Canadian Immigration: Questions and Answers
The opportunity to immigrate to Canada is an exciting one, as Canada has come to be known as one of the greatest countries in which to work and live. Before you can immigrate to Canada, however, you must first determine what the best pathway is for you in particular. This requires a general understanding of the Canadian immigration options, along with all requirements you must meet. Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Canadian immigration.
Here we have gathered the top tops questions we are asked before applying for immigration or making the big move to Canada. Every immigration case is unique and not all answers will be true to all applicants. It’s very important to speak with an immigration professional to learn more about your specific case and get answers catered to you. You can do this by booking a consultation!
Top Questions About Canadian Immigration
How can I immigrate to Canada?
Otherwise, you may be looking for a more permanent move through:
How can I settle in Canada?
To settle in Canada, obtaining a job, having all necessary documentation during the immigration process, and meeting residency requirements are all helpful to easing the process. The following are topics you will want to look into prior to arriving in Canada, as a deeper understanding of them can make settlement much easier:
- Government Laws
- Banks and Financing (Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Bank Accounts, Checks, etc.)
- Health Care, Hospitals, Doctor Offices
- Cars, Public Transportation
- Education, School Systems
- Grocery Stores, Restaurants
- Housing
Depending on your country of origin, there may be existing communities of immigrants from your country with settlement and community organizations that can make you feel more at home
How can I work in Canada?
There are two main ways to work in Canada, one being temporary and the other a direct path to permanent residence. The 4 stages to getting a temporary work permit are:
Stage 1: Employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Stage 2: Employer extends Temporary Job Offer
Stage 3: Foreign Worker applies for Work Permit
Stage 4: Work Permit is issued
To work and live in Canada permanently, you will apply under the Express Entry Program as a skilled worker. The programs included are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Provinces and territories can also recruit from this pool of applicants to fill labour needs in their local communities.
How can I get temporary residency in Canada?
You can get temporary residence in Canada through a:
- Work Visa
- Study Permit, or
- Visitor Visa
To work in Canada temporarily, you will have to obtain a work permit, usually after receiving a job offer.
To study in Canada, you will first apply to a designated learning institute. Once you are accepted, you can then apply for a study permit.
To visit Canada, you will apply for a visitor visa in the form of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
What is Express Entry in Canada?
The Express Entry Program is for skilled workers who wish to work and live in Canada as permanent residents. To apply for Express Entry you will create an Express Entry profile online. If you are accepted into the pool of eligible candidates, you will be ranked by a CRS score which takes into account your various skills, and may then be offered an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
The 4 programs within Express Entry include:
How long does it take to immigrate to Canada?
Processing times can be difficult to predict, as they vary based on the type of application and the number of applications being processed by Canadian immigration at the time. The time can vary from 6-12 months, but sometimes can be less or more.
Related Article: Canadian Immigration Processing Times
Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Canada?
Although having a Canadian job offer helps tremendously, you do not need a job offer to immigrate to Canada. If you would like to work in Canada without a job offer, you can do so through the following pathways:
How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?
The cost of immigrating to Canada is dependent on many different factors. First, the application fees will vary based on the type of immigration, as well as how many people are immigrating. You will have to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Canada, along with any family members who will be accompanying you. If you choose to hire an immigration lawyer, you will pay additional fees for their services, however, they can help ensure your immigration process goes as smoothly as possible. Different lawyers and law firms will have different fees.
How do I apply for Canada PR?
You can apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada in different ways. First, you can apply directly for permanent residence through family sponsorship or Express Entry.
If you came to Canada on a study permit, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) which can then convert to Canada PR.
If you are already working in Canada on a work permit, you may be eligible to apply for a Bridging Work Permit, which will extend the time you can live and work in Canada so that you may apply for permanent residence without having to leave the country.
If you are in Canada under humanitarian and compassionate grounds and have established a life there, you may also be able to apply.
How do you become a citizen of Canada?
To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must:
- provide proof that you know how how to speak and write in English and/or French (Canada’s official languages)
- be a permanent resident, have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days out of the 5 years prior to applying
- meet all tax requirements
- pass the citizenship test
If one of your parents was a Canadian citizen when you were born, you may already be a Canadian citizen!
For more information on Canadian immigration, visit our homepage: Canadian Immigration. Hiring an immigration lawyer can help provide more clarity in your immigration process, as well as provide professional guidance. If you want to hire a VisaPlace immigration lawyer for your Canadian immigration needs, you can fill out our free online assessment or book a consultation today!
The first step towards moving to Canada is to get an assessment of your specific situation. Call us today at +1.416.410.7484 for an assessment to see if you are eligible to move to Canada, or fill out our online assessment form.