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FAQs
Q. How long does it take to process
the immigration application?
A. It normally takes 12 to 18 months
to obtain an immigration visa after submitting the application.
Q. I do not have enough qualification
to submit my application as a professional. Do I still have a chance?
A. If your spouse qualifies for the
immigration then he/she can be the principal applicant and you can
still have a chance.
Q. How much money will I need to go
to Canada?
A. The Canadian government does not
provide financial assistance to independent immigrants, who are
expected to be self-supporting. You may not find a job quickly and
will need to take enough funds to settle in Canada and support
yourself and your family. You will be asked to show that you have
transferable funds of at least $10,000 (Canadian) for yourself plus
$2,000 for each dependent.
Q. Who qualifies as an independent
immigrant?
A. A person with specific
occupational skills and experience may qualify as an independent
immigrant. These skills must be readily transferable to the Canadian
labor market.
Q. Does it help to have a relative in
Canada?
A. Yes. Having a close relative
living in Canada increases your point score under the selection
system. The relative must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
aged 19 or over, and he/she must be a "close relative". You must
provide documentation to prove the relationship.
Q. Who is included in my application?
A. If you are married, your spouse
should be included as a dependent. You must also include on your
application all dependent children whether they are accompanying you
to Canada or not. Your dependents must undergo and pass background
checks and medical examinations. All dependents 18 years of age or
over must complete their own individual application form.
Q. Do I need a passport or travel
document?
A. You and your dependents must have
valid passports or travel documents. If any of the documents are to
expire soon, you should renew them. Diplomatic, official, service or
public affairs passports cannot be used to immigrate to Canada. You
must have a valid regular or private passport when you arrive. The
validity of your visa may be affected by the validity of your
passport.
Q. Must I or other members of my
family attend an interview?
A. A visa officer will review your
application and decide if an interview is necessary. If so, you will
be informed of the time and place. Your spouse and dependent children
aged 18 or over may be asked to accompany you to the interview. The
visa officer may ask about your job, work experience, education,
reasons for migrating, plans and preparations. The officer may also
ask about your family, spouse and/or dependents, or about your health,
financial situation, or past difficulties with the law. There may also
be questions to determine your ability to settle successfully in
Canada.
Q. Do professionals need registration
and licensing to work in Canada?
A. In Canada, approximately 20
percent of occupations are regulated to protect the health and safety
of Canadians (e.g., nurses, engineers, teachers, electricians). People
who want to work in regulated occupations need to obtain a license
from a provincial regulatory body. Licensing requirements often
include education from a recognized school, Canadian work experience
and completion of a technical exam. Fees for exams can be costly and
are the responsibility of the applicant. Final assessment by the
provincial authority can only be made once you are in Canada with
permanent resident status.
Q. For how long is my Immigrant Visa
valid?
A. The validity date is based upon
the earlier of: your or your dependents' passport validity date(s); or
the medical validity date(s). Medical examination results are valid
for 12 months after the initial medical examination. Immigrant visas
cannot be extended once issued. If applicants do not use the visas
within their validity, they must reapply for immigration to Canada.
Q. Is there a medical requirement for
immigrating to Canada?
A. Yes. You and your dependents,
whether accompanying you or not, must undergo and pass a medical
examination. To pass the medical examination you or your dependents
must not have a condition that is a danger to public health or safety
or would cause excessive demand on health or social services in
Canada.
Q. For how long is the medical
examination valid?
A. The medical examination is valid
for 12 months from the date of the first medical examination. If your
visa is not processed in this time, you must undergo another complete
medical examination.
Q. Must everyone in my family have a
medical examination?
A. Yes. All of your dependents who
are not already permanent residents or Canadian citizens, whether they
will accompany you to Canada or not, must undergo a medical
examination.
Q. After obtaining permanent resident
status in Canada, what if I need to return to my country to settle my
affairs?
A. Permanent residents may leave and
re-enter Canada as often as they wish as long as they spend less than
six months in any 12-month period outside Canada. If permanent
residents are out of Canada for more than six months in any 12-month
period, they will require a Returning Resident Permit to re-enter
Canada. While such permits can be applied for either in Canada or
overseas, they can only be applied for after you have become a
permanent resident.
Q. What are my rights and obligations
as a permanent resident of Canada?
A. You and your dependents have the
right to live, study and work in Canada for as long as you remain
permanent residents, and are entitled to most social benefits accorded
to Canadian citizens. When you have met citizenship requirements, you
may apply for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport.
This page is
continuously updated in view of your questions.
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