There are few ways through which you can get a UK family visa:

• As a spouse or partner of a UK resident.
• As a parent of a UK resident.
• As a child of a UK resident.
• As a sickened, disabled or aged relative in need for long-term care from a UK resident.
• On the basis of a private life.
• As a widowed partner of a former UK resident.
• As a separated spouse or partner.

Do I Qualify for a UK Family Visa?

You cannot get a UK family visa if your circumstances are as follows:

• You’re already in the UK with a UK work visa, or a UK temporary student visa.
• You’re living in the UK with a UK visitor visa with validity period of 6 months or less. The rule doesn’t apply for UK visitor marriage visa, or if you’re awaiting for a final court decision on a family or divorce matter.

What are the UK Family Visa Types?

There’s a range of UK family visa categories you may get depending which is your personal circumstances and your relationship with the sponsoring UK resident.

Spouse Visa

The UK Spouse Visa is issued to those who want to join their spouse in the UK or other partner who is either a British citizen, a settled person, a refugee or someone under the humanitarian protection.

Your relationship with your partner must be either a marriage, a durable relationship or civil partnership.

Parent Visa

The UK Parent Visa is issued to parents of British citizens or settled persons or persons that have spent at least 7 continuous years in the UK.

To qualify for this visa the child must be younger than 18, or must have been that age when you’ve first applied for the UK family visa.

Child Visa

The UK Child Visa is issued to children of a settled person in the UK.

You have to be the dependent child living in the UK with your parent, who is making a joint application with you for a UK visa or an extension of stay in the UK.

Family visa for an adult who needs a long-run care by a relative

The Visa for adults in need of care by a relative is issued for the purpose of taking long-term care from a relative who is a British citizen, settled person, refugee or under humanitarian protection in the UK. The person that needs this type of care has to be an adult of age 18 or older suffering from a disability or a medical condition, or who has reached the old age.

Family visa on the basis of your private life

The Family visa on the basis of your private life is given to remain permanently in the UK, after having lived there for quite some time, due to your unfavorable personal circumstances for leaving the UK, or overlong residence in the UK.

Settle in the UK if Your Partner Dies

Dependents of a deceased partner visa is issued to those who want to permanently remain in the UK, as a former spouse/civil partner/partner in a durable relationship, of a deceased British citizen or a settled person in the UK. You must have a valid family visa appropriate to the aforesaid relationship with the deceased sponsor, i.e. Spouse visa

Visa as a separated or divorced dependent partner

Separated or divorced dependent partner visa is issued for the purpose of remaining permanently if your relationship has broken down due of domestic violence from your partner. You must have had your last visa was as a spouse or partner of the aforesaid sponsor and public funds until application for settlement is processed.

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A UK family visa, is the type of visa you will need if you want to enter and remain in the UK to live with a family member for more than 6 months. Besides the Parent Visa, other types of UK Family visas include:

• Spouse visa
• Child visa
• Visa for a relative who will provide long-term care for you

What is the UK Parent Visa?

UK parent visa, is a type of visa established for cases when a parent wants to join their child who is a citizen or a resident of the United Kingdom with no immigration restrictions. Keep in mind that you can only apply for this type of visa if your child is a dependent UK resident under 18.

How to Apply for a UK Parent Visa?

The UK Parent Visa application process is very similar to the other application processes. It really depends on the way you apply. You will need to apply online if you are applying from outside of the UK. You will also have to complete the application form VAF4A.

Whereas, if you are in the UK you have two choices. You can apply online, or by post. You can also apply at a premium service center. In order to do so you will have to fill in the form and book an appointment, or make an online application and book an appointment.

UK Parent Visa Requirements

The UK child resident, and the parent that wants to join him / her in the UK, both must fulfill some criteria set by the Immigration Authorities in the UK.

If you are planning to join your dependant child, the main thing you have to know before applying for this type of visa is that if your partner is living together with the child and is a UK resident, then you will have to apply for the UK spouse visa. You can apply for the UK Parent Visa only if you are no longer in a relationship with the other parent of your child residing in the UK.

The other eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Your child must be under 18 on the date you apply, and not live an independent life
• You must be a parent of a British child, or have an indefinite leave to remain
• You need to have shared or sole parental responsibility for your UK resident child
• If you share responsibility, the other parent of the child must not be your partner
• If you share responsibility, the other parent of the child must be a British citizen, or settled in the UK
• Throughout your application you will have to prove that:
• you are taking an active role in your child’s upbringing and plan to continue doing so
• you have a good knowledge of English
• you can financially support yourself and your child in the UK

Parental responsibility requirement

You will have to prove to the consular officer that you are taking an active role in your child’s upbringing and you plan to continue doing so. You will have to prove through documents as:

• School confirmation that you take part in parent evenings and meetings,
• School confirmation that you also take your child to school,
• Confirmation from the dentist that you take your child to appointments.

If your child has been living for too long in the UK and you don’t have any of the above mentioned evidences, then you can just submit pictures of you two whenever you met. You can submit photos that you took your kid to the park, cinema, theater, bookstore, etc. This requirement comes as a result of the Immigration Authorities wishing to know if they are bringing to the UK someone who will really care for their child and take an important role in their child’s upbringing.

UK Parent Visa Financial Requirements

The failure to fulfill the financial requirement is the main reason that many people fail to obtain a UK parent visa. The main reason behind this requirement is that the UK does not want to bring over people that are not capable of financially maintaining themselves, therefore they are requiring from them to be capable to show proof they can earn (or possess) a minimum amount of money.

If you want to join your child in the UK then you will have to prove that you have enough financial funds to sponsor both, you and your child. That is why you must prove that you have an income of at least £18,600 per year. You might also use your saving to prove you have enough funds.

If you are planning to bring to the UK, other children who aren’t British nationals or European Economic Area (EEA) nationals with you, you will have to:

• earn an extra £3,800 per year for your first child
• earn an extra £2,400 per year for each child you have after your first child

Every legal source of income can be counted in order for you to meet the income requirement, as:

• your salary, if you earn it in the UK
• cash savings above £16,000
• pension money
• non-work income, i.e. property rentals or dividends
• In order to prove your income you will have to submit proof, as:
• bank statements
• 6 months of payslips
• A letter from an employer which includes the job title, the period you have worked there, the current salary and also payslips

Parent Visa Language Requirement

The English language requirement is a very important requirement without the fulfillment of which you cannot obtain a UK parent visa. When you submit your visa application, you will have to submit some document as an evidence of your English knowledge.

You can prove your knowledge in English by:

• submitting a document or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English, which is recognized by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher
• taking an approved English language test and passing it with at least a CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening.

Here you can find a list of approved English language tests and providers.

The residents of English speaking countries are exempt from English knowledge requirement, as listed below:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA

Exempted from the English language requirement are also the individuals that belong to one of the categories listed below:

• Children
• Applicants over 65
• Applicants coming to be cared for by a relative
• Applicants with a physical or medical condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement

Parent Visa Fee

Visa fees depend on the way you apply. If you apply outside the UK to join your child, you will have to pay a fee of £1,464. Whereas if you apply in the UK online or by post the fee will cost to you £993, and £1,583 if you apply in the UK in person with the premium service.

You will have to pay an extra £1,464 for each dependant you are planning to bring with you to the UK, if you apply outside the UK, £993 if you apply in the UK online or by post and £1,583 if you apply in the UK in person with the premium service.

Required Documents for Parent Visa Application

For a UK parent visa you will have to submit the common documents that are usually required by applicants, as listed below:

• Valid passport with at least an empty page in order to be able to affix visa
• Previous passports
• 2 passport sized color photos according to the ICAO standards
• Proof of English language requirement (as explained above)
• Proof of financial means (as explained above)
• Proof of parental responsibility as photos of you two together (as explained above)

Aside of these documents you will also have to submit other supporting documents that will give the following information:

• Your full name
• your date of birth
• details of any previous immigration applications, if any
• details of any criminal convictions, if any
• your national insurance number, if any
• your parents’ date of birth and nationality if you’re applying from outside the UK
• your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
• You will have to provide a translation of any document that isn’t in English or Welsh

How Long Does it Take to Get a UK Parent visa?

The fastest way to get an answer for your visa application is to apply in person in the UK, since then you will get an answer regarding your visa application, within a day.

However, the process takes us to 12 weeks to be processed when you apply outside the UK, or up to 8 weeks if you apply within the UK either online or by post.

Still, the application processing might take longer if:

• you do not meet the income requirement
• cannot prove your English knowledge
• need to attend an interview
• have a criminal record
• haven’t provided all of the required documents

Visa Validity

In general, if you have applied to join your child, you will get a permit to stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months. After this period you will have to extend your stay.

UK Elderly Dependent Visa

Whereas, if you are the parent of an independent child residing in the UK, and wish to join him or her because due to your age, physical or mental health, you need somebody to take care of you, then you will have to apply as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative.

To be fully eligible for this type the following requirement must be fulfilled by you and the child you are planning to join in the UK:

• Your child must be over 18 and independent,
• your child must be a British citizen settled in the UK,
• your child and you must fulfill the financial requirement,
• you must show proof that you need long-term care to do everyday personal and household tasks because of illness, disability or your age,
• the care you need is not available in your country of residence.

The child who is sponsoring their parent to join him or her in the UK must be capable of financially supporting the parent, accommodating and caring for him or her without claiming public funds for at least the first five years of stay in the UK. If the applicant has enough savings, even if the child does not have enough financial means to sponsor the parent, they can prove through a bank statement that the parent will not be a burden to the UK public funds, because he or she has enough savings to maintain oneself.

A person who applies as an adult coming to be cared for by a relative does not need to fulfill the English language knowledge requirement.

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The UK spouse visa, also known as Marriage Visa in the UK, is a UK family visa, and it is the type of visa you will need if you want to enter and remain in the UK to live with a partner (spouse/fiance) for more than 6 months.

Do I Qualify for the UK Spouse Visa?

To qualify for the UK Spouse visa, the UK resident, and the applicant that wants to join them in the UK, both must fulfill some criteria set by the Immigration Authorities in the UK. The main condition for the Spouse visa is that both, the resident and the applicant must be over 18 since the British law does not recognize marriages under the age of 18.

The other eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The person you want to join must be a British citizen.
• Your marriage or civil partnership must be recognized in the UK.
• Your relationship must be at least two years old when you apply (this is to prevent arranged marriages which the British law does not recognize).
• If you are a fiance you must show proof you will marry within 6 months.
• If you are a proposed civil partnership you must show proof that within 6 months, you will be entering into a civil partnership.
• The partner living in the UK must meet the financial requirement.
• The applicant must meet the English language requirements.

Relationship Legitimacy for UK Spouse Visa

In order for you to be eligible for a UK Spouse Visa, your relationship must be recognized by the UK authorities. This is the first part of your application towards obtaining a UK visa.

You should be very careful when submitting proof for your marriage/relationship because if the embassy or consulate where you are applying at suspects that you are in a fake marriage/relationship for visa benefits, they will automatically refuse your visa application.

Clarifications of terms

UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist

The UK Spouse visa required documents that you will have to submit when you go to meet with the consular officer are the below listed:

• UK visa application form. For the spouse visa you will need to submit the form VAF4A.
• Valid passport with at least an empty page in order to be able to affix visa.
• Your previous passports.
• Two passport-sized color photos that are in line with the requirements set by the UK.
• Proof of English language requirement.
• Proof of financial means.
• Proof of relationship as photos of you two together, etc.
• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• Details of any previous immigration applications, if any.
• Certificate of criminal record.
• Your national insurance number, if any.
• Your parents’ date of birth and nationality if you’re applying from outside the UK.
• Proof of accommodation. You will need to present a document that shows where you will be accommodated while in the United Kingdom.
• Biometric information. This includes giving your fingerprints and a digital photograph taken at the appropriate application center.
• Proof of paid spouse visa fees. You should submit the receipt that confirms you have paid the visa fee as required.

What Are the Financial Requirements for the Spouse Visa UK?

If you are bringing your spouse to the UK you must prove that you both have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year.

This is the most important part of your application, that many fail to fulfill, therefore have their visas rejected. The UK doesn’t want to bring people that are not capable of financially maintaining themselves, therefore they are requiring them to be able to earn a minimum amount of money.

What counts as proof of financial subsistence?

The following sources of income can be counted in order for you to meet the UK Spouse Visa income requirements:

• your salary, if you earn it in the UK.
• cash savings above £16,000.
• pension money.
• non-work income, i.e. property rentals or dividends.

Documents to prove financial subsistence for UK Spouse visa

In order to prove your income, you will have to submit proof, as:

• bank statements of the partner already residing in the UK.
• 6 months of payslips.
• A letter from an employer which includes the job title, the period he or she has worked there, the current salary and also payslips

If bringing your children

If you are planning to bring to the UK your children who aren’t British nationals or EEA nationals, alongside with your partner, you will have to:

• earn an extra £3,800 for your first child.
• earn an extra £2,400 for each child you have after your first child.

Spousal Visa UK Language Requirements

One of the very important UK Spouse visa requirements is that of English language knowledge. When you submit your visa application, you shall also submit some document that proves your English knowledge.

You can prove your knowledge of the English language by:

• submitting a document or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English, which is recognized by UK NARIC as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher
• taking an approved English language test and passing it with at least a CEFR level A1 in speaking and listening.

Who needs to provide proof of English language proficiency?

Exempt from English knowledge requirement are the residents of the countries listed below:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA

And also applicants that belong to one of the categories listed below:

• Children.
• Applicants over 65.
• Applicants coming to be cared for by a relative.
• Applicants with a physical or medical condition that prevents them from meeting the requirement.

UK Spouse Visa Application

You will need to apply online if you are applying from outside of the UK. To begin your UK spouse visa application you have to complete the form VAF4A.

Whereas, if you are in the UK you have two choices. You can apply online, or by post. You can also apply at a premium service center. In order to do so, you will have to fill in the form and book an appointment, or make an online application and book an appointment.

UK Spouse Visa Fee

The UK Spouse Visa fees depend on the way you apply. If you apply for a UK spouse visa from outside the UK to join your partner you will have to pay a fee of £1,464. Whereas if you apply for Spousal Visa in the UK online or by post the fee will cost to you £993, and £1,583 if you apply in the UK in person with the premium service.

You will have to pay an extra £1,464 for each dependant if you apply outside the UK, £993 if you apply in the UK online or by post and £1,583 if you apply in the UK in person with the premium service.

How Long Does it Take to Get a UK Spouse Visa?

To get a UK spouse visa it takes up to 12 weeks, or up to 8 weeks if you apply within the UK either online or by post. On the other hand, if you apply in person in UK then you will get an answer regarding your UK Spouse Visa application, within a day

However, application processing might take longer if:

• you do not meet the income requirement.
• cannot prove your English knowledge.
• need to attend an interview.
• have a criminal record.
• haven’t provided all of the required documents.

How Long Can I Stay in the UK With a Spouse Visa?

If you have applied to join your spouse, you will get permission to stay in the UK for 2 years and 6 months, whereas if you have applied as a fiance or proposed civil partner, you will be permitted to stay for six months. After this period you will have to extend your stay.

How Can I Apply for an Extension of the Spouse Visa in the UK?

You will be permitted to apply for a UK spouse visa extension, 28 days before the expiration of your current UK visa. Among others, you will have to prove that you and your partner have been continuously living together during your time in the UK, in order to get a visa extension.

What Are Other Types of Family Visas for the UK?

Besides the Spouse Visa, other types of UK Family visas include:

• Parent visa
• Child visa
• Visa for a relative who will provide long-term care for you

The post UK Spouse Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

Panama offers foreign retirees one of the best retirement programs in the world. The Panama Pensionado program comes with great benefits for retirees. Foreigners who decide to join the retirement program in Panama need to apply for a retirement visa first.

Who Is Eligible for the Panama Pensionado Program?

To be eligible for a retirement visa in Panama, you must fulfill the following requirements:

• You must have a verifiable minimum monthly income of $1,000. This could be Social Security or other government retirement funds (military, state retirement, police pension,  etc.) or retirement from a private corporation.
• You must meet the age requirement. The retirement age in Panama is 62 for men and 57 for women. However, you can apply for a retirement visa even if you are not technically of retirement age, but you will not receive the full benefits of the Pensionado program.

Benefits of Pensionado Retirement Visa in Panama

Being amongst the best retirement programs worldwide, the Panama Pensionado Program offers you excellent benefits such as:

• You can live and enjoy your retirement in one of the safest countries in Central America.
• You will get exemption from import tax for household goods.
• You will have exemption from import taxes to import a new car every two years.
• You can get discounts on things like utility bills, airline tickets, medical fees, and entry fees for movie theaters and cultural and sporting events, etc., as follows:
  • 25% discounts on utility bills.
  • 25% discount on airline tickets and 30% on other transportation.
  • 15% discount on loans made in your name.
  • 1% reduction on home mortgages personal residence.
  • 20% discount on doctor’s bills and 15% on hospital services if no insurance applies.
  • 15% off dental and eye exams.
  • 10% discount on medicines.
  • 20% discount on bills for professional and technical services.
  • 50% discount on entrance to movie theaters and cultural and sporting events.
  • 50% discount at hotels from Monday to Thursday, 30% on weekends.

How To Apply For a Panama Retirement Visa?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a Panama retirement visa at the Immigration Office in Panama City. A step-by-step overview of the application process is as follows:

1. Travel to Panama. You can enter with a tourist visa or visa-free and change your immigration status later on.
2. Compile the document checklist. You must enclose all required documents, but the Immigration Office will inform you if any additional documents are needed.
3. Fill in the retirement visa registration form. You can get a registration form for the retirement visa at the Immigration Office. Then, attach it to the rest of your documents.
4. Submit the documents to the Immigration Office in Panama City. After your visa is issued, you have to go pick it up in person.

Applying  for a Panama Retirement Visa From Abroad

If you are applying for a Panama retirement visa from abroad, you must submit your application through an immigration lawyer in Panama – you cannot submit the application through the Panamanian consular offices.

The immigration office of Panama requires applications for a retirement visa to be submitted and verified through an immigration lawyer if it is not possible for you to submit it personally. This means you have to send your lawyer all the documents so they can submit the application on your behalf.

However, if your application is approved, it is generally a requirement that you have to pick up your visa in person.

Document Checklist for a Panama Retirement Visa

To complete your Panama retirement visa application, make sure you have all the following documents:

• A registration form. You can pick up the registration form at the Immigration Office in Panama.
• Original valid passport. Also include copies of your passport pages (including cover), notarized and authenticated by the Panamanian Consulate.
• Four photographs. The pictures must be 2-inch by 2-inch and taken on a light background.
• Health certificate issued by a Panamanian Doctor. Provide an official document that states your health status. The professional health specialist (doctor) must sign the certificate.
• Police records. You need police records issued by the authorities of your country of residence for the last five years authenticated by the Panamanian Consulate or by Apostille.
• Proof of your pension or income. You must submit a letter issued by a private company or public entity that states your condition of pensioner and the monthly amount you receive. The letter must be original and notarized.
• Proof of the received amount authenticated by an apostille stamp or the Panamanian Consulate.
• Sworn statement regarding your personal background. This is done in Panama through a lawyer.
• A bachelorhood certificate authenticated by the Panamanian consulate (applicable only if you are single).

How Can I Bring My Family With Me?

The Panama Pensionado retirement program allows you to bring your family with you. However, to bring your spouse or minor children, you must increase your minimum monthly income by $250 per family member.

You should also provide the following documents:

• Marriage certificate authenticated by apostille stamp or at Panamanian consulate.
• A notarized and authenticated police record of the last five years for each dependent.
• Children’s birth certificate authenticated by the Panamanian consulate.
• Passport copies.
• Four photographs of each family member.
• Health certificate issued by a Panamanian doctor.
• Sworn statement about personal background. (Must be done through a lawyer.)
• Letter of responsibility notarized and authenticated by the Panamanian consulate.

Note: Documents issued abroad must be authenticated by the consulate of Panama or Apostille stamp before submission to your lawyer in Panama.

Can I Become a Permanent Resident With a Panama Retirement Visa?

Yes, you can become a permanent resident in Panama with a Pensionado visa. Holders of the retirement visa are allowed to stay and retire in Panama for as long as they want to.

Once you obtain a retirement visa, you will be granted permanent residency and enjoy your retirement in Panama.

You can apply for Panamanian citizenship after five years of being a permanent resident of Panama.

How Much Do You Need to Retire in Panama?

The low cost of living in Panama will give you a comfortable life without spending much. For example, a retired couple can live well for less than $3,000 a month, including rent, whereas a single person can live well from $1,400 to $1,700 a month.

Keep in mind that your lifestyle and residence location play a huge role in your budget. For example, the cost of living in big cities is higher than in smaller cities or rural areas.

Healthcare for Retirees in Panama

The Ministry of Health and Caja de Seguro Social (Social Security System) fund the public hospitals in Panama. Therefore, the services in public hospitals are not completely free. However, according to Panama Law, retirees are given a discount on healthcare services (check the benefits above).

Both public hospitals and private clinics in Panama have qualified medical staff and specialists and are equipped with modern appliances.

Expats have access to public and private health insurance.

Caja de Seguro Social

Caja de Seguro Social is run by the Ministry of Social Development (MIDES). CSS is in charge of administering the national insurance program for pensions, health, unemployment, and labor accidents.

Retirees who have reached the required age (57 women – 62 men) are eligible to apply for Caja de Seguro Social under the “Old Age Pension” and benefit from the CSS services. Depending on your preference, you can always go with private health insurance companies.

Where to Retire in Panama?

The tropical beaches, history, and wildlife are just some of the reasons why Panama is one of the most popular favorite retirement destinations.

Here is a list of some of the best places you can retire in Panama.

Boquete

Known as “Panama’s Top Expat Havens” and home to over 23,000 people, Boquete is perfect for expats looking for a simple and quiet retirement. The favorable climate, healthy lifestyle, natural landscapes, music, and art attract retirees around the world to move to Boquete and live the rest of their lives.

Pedasí

If safety is your main concern when looking for a new home, then Pedasi is the ideal place for you. Pedasí has the lowest crime rate in Panama.

The rural region is surrounded by natural greenery and beautiful beaches and is perfect for people who love the ocean and fishing.

Torio

Torio is a small town on the Panamas Azuero peninsula with friendly people and a beautiful coastline. The town is famous for the fishing spots and surfing, but there are many more activities one can do during their stay, such as horseback riding, mountain climbing, etc.

If you decide to live in Torio, you will experience the feeling of nature and people uniting.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a great place to retire and enjoy the low cost of living and warm climate. The authentic town is perfect for a comfortable and simple life. As a retiree, you will enjoy the low cost of living, friendly environment, and stunning tropical location.

Bocas del Toro

For everyone who wants to spend a more luxurious retirement and feel like they are in the Caribbean but on a budget, Bocas del Toro must be your final destination. Bocas del Toro is home to over 400 expats. The beautiful province offers many daily activities and beautiful natural sights, so you can relax and live comfortably.

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Whether you receive permanent or temporary residence in Mexico on the grounds of family unity depends on the nationality of your family member and your relationship to them.

Who Beeds a Mexico Family Visa?

Everyone who intends to join a family member in Mexico for longer than 180 days must apply for a Mexico Family Visa. If you only intend to visit your family member for a period shorter than 180 days, you need a Mexico Tourist/Visitor Visa instead.

Additionally, if you are from the following countries and intend to stay less than 180 days, you do not need a Mexico visa at all:

Mexico Family Visa Requirements

The documents you must submit when applying for a Mexico Family Visa include:

• Completed and signed Mexico Visa Application Form
• Your passport along with photocopies of the relevant pages (first and last page, any visas and stamps you have received)
• Passport-size picture with a white background and taken in the last six months.
• A booked flight ticket (not necessarily purchased)
• Proof of family relationship, such as:
  • Marriage certificate or proof of common-law union for spouses/partners
  • Birth certificates, for children, parents, or siblings, proving the family ties
• If your family member is a Resident Card holder: The original and copy of their Resident Card
• If your family member is an international student: A letter from their school, confirming their enrollment
• Proof of financial solvency, through bank statements from the last 12 months, payslips, or savings.
• Mexico Family Visa fee payment
• Any additional documents that the Mexico embassy requests

Keep in mind:

• All the documents you submit have to be in English or Spanish. If they are not, you must have them translated and submit both the original and the translation.
• All the official documents you submit (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc) have to be legalized before submission. (Through an Apostille or the Mexican embassy nearest to you).
• This is not an exhaustive list of requirements. The Mexico embassy may request any additional documents as they see fit.

How to apply for a Mexico Family Visa?

To get a Mexico Family Visa, your family member first has to request permission for family reunification at the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) in Mexico.

Then, you must submit a visa application at a Mexico embassy nearest to you. However, since the visa is simply an entry requirement, you also have to get a residency card at the National Immigration Institute in Mexico (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) upon arrival if you want to stay longer than 180 days.

Applying for the Mexico Family Visa

You have to apply for a Mexico Family Visa at a Mexican embassy in your country in person. Your family member has to be present with you when you apply. The application process is as follows:

1. Contact a Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. You can find a list of Mexican embassies here.
2. Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. You can find the application form on the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply or at the embassy itself.
3. Collect the required documents. See the requirements for a Mexico Family Visa below.
4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. On the date of your appointment, you will give your biometrics and may also have to enter an interview.
5. Wait for the visa to be processed
6. Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
7. Travel to Mexico and exchange your Mexico Visa into a Residence Card

Keep in mind: Different embassies may have their own requirements when it comes to the visa application process. This is why it is important to always contact them or visit their website to learn about the specific requirements, opening hours, etc before applying.

Applying for the Residence Card

Within 30 days of arriving in Mexico, you have to approach the offices of the National Immigration Institute and apply for a Residence Card. It is the Residence Card which gives you legal status and allows you to stay in Mexico for over 180 days. You must have the following documents with you when you apply:

• The Resident Card request form, which you can download from the website of the Immigration Offices.
• Your passport with the Mexico Family Visa affixed
• The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which you received at the airport or on the plane
• Payment of the Resident Card fee
• A cover/request letter for the Resident Card addressed to the Instituto Nacional de Migración
• Proof of your relationship with your family member
• Any additional documents the INM may request from you and your family member which support your application

Depending on your situation, you may receive a Temporary Resident Card (up to one year and renewable) or a Permanent Resident Card (indefinite duration).

What Type of Residency Will I Receive with my Mexico Family Visa?

Whether you will receive permanent or temporary resident status depends on the relationship with your family member in Mexico as well as their nationality. As such, you will receive a:

• Temporary Resident Card if:
  • You are the parent, child under 18, or spouse of a Temporary Resident in Mexico; or
  • You are the spouse of a Mexican national or Permanent Resident
• Permanent Resident Card if:
  • You have a child who is a Mexican citizen or Permanent Resident
  • You are a child or adolescent and you have a parent who is a Mexican citizen or Permanent Resident
  • You are a child or adolescent and you have a step-parent who is a Mexican citizen or Permanent Resident
  • You are the sibling of a Mexican citizen or Permanent Resident

The Temporary Resident Card is initially issued for one year, and it can be renewed for another three years. Once you have four years of temporary residence in Mexico, you become eligible for a Permanent Resident Card. If you are the spouse of a Mexican citizen or permanent resident, then you become eligible for permanent residency after only two years.

The Permanent Resident Card, as the name suggests, does not have an expiry date.

Mexico Family Visa processing time

The processing time for any type of Mexico visa depends on the embassy in which you apply. You can expect to wait anywhere from one week to a month. This is why you are advised to apply for a visa at least one month before you intend to travel.

Mexico Family Visa fee

The Mexico visa fee which you have to pay at the Mexico embassy is around US$36, but can differ from embassy to embassy, as can the payment method.

Additionally, you also have to pay a fee when you apply for a Mexico Resident Card at the INM. The fee for a Resident Card depends on the number of years it is issued for, and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.

What is the Duration of a Mexico Family Visa?

The Mexico Family Visa itself is only valid for a maximum of 180 days, and for a single entry. This is why you have to obtain a Residence Card upon arrival to Mexico. So, depending on what type of Residence Card you’re eligible for (as outlined above), the duration of your Mexico Family Visa is:

• Up to four years, for Temporary Residence Card holders (with the possibility of converting into a Permanent Residence Card after the four years are up)
• Indefinitely, for Permanent Residence Card holders

Can I Renew a Mexico Family Visa?

You cannot renew the Mexico Family Visa itself, but you can renew the Residence Card for Family Unit purposes which you receive upon arrival.

If you have a Temporary Resident Card, you can renew it for up to four years, after which you can apply for permanent residency.

If you have a Permanent Resident Card, you do not have to renew it, since it does not have an expiry date at all.

Can I Work With a Mexico Family Visa?

A Mexico Family Visa does not automatically grant you permission to work, except if you receive a Permanent Resident Card.

If you have a Temporary Resident Card and upon arrival, you find an employer, they must apply for a Mexico Work Permit on your behalf at the National Immigration Institute. If your Work Permit application is approved, then you are eligible to work.

What if I Lose or Damage my Mexican Resident Card?

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:

• Your passport (original and a photocopy)
• Residence card replacement fee
• Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
• If your resident card was damaged: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your Family (entrance) Visa along with the residence card
• If your resident card was stolen/lost: Submit the the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa
• Form to request immigration procedure stay (here)
• Any additional documents the immigration office may request

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while you are abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.

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Mexico is the largest of the Spanish-speaking countries, with a rich and diverse culture and countless historical heritages, many of which are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most-visited places in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year, who are looking to enjoy Mexico’s vibrant way of life. However, it also attracts foreigners who are looking to work for a Mexican employer or to pursue their studies in a Mexican educational institution.

Foreigners who want to relocate to Mexico for a period that’s longer than 180 days have to apply for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa.

Who Needs a Mexico Student Visa?

Every foreigner who intends to study in Mexico for longer than 180 days must apply for a Mexico Student Visa. there are two types of Mexico Student Visas:

• The Temporary Resident Student Visa, which is for students who will take a course that’s longer than 180 days.
• The Visitor Student Visa, which is for students who will take a course that’s shorter than 180 days.

However, if you are from one of the following countries and your study course is shorter than 180 days, you do not need a visa to study in Mexico:

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Student Visa?

When you apply for a Mexico Student Visa, you must submit the following documents (in original and copy) at the Mexico embassy:

• Completed and signed Mexico Visa Application Form
• Your passport along with photocopies of the relevant pages (first and last page, any visas and stamps you have received)
• Passport-size picture with a white background and taken in the last six months.
• A booked flight ticket (not necessarily purchased)
• Letter of acceptance from your educational institution, addressed to the Mexico embassy, containing the following:
  • Your full name
  • The level, degree, and area of the study you will take
  • The name of the course in which you have been accepted
  • The duration of the course, including start and end dates
  • The cost of the tuition fee, along with specification on whether you have received a scholarship
  • The school’s contact information
• Bank statements or investments from the last three months
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay, such as:
  • Proof you have a steady income of at least US$400 per month
  • Proof you have savings or investments
  • Proof you have received a scholarship
• If you are a minor: Include your birth certificate and the IDs of your parents or legal guardians.
• If you are not a national of the country you are currently living in: Include proof of legal residence there, such as a residence permit.
• Student Visa processing fee

Keep in mind:

All the documents you submit have to be in English or Spanish. If they are not, translate them and include both the original and the translation.

All the official documents you submit (birth certificates, school diplomas/transcripts, etc) have to be legalized before submission, such as through an Apostille or the Mexican embassy.

This is not an exhaustive list of requirements. The Mexico embassy mayr request any additional documents as they see fit.

How to Apply for a Mexico Student Visa?

The application process for a Mexico Student Visa consists of two parts:

• Applying for a Mexico Student Visa at a Mexican embassy in your country
• Turning the visa into a Mexico Temporary Resident Card upon arrival (for stays of over 180 days)

Applying for a Mexico Student Visa

The application process for a Mexico Student Visa is as follows:

1. Contact a Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. You can find a list of Mexican embassies here.
2. Complete the Mexico Student Visa Application Form. You can find the application form on the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply or at the embassy itself.
3. Collect the required documents. See the requirements for a Mexico Student Visa above.
4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. On the date of your appointment, you may also have to enter an interview.
5. Wait for the visa to be processed
6. Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
7. Travel to Mexico and exchange your Student Visa into a Temporary Residence Card

Keep in mind: Different embassy offices may have their own different requirements when it comes to the visa application process. This is why it is important to always contact them or visit their website to learn about the specific requirements, opening hours, etc.

Turning the visa into a Mexico Temporary Resident Card

If your study course will take longer than 180 days, then within 30 days of arriving in Mexico, you have to apply to get your Temporary Residence Card at an office of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)). When you apply, you should have the following with you:

• The Resident Card request form, which you can download from the website of the Immigration Offices.
• Your passport with the Temporary Resident Visa (Student Visa) affixed
• The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which you received at the airport
• Payment of the Resident Card
• A cover/request letter for the Temporary Resident Card addressed to the Instituto Nacional de Migración
• Proof of enrollment into the Mexican educational institution

What is the Mexico Student Visa fee?

The fee for a Mexico Student Visa is around $36, but it may change depending on the country in which you submit your application. The payment method also differs since some embassies may ask you to pay the fee upfront via bank transfer while others ask you to pay in cash.

Additionally, you also have to pay a fee for the Mexico Temporary Resident Card at the INM along with a processing fee.The fee for the Temporary Resident Card depends on the number of years it is issued for, and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.

How Long Does it Take to Process a Mexico Student Visa?

The processing time for any type of Mexico visa depends on the embassy in which you apply. You can expect to wait anywhere from one week to a month. This is why it is advisable that you apply for a visa at least one months before you intend to travel.

What is the Duration of a Mexico Student Visa?

A Mexico Student Visa by itself is only valid for a maximum of 180 days and for a single entry. However, if you intend to stay for longer than 180 days, you must apply for the Temporary Residence Card. The Temporary Residence Card allows you to stay in Mexico long for one year initially and then it can be renewed for the duration of your studies. It also allows you to enter and leave the country multiple times.

How Can I Renew a Mexico Student Visa?

You cannot renew a Mexico Student Visa itself, but you can renew the Mexico Temporary Resident Card. You can apply for renewal at an office of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico at least 30 days before your current resident card expires.

Can I Work With a Mexico Student Visa?

No, a Mexico Student Visa does not allow the holder to work. If you have a job offer, then your employer must apply for a Mexico Work Permit on your behalf at the National Immigration Institute. They must submit the following documents when applying for your work permit:

• The Mexico Work Permit Request Form
• The original job offer/contract, stating the full details of the job: your salary, the duration of your work, your position, the company’s address, etc. The letter must be written on the company’s letterhead.
• A full photocopy of your passport
• Your original diplomas, transcripts, and other certifications (legalized)
• Your CV
• Documents related to the company that’s hiring you
• Any additional documents related to your job, studies, etc.

Although employment might not be a good idea, students who want financial sources of income while studying in Mexico, should give freelancing a try, and apply for a digital nomad visa instead.

What if I Lose or Damage my Mexican Resident Card?

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:

• Your passport (original and a photocopy)
• Residence card replacement fee
• Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
• If your resident card was damaged: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your Student Visa along with the residence card
• If your resident card was stolen/lost: Submit the the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa
• Form to request immigration procedure stay (here)
• Any additional documents the immigration office may request

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while you are abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.

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There are three types of Mexican visas:

• The Tourist Visa, which allows the holder to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for purposes that do not include lucrative activities (paid employment).
• The Temporary Resident Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who want to live in Mexico for longer than 180 days. In addition to a Mexico Work Permit, the holder is allowed to live and work in Mexico legally for up to four years, which is known as a Mexico Work Visa. Guide to getting a temporary resident visa for digital nomads in Mexico.
• The Permanent Resident Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to permanently settle in Mexico. This type of visa is most common for retirees, which is why it’s also referred to as a Mexico Retirement Visa. Foreigners with close family ties to Mexico as well as those who have lived in Mexico for a considerable amount of time are also eligible for permanent residency in Mexico.

This article aims to serve as a guide to the Temporary Resident Visa and its types, specifically the Work Visa and Work Permit for Mexico.

Types of Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico

The main types of Temporary Resident Visas for Mexico are:

• The Mexico Work Visa, which allows the holder to take up paid employment in Mexico. In order to get a Mexico Work Visa, the applicant must initially get a Work Permit. See a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Work Visa lower on this article.
• The Mexico Student Visa, which is issued to foreign students who want to pursue their studies in a Mexican educational institution. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Student Visa.
• The Mexico Family Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to join a close family member who is living in Mexico. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Family Visa.

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?

When applying for a  Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico, you must have several supporting documents with you, such as:

• A Mexico Visa Application Form, printed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, the parents or legal guardians have to sign the application form.
• A passport or other travel document, which has blank pages so the visa can be affixed.
  • Also include a photocopy of your passport’s relevant pages
• Recent passport-size pictures in line with Mexico requirements
• Visa fee payment
• Additional documents related to your purpose of travel, such as:
  • Proof of family relationship, for Mexico Family Visas
  • Proof of enrollment in a Mexico educational institution, for Mexico Student Visa
  • Proof you have obtained a Mexico Work Permit and a copy of your work contract if applying for a Mexico Work Visa
• Any additional documents that the Mexican embassy asks you to provide.

How to Apply for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?

The application process for obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico is divided into two parts:

• Applying for the Temporary Resident Visa at a Mexican embassy
• Exchanging the Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card at the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) in Mexico

Applying for the Temporary Resident Visa

The application process for getting a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa is:

1. Contact a Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. You can find a list of Mexican embassies here.
2. Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. You can find the application form on the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply or at the embassy itself.
3. Collect the required documents. See the requirements for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa below.
4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. On the date of your appointment, you must submit the documents and application form at the Mexico embassy. You also have to pay a Mexico visa fee.
5. Wait for the visa to be processed
6. Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
7. Travel to Mexico and exchange your Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card

Keep in mind: Different embassy offices may have their own different requirements when it comes to the visa application process. This is why it is important to always contact them or visit their website to learn about the specific requirements, opening hours, etc.

Exchange the Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card

Within 30 days of arriving in Mexico with a Temporary Resident Visa, you must apply to exchange it into a Temporary Residence Card. You can get your Residence Card at an office of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico. When you apply, you should have the following with you:

• The Resident Card request form, which you can download from the website of the Immigration Offices.
• Your passport with the Temporary Resident Visa affixed
• The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which you received at the airport
• Payment of the Resident Card
• A cover/request letter for the Temporary Resident Card addressed to the Instituto Nacional de Migración
• Any additional documents related to your purpose of travel

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa depends on the embassy in which you apply. You can expect to wait anywhere from one week to a month. This is why it is advisable that you apply for a visa at least one month before you plan to travel to Mexico.

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa fee

The fee for a Mexico visa is around $36. However, the visa fee may change depending on the country in which you submit your application, as does the payment method. Some embassies may require you to pay the fee upfront via bank transfer while others ask you to pay in cash.

You will also have to pay for the Tourist Card once you land , which may be between $15-$30. The prices for a Mexico Tourist Card may change slightly from time to time.

Additionally, you also have to pay a fee for the Mexico Temporary Resident Card at the INM. You have to pay a processing administrative fee as well as the fee for the card itself. The price of the Temporary Resident Card depends on the number of years it is issued for, and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.

What is the Duration of a Temporary Resident Visa Mexico?

The duration of the Temporary Resident Visa itself is 180 days. This is why once you arrive in Mexico you must apply to turn it into a Temporary Resident Card within 30 days.

The Mexico Temporary Resident Card is valid for one year on the first issuance and can be renewed for another one, two, or three years.

After four years of living with a Temporary Resident Visa, you become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

How to Renew a Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico?

At least 30 days before your current Temporary Resident Card expires, you must apply for a renewal at the Instituto Nacional de Migración. You can renew your Temporary Residence Card for up to four years, which is when you can get a Permanent Residence Card.

How to Apply for a Mexico Work Visa?

The application for a Mexico Work Visa is the same as for all other types of Temporary Resident Visas (see above). However, the difference is in the process before you apply for the visa.

Before you submit a Mexico Work Visa application at the Mexican embassy, your employer has to get a Work Permit on your behalf from the National Immigration Institute. This means you must already have a job offer in Mexico beforehand. As such, the application process for a Mexico Work Visa is:

• Find a Mexican employer
• Your employer obtains a Mexico Work Permit for you
• Within 15-30 days of obtaining the Work Permit, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa from a Mexican embassy abroad
• Once you enter the country, you must get a Temporary Residence Card from the National Immigration Institute

How to apply for a Mexico Work Permit?

It is your employer who applies for the Mexico Work Permit on your behalf. When they apply, they must submit the following documents at the National Immigration Institute:

• The Mexico Work Permit Request Form
• The original job offer/contract, stating the full details of the job: your salary, the duration of your work, your position, the company’s address, etc. The letter must be written on the company’s letterhead.
• A full photocopy of your passport
• Your original diplomas, transcripts, and other certifications (legalized)
• Your CV
• Documents related to the company that’s hiring you, such as:
  • The Articles of Incorporation
  • A list of the employees and their nationalities
  • Proof the company’s paid the due taxes
• Documents regarding your financial status (bank statements, pay slips)

If the Work Permit application is approved, you will receive a Unique Processing Number (NUT) in a letter format which you must present to the Mexico embassy when you apply for the Temporary Resident Visa.

Can You Work in Mexico With a Visitor Visa?

If you intend to work in Mexico for less than 180 days, then you may apply for a “Visitor Visa with authorization to perform remunerated activities”. This type of Mexico visa allows the holder to work, but only for the 180 days that it is issued. Once it expires, you may not renew it.

You may apply for a Working Tourist Visa at a Mexico embassy with approval from the National Immigration Institute (INM).

However, if you enter Mexico with a regular Tourist Visa or Tourist Card, then you are not allowed to work.

What if I Lose or Damage my Mexican Resident Card?

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:

• Your passport (original and a photocopy)
• Residence card replacement fee
• Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
• If your resident card was damaged: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa along with the residence card
• If your resident card was stolen/lost: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa
• Form to request immigration procedure stay (here)
• Any additional documents the immigration office may request

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while you are abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.

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However, that’s not always the case. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country.
2. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
3. The third group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence.
4. The fourth group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas.

This article will detail the Costa Rica visa policy by country.

Do You Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

You only need a Costa Rica visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)

The following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Consular Visa at a Costa Rica consulate in their country:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)

Nationals from the following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa, which requires authorization form the Commission of Restricted Visas:

Who is Exempt from Costa Rica Visas?

The following nationals are exempt from holding a visa when travelling to Costa Rica:

For stays of up to 90 days

For stays of up to 30 days

Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?

Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• South Korea
• Japan

Additionally, foreign nationals on the third and fourth group are exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they have a residence permit (not less than six months) for:

• USA
• Canada
• An EU member state

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:

• By applying for a provisional visa (student visa, work visa) at a Costa Rica consulate before you travel to Costa Rica or
• Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

This applies to all the foreign nationals included in group 1 and 2 that are allowed visa-free access to Costa Rica.

What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?

If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here.

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What is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot for Canada?

Skilled foreign workers and international students can apply for permanent residence in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP). The AIPP Canada allows the applicants to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Employers in one of these four provinces can hire foreign nationals to perform jobs they have not been able to fill locally.

The potential immigrants can be living in Canada temporarily or living abroad to qualify for the program. If you want to take part in the program, you must have a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.

Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Pilot has three programs through which you can potentially apply:

• Atlantic International Graduate Program
• Atlantic High-Skilled Workers Program
• Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Workers Program

What are the Qualifying Criteria for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot for Canada?

There are some eligibility requirements all foreign nationals who are applying for permanent residence have to meet. Then, there are specific requirements for each of the three programs.

The criteria that applicant from all three programs have to meet are:

• Proof you meet the language criteria. You have to take a language test to prove you can communicate in one of Canada’s two official languages: English or French. Canada has a list of approved agencies on IRCC’s  website, such as such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada or TFC Canada for French.
• Proof of sufficient funds. You must be able to provide for yourself and any family members that are immigrating with you.
• Have a job offer.
  • Your employer must offer you the job through the Offer of Employment to a Foreign National [IMM5650] form.
  • Your employer must have a Confirmation of Designation from the Atlantic provinces. To see which designated employers are applying in the AIPP Canada, you should visit each province’s official page.
  • You must be working a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week).
  • You cannot be doing seasonal work.
  • Your job has to be skill type/level 0, A, B or C under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
  • For International Graduates and High Skilled Workers: Your job must last for at least one year.
  • For Intermediate Skilled Workers: You must have a permanent contract (meaning no set ending date).

See the additional, specific requirements for each of the programs within Canada’s Atlantic Immigration Pilot below:

Atlantic International Graduate Program

If you’re applying through the International Graduate program of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• In the two years before you obtained your diploma, you must have lived in an Atlantic province for at least 16 months.
• You need to have at least a two-year diploma/degree or trade/apprenticeship qualifications from a recognized and publicly-funded educational institution in one of the Atlantic provinces.
  • You must have been a full time student.
  • You must have graduated in the 24 months immediately prior to your application.
  • You studied/worked with a valid permit or visa.
• You do not need to have previous work experience.

Keep in mind:

If you studied via a scholarship/fellowship which required for you to return back to your country after you graduate, you cannot apply for this program.

If you have educational credentials from outside Canada you want to include, you must have them assessed (prove they are equal to a Canadian education). Otherwise, only the studying you did in Canada is counted.

Atlantic High-Skilled Workers Program and Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Workers Program

To apply as a high-skilled or intermediate-skilled worker through the Canada Atlantic Immigration Pilot, you have to meet the following eligibility credentials:

• You must have worked at least 1,560 hours in the past three years (30 hours a week).
  • You must have worked within one occupation but it can be with different employers.
  • The hours can be inside or outside Canada.
  • The hours must have been paid. Self-employed hours, volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count.
• You must have either:
  • A certificate/diploma for a secondary (high-school) or post-secondary education in Canada.
  • A diploma/certificate from a foreign institution that is equal to a Canadian one. This means you have to get your qualifications assessed through the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

In addition to that, for an intermediate-skilled worker you can use one of the following options to qualify for the AIPP Canada:

• You must have work experience at a skill level C within the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The IRCC uses the National Occupational Classification to classify jobs based on a person’s job duties and the work they do. A skill level C in the NOC includes jobs that require a secondary (high school) education and/or work-specific training. These could be long-haul truck drivers, food/beverage servers, or industrial butchers, among others.
• You must have work experience as a registered nurse/psychiatric nurse (skill level A 3012), or experience as a licensed practical nurse (skill level B 3233).

In addition to that, you must have a job offer as a nurse’s aide, orderly or patient services associate, or a home support worker.

How to apply for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot for Canada?

If you meet all the requirements to apply for one of Canada’s Atlantic Immigration programs, including the job offer, you must begin to gather your documents, find a settlement plan, and have your job offer endorsed. Then, you can apply for your permanent residence.

Find a settlement plan

After you have your job offer from your designated employer, you will have to find a settlement service provider organization in the area you will be living. This organization provides you with a settlement plan to help you get settled in your new community.

Your designated employer can help you find a settlement organization. You can work with one of these organizations regardless of whether you are inside or outside Canada.

Job offer endorsement

Once you have a settlement plan, the province you will work in has to endorse your job offer. This is handled by your employer. You cannot apply for your permanent residence until the province endorses your job offer and gives you a Certificate of Endorsement.

You have to include this certificate in your permanent residence application.

Collect the required documents and forms for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot programs

There is an application package for each of the programs on the IRCC page. It includes document checklists, necessary forms, and instruction on how and where to apply.

You will need these documents and forms so you can apply for Permanent Residence in Canada. Here is a list of documents and forms needed for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot programs:

• Birth certificates.
• If applicable: Marriage certificate/divorce or annulment certificate (if married more than once, provide documents for each).
• If applicable: Death certificate for former spouse/common-law partner.
• If you have a common-law partner: Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409 – original) and proof you have lived together for a minimum of 12 months (shared apartment lease, shared bills, shared address on documents.)
• If applicable: Information on your child, such as birth certificate, adoption papers, or proof of custody.
• If applicable: National IDs or family or household registry/book.
• Copies of travel documents and passports. The copies have to show the passport number, date of issue and expiry, your photo, name, date and place of birth as well as changes to the name, birth date, expiration etc.
• Confirmation of Provincial Endorsement.
• Language proficiency proof.
• Educational proof.
• Proof of previous experience (employment contract, payslips etc).
• Proof you have sufficient funds.
• If you’re currently living in Canada: Proof you have a valid temporary residence permit.
• Proof you worked/studied in Canada legally. The photocopy of your study permit and entry stamp.
• Police Certificates and Clearances. They should be from every country/territory you’ve lived in for six or more months.
• Visa photos that comply to the Canadian requirements.
• Proof of paid Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program fees

Application forms for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

• Generic Application Form to Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A: Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Offer of Employment to a Foreign National – Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (IMM 5650)
• Economic Classes- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Programs (IMM 5501)
• Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP) (if applicable)
• Supplementary Information – Your Travels (IMM 5562)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Keep in mind: Unless you are told to, do not submit the original copies of the documents because you will not get them back.

Submit the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Application

Then, you have to gather all the forms and documents in a 23 cm by 30.5 cm (9” by 12”) envelope and mail it to one of the addresses provided on the instructional guide.

After you submit your Atlantic Immigration Pilot application, you will also have to submit your biometric information. Your visa officers will inform you when you can provide this information. You must already have paid for the biometrics fee and included it in your application.

Optional Temporary Work Permit

If you want to work in Canada while your application for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot is being processed, you may be eligible for a Canadian temporary work permit.

In order to apply for the temporary work permit, you will need a job offer from a designated employer and a Referral Letter from the Atlantic province in which you will work.

You also have to meet the language, education, and work experience requirements necessary in the program you will work under. (See the requirements section above).

When your employer applies to have your job offer endorsed, they will also ask the province to give you a Referral Letter. If you receive this temporary work permit, you can:

• Work only up to 1 year
• Work only for the employer who gave you the job

Note that just because you received a work permit, it does not mean that the Canadian authorities will also issue you a Permanent Residence permit.

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That means, you can become their sponsor and make their immigration application easier.

Both the sponsor and their family members who live abroad must meet certain requirements to be able to qualify for Canada’s family sponsorship program.

Who can I sponsor to Canada?

You can sponsor a:

• Spouse, common law partner or child
• Parent or grandparent
• Other relative (only if you meet certain criteria)

How Do I Become a Sponsor for my Family Members?

You are eligible to become a sponsor in Canada if you meet the following criteria:

• You are an adult.
• You hold Canadian citizenship or Permanent Residence.
  • You have to prove you plan to continue living in Canada after the people you sponsor become residents.
• You are registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
• You have enough financial income to provide for the people you are sponsoring.
• You are not receiving social assistance (other than for a disability).
• You are not in jail, prison, or penitentiary.
• You do not have a criminal history.
• You do not have an unpaid immigration loan, performance bond, or mandated family support payment (child support, alimony)*
• You have not declared bankruptcy. *
• You do not have a Removal Order.
• For a spouse, partner or child:
  • You cannot have been sponsored yourself by another spouse/partner in the past five years.
  • You cannot have remaining financial obligations to a spouse/partner you sponsored in the past.

*Do not apply if you live in Quebec.

Family sponsorship to Canada for a spouse, partner, or child

You are allowed to sponsor your:

Spouse

You can sponsor a spouse (wife/husband) if:

• The two of you are legally married
• You are both over 18

Common-law partner

You can sponsor your common-law partner if:

• They are 18
• You are in a conjugal relationship
• You have been living together for a minimum of 12 consecutive months
  • If you lived apart for any span of time, it must have been short and temporary
• You can give proof of your common-law relationship. You can do this by:
  • Showing you have shared property
  • Showing you share a lease or rental agreement
  • Showing you pay utility bills together
  • Showing you have the same address on important documents (driver’s license, insurance policies)

Conjugal partner

You can sponsor your conjugal partner if:

• They are over 18.
• They live outside Canada.
• You have been in a relationship for a minimum of 1 year.
• You are unable to live together or get married in your partner’s country of residence because of the following legal and immigration reasons:
  • Your partner is married and cannot get a divorce because their country does not allow it.
  • They live in a country that does not accept your sexual orientation. For example, you are in a same-sex relationship and same-sex relationships are illegal in your partner’s country of residence.
  • You could be prosecuted for your relationship. For example, if you belong to different religious groups and can face social or legal consequences for being in a relationship.

Dependent children

You can sponsor your own child or the child of a spouse/partner. A child is considered dependent if:

• They are under 22 years old.
• They are not married or have a common-law partner.
• If they are 22 or over, they can still be considered dependant if:
  • They have a mental or physical condition which prevents them from supporting themselves.
  • They have been financially dependent on you before 22.

Keep in mind:

If you were a Canadian citizen (by birth or naturalization) when your child was born, your child is a Canadian citizen as well. You do not need to apply for a residence permit for them.

If you are only sponsoring your child (not a spouse/partner), you will have to prove that the other parent also agrees to the child immigrating. In this case, the child is the principal applicant.

If you are sponsoring both a spouse/partner and their child (or one you had together), the spouse/partner is the principal applicant. The child is the dependent in this case.

If your child has a child of their own, you have to include them as dependents in the application.

Family sponsorship to Canada for a parent/grandparent

With this application, you can sponsor:

• Your parents (by blood or adoption)
• Your grandparents (by blood or adoption)
• If divorced: You can sponsor your parents’ spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners.
• If they have children: You can sponsor the children only if they are dependant.
• You can sponsor more than one couple/person (and their dependents) if you meet the income requirements for all of them.

The interest to sponsor form

In order to sponsor your parents or grandparents to Canada, you need to submit an interest to sponsor form. You can only do this for a limited time at the beginning of the year and the IRCC reviews only the first 27,000 submissions. To find out if you can submit the form, you have to check IRCC’s website to see if the form is available.

As the name suggests, the interest to sponsor form only serves to inform the IRCC that you are interested in sponsoring your parents/grandparents. If you are able to submit the form, the IRCC may then invite you to apply for sponsorship via email.

Family sponsorship to Canada for Other Relatives

Other than a spouse/partner or parent/grandparent, you can also sponsor other relatives. These include:

An orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild

If you want to sponsor an orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild, they have to meet the following conditions:

• They have to be under 18.
• They have to be related to you by blood or adoption.
• Both of the child’s parents have passed away. It does not count if:
  • One parent is still alive
  • The parents are missing
  • The parents have abandoned the child
  • One or both parents are alive but someone else is taking care of the child
  • The parent is in prison or detained
• They have to be single.

Other relative

In order to sponsor another relative which is related to you by blood or adoption (they can be of any age), you have to meet all of the following conditions:

• You do not have another living relative that you can sponsor instead. This means you do not have a spouse/partner, child, parent/grandparent, or orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild.
• You do not have any relatives (spouse/partner, child, parent/grandparent, orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild, or aunt/uncle) that are:
  • A Canadian citizen
  • A permanent resident
  • Registered Indian under the Indian Act

How to apply for Family Sponsorship to Canada?

If you are sponsoring a parent/grandparent, you have to submit the interest to sponsor form first and be invited to apply. Then, you can apply as usual within 60 days.

If you are applying for Canadian family sponsorship for any other relative, you do not need to submit the interest to sponsor form.

The usual application for family sponsorship to Canada is divided in two parts.

1. You (the sponsor) has to apply for family sponsorship for your relative
2. Your relative has to apply for Permanent Residence in Canada

You must submit both of these applications at the same time.

You also have to pay any required fees, such as application fees and biometric information fees.

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