on the comprehensive ranking system. You will also be placed in a pool with other applicants, and you will need to compete with one another. The higher you ranking is, the more likely you will be invited to apply for your permanent residency in Canada.
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One of the most important things for your Canadian citizenship application is your residency obligation (being physically present in Canada for at least 1095 days). If you meet the residency obligation, you will need to meet some other requirements to apply. Some of the requirements include:
These requirements are in place to see how well you fit into Canadian society and to prove your loyalty to Canada. After having filled out the application and paid the processing fee, your only job left is to wait for the government to respond to your application. In this article, we will discuss what happens after you apply for Canadian citizenship and how to prepare for the citizenship ceremony.
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Are you a foreign national with a small business looking to grow your company in Canada? Do you think your company has what it takes to help grow Canada’s economy? If so, Canada immigration’s start-up visa program for permanent residency may be of interest to you. If you want to learn more about the program or want to see how you may qualify, read this blog for more about the program.
The Start-up Visa program is one of the pathways to permanent residence. The program targets immigrant entrepreneurs who can build innovative businesses in Canada, create jobs for Canadians and compete on a global scale. To be eligible, you must have a qualifying business, get a letter of support from a designated organization willing to support your business, meet language requirements and have enough money to settle in Canada.
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First and foremost, congratulations on getting your permanent resident status in Canada! As a permanent resident, this means you are one step closer to complete your Canadian immigration journey, which is to apply for Canadian citizenship. Not only that, as a permanent resident, you do not have to worry about re-applying for study permits and/or work permits. In order to start your life in Canada, having only the permanent resident status is not enough, though. Being a permanent resident also means you will have more responsibilities and affairs to organize familiarize. In this blog, you will learn information about what new permanent residents of Canada must do to, in order to help you properly adjust to life in Canada.
The most important thing after you obtain your permanent resident status is to apply for a permanent resident card. You must apply for a permanent resident card within 180 days of landing in Canada. Your Permanent resident card will be valid for 5 years. When you are renewing your card upon its expiration, you will have to prove you have met the residency requirements, and you have been a law-abiding permanent resident of Canada.
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You have put a lot of effort in applying for a Permanent Residence in Canada, and you eventually get one. However, there may be various circumstances in which you are unable to maintain your permanent residency. As a result, you want to renounce your permanent resident status. Indeed, you may do so by following certain steps, just like any other immigration applications. Nevertheless, it is important for you to figure out your eligibility and specific processes for this type of application. In this blog, you will learn relevant information about renouncing your permanent resident status.
After all the effort that has been put in your Permanent Resident Status application, we understand it can be a difficult decision to make when you are about to give up your permanent resident status. However, you may need to renounce your permanent resident status when you encounter one of the following situations:
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As traveling becomes more convenient, many foreign nationals have considered about studying abroad. Canada is one of the most popular countries that attracts many foreign students to obtain a valid and prestigious educational credential. As a result, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has announced the Student Direct Stream to support the growth in study permit applications. In this blog, you will learn about the Student Direct Stream and relevant information about how to apply for a study permit through this stream.
As previously mentioned, the Student Direct Stream is means by which applicants from certain countries can apply for a study permit. The major benefit of this stream is that, applicants may get a decision faster. The reason why this stream exists is that, Canada has acknowledged the cultural, economic, and social values that international students bring to Canada, and wishes to attract more international students to continue adding those values to the country. If students, who are from China, India, Vietnam, or the Philippines, can demonstrate upfront that they have the financial resources and language skills to succeed academically in Canada, they may apply for a study permit through the Student Direct Stream.
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There are many prestigious universities in Canada. For example, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and many more. If you are a foreign national who dreams of studying in Canada, you definitely have a chance to do so. The Canadian government knows it is the dream of many foreign nationals to experience Canada while studying within the Canadian system, and so they have allowed people who would like to come for this purpose to apply for a study permit. Throughout this article, you may gain an understanding for how to apply for a study permit.
Often times, students need more than six months to complete school work. However, a visitor’s visa cannot allow you to stay in Canada for that long. To study for a period longer than 6 months, you can apply for a study permit and essentially ask the Canadian government for permission to stay in Canada longer than 6 months to pursue a program that interests you, and then return to your country of origin. If the officer believes you seek an extended stay in Canada to pursue studies and you guarantee you will leave once you complete your studies, you are likely to be granted a study permit and have the opportunity to experience the sights, culture, and educational system which are so highly respected worldwide.
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Has the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada refused your application? After receiving a refusal, it is important to know the reasons behind the refusal. If you received the refusal and would like to appeal the decision, then it is highly recommended that you hire an immigration lawyer. Knowing whether you are eligible to appeal your case is the first step in resolving it; however, it can be difficult for people who do not possess a strong background in Law. A qualified lawyer can help you in many ways and will figure out the best solution for you. While some individuals do not have a lawyer for their appeal, hiring an immigration lawyer will make the process more smooth and increase the likelihood of success on appeal.
As you may know, the field of Canadian immigration law is diverse and complex. When you are applying for permanent residence, citizenship, or any kind of visa to come to Canada, it is common for the application to be rejected for one reason or another. However, no one wants to see their case get refused unfairly or to lose the opportunity to reside in Canada when they justly deserve a positive outcome for their applications. If you received a refusal, it is important for you to find an alternative solution for your case as soon as possible. An appeal is one of the options that may be favorable to your situation, because you may possibly get a court order requiring immigration authorities to make a new decision for your case.
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As you may know, you have various options to sponsor a family member to Canada. However, in order to ensure foreigners, who are immigrating to Canada, do not possess any risks to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the Canadian government has set many strict rules to regulate potential immigrants. If you fail to meet the requirements set by the Canadian government, your application will very likely be refused. In this blog, you will learn relevant information about reasons for your application refusal.
Simply being a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident does not automatically make you an eligible sponsor. In order to be an eligible sponsor, you must also fulfill the other requirements. For example, if you are still going through the process of bankruptcy, or if you have received social assistance for something other than the reason of a disability, you are not eligible to sponsor anyone.
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In the process of becoming a citizen in Canada, passing the citizenship test is one of the fundamental steps. The Citizenship Test is the final step before the citizenship ceremony where a person becomes a Canadian citizen. The oath of citizenship is administered in a formal ceremony once you pass the citizenship test.
For the citizenship test, applicants who are between 14 and 64 years of age, specifically for applications received on or after June 11, 2015, are required to demonstrate adequate knowledge of Canada. The purpose of the test is to see how well the applicant knows about Canada such as the rights and freedoms, your responsibilities as a Canadian citizen, how much you know about the Canadian history and geography, Canadian symbols and being able to demonstrate adequate knowledge of either English or French.
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Being able to work Canada is beneficial for many foreign nationals who have a hard time finding work in their country of origin. By having the ability to legally work in Canada , foreign national may have more opportunity to thrive and grow. If these circumstances sound like the situation you’re facing, it is likely you may want to apply for a Canadian work permit. In this blog, you will learn about different types of work permit, so you may apply for one that is suitable for you.
You will need to ensure you are eligible to apply for a Canadian work permit prior to starting your application. In order to be eligible, you cannot be inadmissible to Canada for any reason. In addition to this, you must also meet all other requirements. For example, you need to prove to an immigration officer you will leave Canada when your permit expires. You also need to demonstrate you are in good health, and will not place excessive demand on Canadian social services. Last but not least, you will also need to meet all the specific requirements for the work permit you intend to apply for.
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A lot of times, terminologies in the field of immigration may be confusing to many foreign nationals. For example, temporary resident visa vs. temporary resident permit and business visitors vs. business people. It is important for applicants to understand what those terms refer to and the major difference between the terms. If you do not have a solid understanding of the immigration terminologies, you can potentially make mistakes on your applicant or even submit the wrong application. Both business visitors and business people are temporary residents coming to Canada on business related activity. The main difference between the two is the length of time they will spend in Canada respectively. In this blog, you will learn about the difference between a business visitor and a business person.
Business people are individuals who come to Canada to do business under a free trade agreement. Specifically, a business person can come to Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), under one of the other free trade agreements, or under General Agreement on Trades in Services (GATS). It is also important to understand that business people, who are coming to Canada under a free trade agreement (FTA), can qualify in any of 4 specific categories of business person. The categories are professionals, intra-company transferees, traders and investors, and business visitors. If you are coming to Canada as a business visitor, you still need to meet the eligibility requirements of the category you intend to apply for, and must comply with the obligations of the FTA you are permitted to apply under.
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The PR card proves that you are a permanent resident of Canada. In any case if you travel outside Canada you need this card to re-enter in Canada by any means. Residents needs to show their permanent resident card when entering to Canada in order to show their residency.
If someone does not have a PR card or someone is not carrying their PR Card while travelling outside the Canada they have to apply for permanent resident travel document before returning to Canada. If your PR card expires, it does not mean that you have lost permanent resident status.
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Are you considering a trip to Canada? Do you come from a visa-exempt country? Is your trip only of a brief nature? Every year over 35 million people travel to Canada. The purpose of these visits can range from wanting to see relatives and friends, attend to a business trip, or maybe just for simple tourism. If you do come from a visa-exempt country and are trying to visit Canada, you must apply for a visa; specifically a visitor’s visa, before even being able to board the plane. All applicants must keep in mind that there is a difference in visa applications and the correct entry must be selected and sent in, in order to avoid any future disappointments from happening. If you or someone you know wants to visit Canada for any of the aforementioned or related reasons, continue reading this article in order to find out crucial information that could be beneficial for you. Let us help you in applying for the right visa today!
In order to apply for a visitor’s visa, also commonly coined as a temporary resident’s visa, the purpose of your visit must be of a brief nature. This is because in order to successfully acquire this temporary document, you must be able to prove to an immigration officer that you will be leaving promptly after your requested time of stay within the country. Temporary resident visas, depending on whether it is a single or multiple entry applicant, will usually only allow visitors to enter the country once and stay up to approximately a 6 month period maximum. One must also be able to display that they meet the requirements and proof through an invitation letter when applying for a visitor’s visa application.
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Are you a grandparent who wants to visit your son/daughter and their family, but are a resident of a different country and are unaware of what permits are required? Well there’s always a way. In this blog we will be discussing what a super visa is, whom it is primarily applicable to, and what requirements and qualifications will be needed in order to obtain this permit. For further inquiry or personal questions related to this topic, feel free to contact our legal team of associates at Akrami and Associates.
A parent and grandparent super visa is a temporary resident visa that is valid for up to 10 years. It allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for a maximum time of 2 years per visit. Any extension to the visit can be done within Canada, but does have a fee of $100 CAD.
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In Canada, Interim Federal Health Program also known as IFHP, is usually paid for the essential health care of refugee applicants, directed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once the certificate of eligibility is issued by an IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), you can take benefits of IFHP coverage.
If you are a refugee, who is not eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance, IFHP offers you a limited, temporary coverage of health care benefits. A person must not be a Canadian citizen to be entitled for the IFH Program, and must belong to one of the following groups:
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Many foreign individuals would like to work to in Canada. Are you a North American citizen who’s been seeking employment in Canada? Do you believe you have the skills to help the international scope of the Canadian economy? Well fear not, we may have just found the answer! Despite the fact that Canada is known for their extremely strict visa policies, the North American Free Trade Agreement was set into place to help those who want to find employment in Canada, much easier. Although this does hand North American applicants leverage when being seen as possible NAFTA work permit candidates, every applicant must submit their applications only after thorough and careful analysis. It needs to be understood that even the most qualified and experienced workers have been denied of the Canadian work visa permit. So planning is of the utmost importance when it comes to this application. Please continue reading this blog for further assistance and information on this immigration matter.
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Have you recently married to a person living outside of Canada and are a Canadian citizen or someone with a permanent Canadian residence status yourself? Are you curious as to how you might be able to permanently move them to Canada and live together with your significant other? Through the course of this blog, you will be informed on the requirements needed to help make your spousal sponsorship process easier. The types of sponsorships that can apply for spousal sponsorships, requirements needed to be a sponsor, and the requirements of the individual seeking permanent residency will also be discussed through the course of this blog.
Many people have the common question: “Well, how can I become a sponsor?” If you are one of these people, do not worry as there are only a few requirements necessary to become an approved sponsor. Some requirements include being 18 years of age or older, being a permanent resident in Canada, or are a Canadian resident. Those who are Canadian citizens and chose to live outside of Canada with their spouse can do so if they can successfully prove to the government that the person is only living there until their significant other’s sponsorship has been approved. One must also prove that no social assistance was provided for reasons other than a disability. On top of that, the person needs to be able to provide for the basic needs of the person who they are sponsoring. They can finally send in their application form to become a sponsor once all these requirements have been followed.
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Have you ever wanted to move to Canada, but are unaware if it is a possible objective to attain? Well, there is an opportunity for you to become a permanent resident of Canada. With the Express Entry application, you are given a good chance of being selected, out of numerous applicants, to be considered as a skilled immigrant and move to Canada. More information on the process and what documents and qualifications are needed to further increase your chances of being selected will be discussed in this blog. Requirements and the point system will also be reviewed. Hopefully, by the end of this blog, you will become a more informed citizen on the immigration matters of Canada and the Express Entry process. This blog has been brought to you by our skilled team of associates at Akrami and Associates, the leading immigration law firm of 2017.
An express entry is an immigration application system created online that requires an individual to enter themselves into a pool of applicants, from where the individuals with the top points will be selected to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Each individual will have to first create a profile containing information about themselves along with requirements asked for by the system.
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You just received your study permit and are currently studying in Canada. Everything has happened according to your plan, but your desire to work in Canada is still pending. After studying in Canada, you start to have a desire to work in order to establish the feeling of independence and responsibility. Not only does having a job help satisfy those esteemed feelings, but also turns out to be a big help to you and your family, as the money earned can help pay for additional living, school, food, and transportation expenses. Are you someone who has the same desires to work in Canada? Are you an international student who’s study permit has just been approved and are now studying in Canada, but have a desire to work during your study period? Well, there is indeed a way for you to work in Canada, as we will discuss the basics of an off-campus work permit, the requirements and eligibilities for this permit, and the application process.
Before applying for an off-campus work permit, one must obtain a study permit. A study permit is an official document allowing for the individual to work in Canada for a specified amount of time. To obtain such document, one will first need to meet the requirements needed, which are specified in our study permit blog found on our website listed below. Once you have received your own study permit and have settled into Canada to begin your designated program, you can now be eligible to work within the country using an off-campus work permit.
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Are you considering traveling to Canada, but are unsure on whether or not you are eligible to enter? Do you have trouble deciphering between an eTA and a visitor visa and which application would be applicable to you? In this blog, you will be informed about an eTA and whether or not you need an eTA. You will also be informed on the differences between a Visitor Visa and an eTA and how to qualify and meet the requirements of each.
An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an entry requirement for those foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air, who are visa-exempt. This entry requirement is valid for up to 5 years or until your current passport expires. Since your eTA is linked electronically to your passport, you will need to get a new eTA once a new passport has been issued. An eTA is not necessary to travel within Canada. It allows those holding one to travel as many times as they want into the country for up to 6 months at a time.
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This article will address questions and answers for changing your sex on Immigration documents. This is intended for you to better understand what can ensue when you are changing your sex and are also in the process of applying for an Immigration application. If you feel unclear or confused as how to start the process of changing your sex on these immigration documents, this article will help answer some of those questions you may have. Additionally, this article is intended to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to any immigration matters regarding changing your sex on Immigration documents.
It is necessary to advise IRCC of your sex change only in certain circumstances. For instance, if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you do not need to notify IRCC of your sex change. For Canadian citizens, it is advisable to make sure that all of your government documents reflect this information. For permanent residents, if you have changed your sex, it can possibly result in delays if you travel. Specifically, if you intend on travelling by air in the future, it is very important that your permanent resident card and passport reflects your sex change; they must match. Furthermore, for temporary residents of Canada, such as visitors, students and workers, you must inform IRCC of your sex change. If any information has changed, specifically your sex changes, and it does not reflect on your permit or visa, then you must apply for a new one. Keep in mind, the sex on your visa or permit must match the sex on your foreign passport.
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Did you know that having a past criminal inadmissibility issue can prevent you from entering Canada. If you have past criminal record and like to overcome your inadmissibility on permanent basis then you may eligible to apply for Criminal Rehabilitation. Many travellers to Canada get Denied Entry to Canada for a DUI and many think it is not a big deal having a DUI on record. DUI is considered a major offence in Canada and being able to enter Canada with a DUI you have to overcome your inadmissibility on the Canadian side as well.
Criminal Rehabilitation is an application you submit to the government of Canada and requesting to overcome your criminal inadmissibility on permanent basis. Once your Criminal Rehabilitation application is approved you are able to travel to Canada freely as long as you do reoffend. This application is only for persons that have committed an offence outside of Canada. If you travelled to Canada and ended up getting a criminal record then you have to apply for Record of Suspension formerly known as Pardon.
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Are you a foreign skilled worker with a job offer from a Canadian company? Did you know that depending on the type of job offer you have, you may be able to work and live in Canada permanently? Foreign skilled workers with a valid job offer from a Canadian company may qualify for 10 additional points under the express entry Federal Skilled worker category. The points can be used to increase your chances at eligibility for an invitation to apply for permanent residence. If you have a job offer from a Canadian company, read this blog to find out if your job offer qualifies and to learn more about arranged employment for Federal Skilled Worker program.
When you create your profile in the first stage of express entry, you will be assessed based on the following six selection factors and given points for each selection factor for a maximum score of 100:
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Are you from a country that does not require a visa to enter Canada? Have you tried to apply for an eTA but could not get approved and not sure why? If you are interested in learning more about the electronic travel authorization, this blog may provide you with some useful information.
An electronic travel authorization or eTA is an entry requirement used by persons from visa-exempt countries to travel to Canada by air. The person must be a citizen of that country to be eligible to apply. You must have a valid passport to apply, as well as a valid credit or debit card and an email address.
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Understand Work Permits
If you are a foreign national who wants to legally work in Canada, it is essential for you obtain a work permit. A work permit is intended for foreign nationals who wish to come to Canada to pursue a career or a job opportunity. It was created to give foreign nationals an opportunity to further their careers or be given the opportunity of a job that they would not have in their home country. However, there are different types of work permit, and they are often confusing to applicants. In order for you to further understand what a work permit entails, it is highly recommended that you consult with an immigration expert. In this blog, you will learn about common questions that applicants have for work permits.
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As an international student you are able to work in Canada as long as you meet requirements set out by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. The international student can either work while they are studying or after they graduate. So once you have obtained your study permit, you may be eligible to either work on-campus or off-campus without having to apply for another work permit as long as you meet the specific criteria. If your program of study requires professional or vocational training such co-op or internship then you would need to apply for a work permit. Once you graduate from your program of study as the international student you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
To be able to work off-campus as the international student you must
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Have you been admitted to Canada lawfully as a permanent resident? Has 5 years passed since you were admitted as a permanent resident, and now it is time to apply for a renewal of your permanent resident status? If this is the case, you may simply be looking to apply for a permanent residency renewal. If you meet all the requirements of an individual who will be granted a renewal of their permanent residency status, then this is a fairly straightforward task. However, you may realize you do not meet all the requirements necessary to successfully have your permanent residency status renewed. In this case, you may be concerned your chances of living in Canada permanently one day are gone, though; this is not necessarily the case. Depending on your specific circumstances, you could be eligible to apply for a permanent residency renewal by asking for humanitarian and compassionate consideration, also known as H&C. This blog will help you understand the situations individuals often find themselves in, when they decide applying for permanent residency renewal with H&C is the best option available.
If you fail to meet the residency requirements needed to be eligible to renew your permanent residency status, but you have a compelling reason you were unable to meet these requirements, it is essential you apply for humanitarian and compassionate consideration within 60 days of receiving your removal order (if you are currently in Canada), or being informed you have lost your permanent resident status. Applying for humanitarian and compassionate consideration is not taken lightly by immigration officers, and applications are only approved if the applicant has proved they will face undue hardship by being forced to return to their home country, and they failed to meet the residency requirements due to extenuating circumstances. It is important to understand the responsibility is entirely on the applicant to prove to an immigration officer your wish should be granted, as this is an exceptional application process which is provided to ensure individuals are not subject to undue harm as the result of being removed from Canada. Immigration officers will not request additional information to try to determine if your case has merit; it is your responsibility to illustrate your requests in a clear and compelling way to convince an immigration officer you deserve to keep your status as a permanent resident.
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Common-law partnerships are unique as the couple is not married; however, they do cohabitate in a marriage-like commitment. Recognizing these types of partnerships are essential in Canadian Immigration and properly assessing them can be quite challenging since they are not in actual marriage. As a result, common-law couples must provide sufficient supporting documentation and information in order to prove the genuineness of their relationship to Canadian Immigration when applying for common-law sponsorship. In this blog, you will learn about how to qualify as a common-law partner in the eyes of Canadian Immigration and other important information pertaining to common-law sponsorships.
Family reunification is a high priority for Canadian Immigration and thus they diligently recognize and assess common-law sponsorships. The Canadian government truly believes that being with your significant other as well as any other immediate family members is essential and is a fundamental aspect of people’s lives. As a result, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada have the ability to sponsor their common-law partners to Canada for permanent residency. However, before they can sponsor their common-law partner, they must first ensure that they qualify as a common-law partnership or union. Therefore, in order to be a common-law partnership, you must be together and cohabitate in a marriage-like commitment; have combined affairs between the partners; must be dependent of each other; and, most importantly, must have cohabited together for at least one year.
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When a foreign national attempts to enter Canada, they must ensure that they do not have any inadmissibility issues. If they do have inadmissibility, unfortunately, they will be denied entry into Canada. Inadmissibility issues come in different forms other than criminality. Additionally, if a foreign national has an inadmissibility issue that does not involve criminality, it is important to determine why they have become inadmissible. In this blog, you will learn about different inadmissibility issues other than criminality that a foreign national can incur.
If a foreign national has any of the following issues, they will be deemed inadmissible to Canada and must then obtain the proper authorization to re-enter or return to Canada.
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Helping your spouse to immigrate to Canada can require a lot of preparation and effort. In order to successfully sponsor you spouse, you must have a proper understanding the entire application process. Without knowing what the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada is looking for in an application, you are vulnerable to mistakes on your application. Having mistakes on the application can result in the delay or refusal of the application. In some rare cases, the mistakes can even jeopardize your ability to sponsor your family in the future. In this blog, you will learn about the process of the inland spousal sponsorship application.
Inland Spousal Sponsorship application requires the principal applicant (the person being sponsored) to remain in Canada for the period of time while the application is being processed. While in Canada, the principal applicant may apply for an open work permit to legally work in Canada. This is a big benefit of the inland sponsorship category. On the other hand, the sponsor, who invited the principal applicant to come to Canada, is also financially responsible for the both of them. This means the sponsor must prove he or she is financially stable enough to provide the basic necessities of life, such as food, water, shelter, security, and health care services that are not covered by public programs, to the principal applicant. However, prior to starting your inland spousal sponsorship application, you must understand that you cannot appeal an inland sponsorship application. That being said, if you want to have your application reconsidered, you will have to re-apply.
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There are many ways that allow you to immigrate to Canada. Almost all paths to permanent residency require the applicant to have a valid job offer before they will be able to apply successfully. However, the case is a bit tricky for self-employed individuals. That being said, self-employed individuals have a different route in terms of their immigration. They cannot present an employment letter, stating the contract length, salary, working hours, and job duties, when they are preparing for their permanent resident application. Even though self-employed immigration is different than other types of immigration, you do not be overwhelmed, though. In this blog, you will learn information about immigrating to Canada as a self-employed individual.
Self Employed Immigration, as the name suggests, is the way by which a self-employed individual immigrates to Canada. These individuals do not have a valid job offer to support their permanent residency. Rather, they have promised the immigration officer that, they are capable of establishing a business upon their arrival in Canada. Since these individuals do not have a valid job offer to support their application, the requirements for this type of application are strict. Specifically, an individual who wishes to apply through the Self-employed immigration program must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. These are the areas of the Canadian economy the Canadian government has determined are in need of assistance self-employed immigration can offer. In other words, applicants are establishing a mutually-beneficial relationship with the Canadian Government.
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As a newcomer to Canada, you may not be familiar with how companies or the government does business in Canada. This can potentially lead you to believe in companies that try scam you by phone or email. Often times, those scammers will pretend they are from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, and ask you for your personal information. Alternatively, as an applicant who is applying for permanent residence or citizenship, you may have made crucial mistakes on your application, either intentionally or unintentionally. Regardless of your intention, the mistakes can ultimately lead to misrepresentation. If you misrepresent information that is directly related to decisions made under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), you will inevitably face severe consequences. In this blog, you will learn about specific aspects of immigration fraud and misrepresentation on your application.
Often times, individuals have the misconception that providing wrong information may just result in the refusal of the application; this misconception must be dispelled. The government of Canada takes misrepresentation very seriously, and misrepresentation can be a criminal offence in Canada. That being said, if you lie or provide false information or documents on your applications or in an interview with an immigration officer, you can be charged with fraud under the Canadian Criminal Code.
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If you are eligible for Canadian citizenship, that means you have reached the milestone for your immigration journey. Being a Canadian citizen means you have more privileges than permanent residents do. For example, Canadian citizens have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote and even more, actually become involved with a political party or leadership campaign. Furthermore, you do not need to worry about the expiry date of your permanent residence and your residency requirements. In this blog, you will learn about how to become a Canadian citizen.
The eligibility of Canadian citizenship revolves around your permanent residency, residency obligations, knowledge of Canada, and language proficiency. More detailed requirements are shown below.
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A permanent resident card has its expiry date. If your permanent resident card is expiring soon, you will need to renew them in a timely fashion. Whether you are applying for your first card, renewing an expired card or getting a replacement due to damage or loss, you will need to gather a number of documents to send to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. If you want to change the sex designation on your PR card, you may also go through the same application process. In this blog, you will learn about how to renew your permanent resident card and other information related to your permanent resident card renewal.
It is important for you to find out if you are eligible for a permanent resident card prior to starting your own application. First and foremost, you must be a permanent resident of Canada in order to own a permanent resident card. Apart from that, you must be physically present in Canada and you meet certain residency requirements. If you are being deported by the Government of Canada you are not eligible for a PR card. On the other hand, a Canadian citizen shall not possess a permanent resident card you are a Canadian citizen. If you become a Canadian citizen, you will need to give your PR card to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada at your citizenship ceremony.
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The temporary resident visa, as known as visitor visa, is an official entry document that is stamped in your passport. Having a temporary resident visa means you meet the requirements needed to travel to Canada. More specifically, a temporary resident visa allows foreign nationals to remain in Canada for up to six months. Unfortunately, a temporary resident visa does not allow foreign nationals to work in Canada or to study for programs of 6 months or more. In this blog, you will learn information about what a temporary resident visa is and how to apply for one.
There are two types of temporary resident visa that can be issued: single-entry and multi-entry.
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Many Provinces and territories in Canada, with the exception of Quebec, can nominate individuals with certain skills, education, and work experience to immigrate to Canada through the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). Since January 1, 2015, many provinces and territories have connected their own PNP programs with Express Entry. Each province and territory has their own criteria for their PNP programs; this allows provincial governments to have better control of the services and employment sectors in their region. In this blog, you will learn about the application process for Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada.
First, you can apply directly to the PNP program you want to become involved in, based on where you want to live in Canada. The province or territory will review your application based on the following:
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Are you or someone you know living in fear of persecution or danger of death in their home country? Are you seeking somewhere safer to live with your family? Canada offers those who are experiencing danger in their home countries a safe place to live and contribute to society. These people are called refugees. Refugees are people who have fled their countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution. They have seen or experienced many horrors in their home countries, and therefore, they are not able to return home.
The major difference between a refugee and an immigrant is the main purpose of coming to Canada. An immigrant is a person who has the “choice” to settle permanently in Canada. A refugee is “forced” to flee.
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As you may know, a big part of Canadian immigration applications is the biometrics. Biometrics uniquely identify a person’s anatomical or physiological data. At your biometrics appointment, you will get your fingerprints and photos, taken, and you will sign your name for electronic capture. Biometrics collection is a mandatory process that all foreign nationals (excluding United States nationals) between the ages of 14 and 79 must undergo when they are applying, claiming or requesting temporary residence, permanent residence or refugee protection. If obtaining biometrics for your immigration purposes sounds daunting to you, do not worry! In this blog, you will learn relevant information about biometrics.
When you are at your biometrics appointment, you will be obtaining your biographic data, 10 fingerprints, and a photograph. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will also collect the information from your biometrics. You biographic data refer to your name, date of birth, and other personal details of yourself as listed on your passport data page or your travel document. Your fingerprints will be captured electronically during the biometrics collection session, using an electronic fingerprint-capture device. Lastly, you will provide your digital photograph. Please note, the photograph you provide must meet certain requirements listed on the CIC website. Some requirements include, facing the camera directly, keeping your expressions neutral, keeping your face clear, etc.
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The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is designed to enable Canadians to recruit foreign nationals to provide childcare or home support for seniors or people with disabilities. Individuals with twenty-four months of work experience on a LCP work permit could apply to transition to permanent residence. The Live-in Caregiver Program is mutually beneficial for both the Canadian employer and the live-in care giver, as the employer gets the services from the foreign national, and the foreign national can obtain employment and/ or achieve permanent residency in Canada. If you think you might be eligible to be a live-in caregiver, or you might need to hire a foreign live-in caregiver, then continue to read this blog for more information.
A live in caregiver is provides care for children or people with high medical needs. Usually, the live-in caregiver lives with the employer to take care of the children or the patient(s). To begin, the live-in caregiver will enter Canada as a temporary foreign worker.
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Many families have been split apart as a result of children and grandchildren attempting to immigrate to Canada and start a new life. The government of Canada takes this into consideration and allows for a process called the super visa. The super visa is a visitor’s visa for parents and grandparents who wish to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada. This super visa allows for multiple entries to Canada for a period of 2 years at a time and with a status period of up to 10 years. This article will talk about who is eligible for a super visa, what to do if it is refused, super visa extensions, and financial requirements in order to allow for a parent/grandparent to obtain a super visa.
An applicant can apply for a super visa if they meet the requirements for temporary residence in Canada as a visitor and provide the proper documentation. The require documents include the following
Canada is well-known for its majestic sceneries and tourist hotspots. Not only that, Canada is a modern, progressive, open, and tolerant multi-cultural society with countless opportunities for you to advance your education. There are many prestigious universities in Canada. For example, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and many more. If you are a foreign national who wishes to study in Canada, go ahead and pursue your dream! However, before you come to study in Canada, you will need to obtain an official authorization from the Canadian government: the study permit. This is why we have written this blog to help you understand what a study permit is and how to apply for one.
A study permit allows you, as a foreign student, to stay in Canada longer than 6 months to pursue a program that interests you, and then return to your country of origin. Often times, students need more than six months to complete a program or school work. However, a visitor’s visa cannot allow you to stay in Canada for that long. In order to stay in Canada and study for a period longer than 6 months, you will then need to obtain a study permit. If the officer believes you seek an extended stay in Canada to pursue studies and you guarantee you will leave once you complete your studies, you are likely to be granted a study permit and have the opportunity to learn the official languages of Canada, English and French, and visit Canada’s wide-open spaces, dramatic mountains, pristine forests and majestic lakes.
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As you may know, Canadian is a country not only has majestic and extraordinary tourist hotspots, but also has countless opportunities for you to pursue or advance your education. Canadian universities consistently rank among the best in the world. For example, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University are all extremely prestigious universities. By studying in Canada, you will gain invaluable memories of your student years and a strong academic background.
Apart from the academics, Canada offers a wonderful, tolerant, and welcoming cross-cultural experience. English and French are two official languages of Canada. By living in Canada, you will gain the opportunity to learn these two languages and to foster a solid network of international connections to last a lifetime.
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As you may know, the Canadian government allows a foreign national that come from a variety of different fields, educational backgrounds, and work experience to obtain permanent residency in Canada under specific federal economic immigration programs. This is also known as the Express Entry immigration system. By applying for Express Entry, you are essentially establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with the Canadian Government. That being said, while you are obtaining your permanent residency, you are also contributing to the Canadian Labour Market and the economy. Since your job is an essential part of this type of immigration, you will need to make sure that you meet the strict rules set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. One of the rules for Express Entry is meeting the descriptions on the National Occupation Classification (NOC). In this blog, you will learn about what National Occupation Classification (NOC) is and how to select your NOC code.
The National Occupation Classification, also known as the NOC, is a list of all the occupations in the Canadian labor market. It describes the type of work performed by Canadians in the labour market according to skill type and skill level. The type of work usually is determined by the task, duties, and responsibility within the occupation. The classification gives employers, job seekers, statisticians, labour market analysts, career counselors insightful information that allows them to better understand the nature of work and what type of experience is needed to apply for a program. The NOC tool has a four digit code which represents important information that helps classify the occupation. For example, 0011 Legislator- the “001” indicates that the position is for legislators who are in senior management.
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Ideally, you may have a permanent resident card as a permanent resident of Canada. However, that is not the case for everyone. Some permanent residents do not have a permanent resident card. Some people may only have a Record of Landing; some may have lost their permanent resident card; some may have their card expired. If you are a Canadian Permanent Resident, but you do not have a Permanent Resident Card, you will need a permanent resident travel document to enter Canada. You, as a permanent resident, cannot enter Canada, without either a Permanent resident card or a permanent resident ravel document. In this blog, you will learn relevant information about permanent resident travel document, as well as the process of applying for one.
Permanent resident travel document allows permanent residents of Canada, who do not have a permanent resident card, to return to Canada. If you only have Record of Landing and/or confirmation of permanent residence, you still are not permitted to enter Canada. You will need to show your permanent resident travel document to your transportation companies to prove that you are allowed to travel to Canada as a permanent resident. That being said, a permanent resident of Canada must have either a permanent resident card or a permanent resident travel document to return to Canada by train, plane, boat or bus.
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There are many ways by which you may obtain a permanent residence status in Canada. Express Entry is one of the options. However, Express Entry can be very confusing to many foreign national, because there are many categories under it. There are three major programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. In order to prepare you for your application, it is important for you to recognize and understand the eligibility requirements prior to applying. In this blog, you will learn about eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, as well as other important information one should know before applying under this economic immigration program.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience to gain permanent residency in Canada. This program selects its applicants based on their skilled work experience, language ability, and education. However, simply meeting these three requirements does not guarantee you will be selected by the Canadian government. You will be given a rank based on the comprehensive ranking system. You will also be placed in a pool with other applicants, and you will need to compete with other applicants. The higher you ranking is, the closer you are to your permanent residency in Canada.
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Paul R.Fantastic news, I entered Canada without a hitch. Once the guard at the border saw the package you had prepared for me, he took about ten minutes and handed me my permit. What I relief! I don’t know why I ever tried this without you guys! Thank you!
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Michael W.We have used Akrami & Associates for all of our immigration needs. They have never let us down and we couldn’t be happier. They took care of us from start to finish with little effort on our part. An excellent group of legal professionals.
Frank T.Shabnam, I wanted to personally thank you for all your hard work and dedication to me and my wife. Our new lives together are all thanks to you. Considering the unique circumstances that initially prevented her, I had lost hope. I will make sure that if anyone I know needs immigration help, I will be sending them your way. Again, I can’t thank you enough.
Salvatore M.Reception was very nice and was sure to answer the questions he could but made sure I was taken care of by a rep at the firm. Shabnam was extremely helpful and I will be calling again when I am ready to proceed.
Lucy A.I got my visitors visa thanks to Shabnam. I just want to thank her and all the team for her hard work. They all did a very good job.