FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the answers to some common questions that we get on how to immigrate to Canada. Note that you are unique and so is your situation. Do not take all of these as rules written in stone. Contact us any time to get started on your immigration journey.
1. What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an application process for skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently. You must create an Express Entry profile and you will be assessed on the amount of points your profile receives. The number of points you get depends on such factors as age, education, English and/or French language ability, work experience, spouse’s factors and potentially a job offer or provincial nomination . If you have enough points, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada. We can help you prepare your Express Entry profile and guide you through the process.
2. How can I get a work visa?
The Canadian government uses the term "work permit." It is a common misconception that you get a work permit and then find yourself a job. The opposite is true. In general, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to get a work permit and come to Canada, unless your position is LMIA exempt. Open work permits are granted only in specific situations. Contact us to learn more.
3. If I come to Canada on a work permit, can I bring my family with me?
In the case that you have received a valid job offer from employer in Canada, your family may be eligible to reside, work or study in Canada. Contact us to discuss.
4. I'm an employer. How can I hire a foreign worker?
As an employer, you are required to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or submit an offer of employment via the Employer Portal. The route depends on the situation of your company. We are well versed in the procedures and can assist you with either.
5. How long do I have to stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status?
You must live in Canada for 730 days out of every five years or risk losing your permanent resident status. You can include time spent travelling with a Canadian spouse, being on a business trip for a Canadian business, or working abroad for the federal or provincial government. Note that you can lose your status due to other factors like being convicted of a crime, including crimes committed overseas.
6. How long does it take to become a Canadian citizen?
You must have been physically present in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days (3 years) during the 5 years before the date you apply for citizenship. 50% of the time spent in Canada as a temporary resident can be counted towards your physical presence in Canada (for up to maximum of 1 year).
7. Do I have to speak English or French?
To immigrate to Canada, you must show proficiency in one of the country's two official languages, English or French. If you show a high proficiency in both languages, you can receive extra points on your Express Entry profile or you can benefit from a provincial nomination program. You can see the list of accepted language tests here.
8. How can I sponsor my spouse to Canada?
To sponsor a spouse to Canada, you must:
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be at least 18 years old
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be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act. Note: Permanent residents living overseas cannot sponsor a spouse to Canada
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prove that you can provide for the basic needs of your spouse and support them financially
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show that you are not on social assistance for any reason other than disability
- ensure your spouse will not need social assistance
- prove that your relationship is genuine, and not being used for immigration purposes
Depending on your country of origin, spousal sponsorship can take months or years. It also matters whether your spouse is living inside Canada or overseas at the time that your start the process. We can help you in either case.
9. Can I sponsor a common law partner to Canada?
You can sponsor your common law partner under Family Class in Canada. Your common law partner must be living in Canada with you and you are required to prove 12 months of cohabitation.