What is the Canadian Electronic Travel Authority eTA?

The Electronic Travel Authorization is a travel document for people from countries that do not need a visa for Canada. It is a fast authorization to enter Canada and allows you to board a flight or other means of travelling. It is used instead of the Canada Visitor Visa, so it serves the same purpose.

With the eTA, you can enter Canada and visit family or friends, or just travel around. You are allowed to stay for a short period of time, 6 months or less. You are not allowed to try to stay permanently or apply for a Canadian citizenship. You are also not allowed to apply for any Canadian issued documents or claim Canadian benefits such as health benefits.

The eTA is a much faster version of the visa and it does not require as many documents as a visa does. So, if you qualify for the eTA, you cannot apply for a visa if you are using it for the purpose of just travelling. You will need a visa if you want to work, study, or stay permanently in Canada.

Who Can Travel to Canada With an eTA?

The countries that are exempt from needing to get a visa but need an eTA to enter Canada by air are as follows:

If you are travelling by car, train, bus, or ship you must check with the Canadian Consulate on whether you can enter with an eTA or need a visa. That is because the Canadian Government can have different rules depending on the means of travel and the country you are from.

What are the Requirements for the eTA Canada?

In order to be eligible for the eTA in Canada, you must meet a few criteria, such as:

• You must be from one of the countries listed above.
• You must be at least 18 years old and if you are less than 18 years old, a parent or guardian must apply on your behalf.
• You must have enough funds to cover you stay in Canada.
• You must not have been convicted of any crimes and must not have a criminal record.
• You must have a valid passport issued from your government.
• You must be healthy and without any dangerous medical problems which might make you seek medical treatment in Canada that you cannot afford. If you will be seeking medical treatment in Canada, you must state that and prove you have enough funds to cover your hospital visits and treatment.
• You must intend to return to your home country and have strong ties to your home country;
• You must not intend to study or work in Canada.

How to Complete a Canada eTA Application?

In order to apply for the eTA, you must meet the eligibility criteria and requirements.  You can start the application process by going to this link. This is the official Government of Canada website and the only place where you can apply for an eTA. If you are given other instructions or a different website to apply for an eTA, you should not follow it because someone might be trying to deceive you.

When you go to this link, you will then have to put the following information on the different fields:

• Details whether you are applying for yourself or someone else;
• If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you must put in your personal information;
• The travel document with which you are applying for the eTA and the details on it such as:
  • Country that has issued it;
  • The number of that document (passport number);
  • Date when it was issued and date of expiry;
• Other personal information such as:
  • Your first and last name;
  • Gender;
  • Date of birth;
  • Nationality;
  • Marital status;
• Details of any previous visits in Canada or if you have ever had a visa;
• Employment information;
• Contact information (e-mail address);
• Residential address;
• Travel information such as:
  • Dates of travel to Canada;
  • Flight number (if you have already booked your travel);
• Background questions such as:
  • Previous refused applications for a visa in Canada;
  • Criminal history;
  • Medical history;
• Consent and declaration (date and signature).

You must make sure that you put in the right passport number and information. If you put the wrong details about your travel document, then you will not be able to board your flight even if your eTA was approved. You will have to start the application procedure again, pay the fee, and wait for processing.

Supporting Documents for eTA Application

The application for eTA is easy and fast, and you will only need these documents:

• A valid passport issued by one of the countries mentioned above.
• A valid e-mail address.
• A debit, pre-paid card, or credit card issued by:
  • Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
  • Union Pay.
  • JCB Card.
  • Interac.

What Are the Canada eTA Fees?

Once you submit the application with the information required, you will be taken to a site to make your payment of the eTA. Each eTA costs CAD$7, so you will have to pay this fee before you submit your application. If you refuse to pay the fee, the application will not be processed from the Canadian Consulate.

Once you submit the fee, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received and is being processed.

How Long is the eTA Processing Time?

 eTA applications are processed in a few minutes after you submit the application. You will just get an email stating that you were approved for the eTA.

However, there are cases when the processing of your eTA will take a few days, but it will not take more than 1 week. You will get the approval email and then you can make travel arrangements for Canada.

When you travel to Canada, you will only need to bring your passport with you and no other documents. Your passport has the eTA electronically and the officials will scan it to see whether you have been approved or not. That is why it is important to have the correct passport information on the eTA application. If the eTA and your passport details do not match, you will not be able to travel to Canada.

How Long is the eTA Valid?

Once you get the eTA, you will be able to travel to Canada and stay there for 6 months or less. However, the eTA can be valid for more than that. Most often, your eTA will be approved for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Then it means that you can travel as many times as you want to Canada during that period, but you cannot stay for more than 6 months.

If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA since it cannot be transferred from one passport to the next.

Can I Bring my Dependents With me to Canada With an eTA?

The eTA visa Canada is an individual travel document and it cannot be used by multiple people. It is automatically attached to the passport of the person and that is why each member of the family must have their own eTA.

So, your spouse or common law partner must apply for their own eTA, while either one of the parents or guardians can apply for the eTA of the children. The application process is the same as well as the application fee.

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Canada’s self-employed program is available to anyone with cultural or athletic experience which allows them to be self-employed.

NOTE: The Canadian government is not accepting applications for agriculture under the self-employed section as of March, 2018.

However, having one of those professions is not enough for your self-employed visa application to stand a chance and be accepted. You must also prove that you have sufficient experience in those two fields to make a significant contribution to Canada.

Read on to find out who is eligible for the self-employed Canadian visa, what are the requirements, and how you can apply for one.

Who is Eligible for the Canada Self-Employed Visa?

You are eligible to apply for the self-employed visa for Canada if you meet the following conditions:

You have sufficient experience and skills

You must have both the experience and skills needed to work as a self-employed person in Canada.

The minimum amount of experience needed for a self-employed person is two years. You must have gained this experience within the five years prior to your application.

Because the Canada self-employed visa is assessed with a point-based system, more experience means more points.

You must have the following experience:

1. Two years of being self-employed in cultural activities/athletics.
2. Two years of participating at a world-class level in cultural activities/athletics.
3. One year of experience in (A) in addition to one year experience in (B).

You have to meet the point-based selection criteria

The visa officers who process your self-employed Canadian visa application assess you on a point-based system. The maximum amount of points is 100 and you will need a minimum of 35 points.

They look at your:

• Experience (35 points)

You get the maximum amount of points if you have at least 5 years of experience.

• Education (25 points)

You get the maximum amount of points if you have a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. and at least 17 years of full-time studies.

• Age (10 points)

You get the maximum amount of points if you are between 21–49 years of age. They want people who will be able to contribute to Canada’s culture and athletics for a longer amount of time.

• Language abilities (24 points)

They will assess your ability to write, speak, read, and listen in either English or French. You can choose the language you are better at to be your first official language. You can take a language test from a designated agency such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada or TFC Canada for French.

• Adaptability (6 points)

You get adaptability points based on: your spouse’s education level; whether you previously worked/studied in Canada; whether you have relatives in Canada. They look at this to see how well you would potentially immerse yourself in Canada’s culture.

How to apply for a Canada self-employed visa?

Just as with other types of Canada visa, the application is done online.

Check your eligibility

Essentially, you must check whether you are eligible for the visa based on an online questionnaire on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you are, they will send you an application package to your email address. The application package includes a guide, application forms, and a list of documents you need. Follow the instructions on the guide.

Fill the forms and compile the document file

You have to fill all the necessary forms included on the package. Then, if you are applying online, upload them to your online application.

If you are applying on paper, print them and sign them. Then, gather all the required documents and attach them to the application. You will have to mail the completed application to an address that you will be provided with.

You also have to pay the processing fees and attach a copy of the receipt to your application.

Documents include:

• The standard required documents for all Canadian visa applications.
• Proof of educational status such as a certificate, diploma, or transcripts.
• Proof you have passed the language test.
• Proof of relevant work experience.
• Proof of adaptability.
• Copies of travel documents/passports. They must show the name, date of birth, photo, expiry date, or changes in name, birth date, expiry date etc.
• Police clearances.
• Birth certificates.
• 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 applicable)
• 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.)
• Information on your child like birth certificate, adoption papers, or proof of custody. (If applicable).
• National IDs or family or household registry/book. (If applicable).
• Police Certificates and Clearances. They should be from every country/territory you’ve lived in for six or more months.
• Canada visa pictures.
• Fee receipts of Canadian Visa.
• If applying as Quebec-selected applicant: Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)

Make sure you are not missing any documents, forms, or fees. If you are, your visa officers will send the application back to you and ask you to fix any mistakes/attach documents you forgot.

You have to provide your biometric information

Applicants between 14 and 79 years old have to provide their biometric information. This includes fingerprints and pictures.

You provide the biometric information after you send the application.

The officers processing your visa application will inform you when they have received your completed application. Then, they will tell you when you should send them your biometric information.

You should have already paid your biometrics fee when you first sent your application.

You can give your biometric information at a Canada visa application center in your country. If you are from the US, you can do this at an application support center.

If Your Canada Self-employment Visa Application is Accepted

If you acquire the self-employment visa for Canada, when you travel to the country, an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be waiting for you.

You must have your passport and other travel documents with you, a valid permanent resident visa and your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), as well as proof you can financially support yourself and your family.

The officer will ask you questions that are meant to evaluate whether you still qualify for the self-employment visa. If you give incomplete or false answers, you may not be allowed entry to the country.

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Canada’s Startup Program offers great opportunities to new foreign businesses trying to get a foot in Canada. However, you will have to meet eligibility requirements before you qualify for a Canadian startup visa.

Read on to find out about the eligibility requirements, the application process, and other information you should know before you apply for a Canada startup visa.

Do I Qualify for the Canada Startup Program?

To qualify for Canada’s Startup Program, you will initially have to meet eligibility requirements for a Canadian visa.

Eligibility requirements for a Startup Visa

If you qualify for a Canadian visa, you will have to meet the specific criteria for a Startup visa as well. Those are:

• You must have a qualifying business.
• You must have a support letter from a designated organization.
• You must have sufficient funds.
• You must meet the language requirements.

Qualifying business

In order for your business to qualify, they must meet these requirements:

• All business owners (a maximum of five) have to hold at least 10% of the company’s voting rights.
• The business owners and the designated organization have to hold a minimum of 50% of the company’s voting rights.

What is a designated organization?

If you want to open a business in Canada, you must first get the support and investment of a designated organization.

A designated organization is an organization that the Canadian government has designated to cooperate in the Startup visa. These organizations can invest in and support new businesses through the Startup Program. They are divided in:

• Venture capital funds
• Angel investor groups
• Business incubators

You should research the different organizations and see which is the best fit for your own startup. Then, you should contact any organizations you found suited and see whether they are interested in investing in your company.

If you get the support of a designated organization, it will give you a Letter of Support. Once you have the letter, you can apply for Canada’s Startup Visa program. You will have to attach the letter to your application. Your designated organization will also send a completed Commitment Certificate directly to the IRCC.

If you receive support from more than one organization, they will have to join and send the IRCC a joint Commitment Certificate and provide you with a joint Letter of Support.

Sufficient funds for a Canadian Startup visa

When you get to Canada, you will need to have enough funds to provide for yourself or any family members that are coming with you.

You won’t receive any financial support, so you will have to bring enough money to be able to live in Canada until your business starts to bring financial gains.

You will need to have a minimum of $12,669 for yourself, and approximately $3,400 for each additional member.

Language requirements for a Canada Startup visa

In order to live in Canada, you have to be able to communicate in either or both of its official languages: English and French.

To prove your proficiency, you will have to take a test before you apply, and attach the results along with your application. Canada has a list of approved agencies on the IRCC page, such as such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada or TFC Canada for French.

You have to reach at least the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either language. You will be tested on your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.

How to Apply for a Canada Startup Visa?

After you have confirmed your eligibility for a Canada Startup Visa, you can start the application, fill the necessary forms, and collect the necessary documents for Startup visa application.

Compile the document file

You will have to “Validate” the documents, print and sign them, and complete your application package. This will include all the necessary documents and fees.

The documents required for a Canada Startup visa include:

• The standard documents required for any Canada visa application.
• Copies of travel documents/passport. They must show the name and date of birth, passport number, the date of expiry as well as changes made to name, birth date, expiry date etc.
• Proof you have passed the language proficiency test.
• The Letter of Support from your Designated Organization.
• Birth certificates.
• Marriage certificate or divorce/annulment certificate. (If applicable)
  • If married more than once, provide documents for each marriage.
• Death certificate for former spouse/common-law partner. (If applicable)
• 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 (it could be proof of shared apartment lease, shared bills, shared address on documents etc.)
• Information on your child, such as birth certificates, adoption papers, or proof of custody. (If applicable).
• National IDs or family or household registry/book. (If applicable)
• Police Certificates and Clearances. They should be from every country/territory you’ve lived in for six or more months.
• Pictures according to Canada’s requirements.
• Fee receipts.

Application Forms needed for a Startup visa application

• Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]
• Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP]
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]
• Schedule 13 – Business Immigration Programs – Start Up Business
• Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409]
• Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604]
• Supplementary Information – Your travels [IMM 5562]
• Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]

You will have to mail the completed application to the address you are provided with.

Provide Biometrics

After you apply for a Canadian Startup visa, you will also have to provide your biometric information, such as fingerprints and pictures. Your visa application officers will inform you when and how to do that.

However, you will not be allowed to apply unless you have received support from a designated organization and they have sent their Commitment Certificate to the IRCC and given you your Letter of Support.

Make sure you have all your documents and fees attached to the application, otherwise they will send it back to you.

Temporary Work Permit for Startup Visa

You can apply for a temporary Canadian work visa to set up your business before you apply for your residence permit for the Startup Visa.

You can only apply for the work permit after you have received your Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate from your designated organization.

Other than receiving the support from your designated organization, you will need to pay an employer compliance fee and have enough income to provide for yourself and your family.

You will also have to make an offer of employment through IRCC’s Employer Portal. You will have to provide your business information details, your personal information, and a job details form.

However, a short-term work permit before the Startup visa is optional.

The post Canada Start-Up Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

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.

The post Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

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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Many countries have programs in place to help refugees, Canada included.

The Canada refugee system is divided into two programs: one for people wanting to resettle to Canada from abroad, and one for those who are already in Canada but cannot return to their home country.

Which Are The Canada Refugee Protection Programs?

The two refugee protection programs for Canada are:

• The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program. This program is aimed at the protection of people who are outside Canada at the time of application.
• The In-Canada Asylum Program. This program offers protection to people who are already in Canada when they make their refugee protection claims.

The Canada Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program

Through this program, refugees living abroad can be resettled into Canada.

How does the Canada Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program work?

In order for a refugee to be eligible to enter Canada as a refugee, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), another referral organizations, or a private sponsor has to identify them for resettlement. This means that the refugee cannot apply for his own resettlement directly to Canadian authorities.

United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or other referral organizations

The (UNHCR) identifies refugees for resettlement based on priority levels: Emergency (if they have a medical or security issue that requires immediate attention), Urgent (if they have a medical risk that requires resettlement within six weeks), or Normal (if there are no medical or security risks). The speed through which their application is processed depends on the priority level.

The UNHCR selects individuals from countries where they have asked for refuge in and resettles them to a third country which has agreed to accept refugees, Canada included. Canada has accepted 7,700 refugees through UNHCR in 2018 alone.

Private Sponsors or Sponsor Groups

There are private sponsor groups within Canada who can identify refugees for resettlement. They are:

The Sponsorship Agreement Holders

These are organizations (religious, ethnic, community or service organizations) that have signed agreements of sponsorship with the Canadian Government to support refugees. They either sponsor the refugees themselves or work with other members of the community.

Groups of Five

This is a group of at least five adult Canadian citizens/permanent residents who gather in order to sponsor a refugee become resettled in their local community. This group provides the refugee with a settlement plan and sponsors them financially for up to one year.

Community Sponsors

This group includes organizations, associations, or corporations which sponsor refugees. Like the Groups of Five, they also give the refugee a settlement plan and can financially support them for up to one year.

These types of private sponsorship group can find refugees to sponsor through one of two ways.

• Through the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program, which partners refugees that the UNHCR has identified with a sponsor in Canada.
• Or, they can find refugees through people in their local community, churches, community groups, or ethno-cultural groups.

What are the requirements for the Canada Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program?

In order to qualify for permanent residence in Canada as a refugee, the applicants have to meet certain conditions:

• They have to be referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or a private sponsor group.
• They have to qualify as a Convention Refugee Abroad Class or Country of Asylum Class. They qualify if:
  • They’re scared to be prosecuted due to their race, religion, nationality, political standing, or their membership in a certain social group (Convention Refugee Abroad Class); or
  • They are affected personally and seriously from a civil or armed conflict, or have had their human rights violated (Country of Asylum Class); and
  • They are not at the time of application in Canada
  • They are not in their country of nationality and cannot get their country’s protection/are afraid to do so.
  • They do not have a nationality country and cannot return to the country they formerly lived in/are afraid to do so.
• They do not have another durable solution. Durable solutions are:
  • Voluntary repatriation. If the refugee cannot voluntarily repatriate, it means the situation in their country has not improved in a way that lets the refugee return there safely.
  • Local integration. If local integration is not possible, it means the refugee cannot become locally integrated into the country they seeked asylum in.
  • Resettlement in a country other than Canada.
• They have to pass medical and criminality checks. The IRCC offices abroad have professionals who can conduct the checks for any applicant and their family members.

How to apply for the Canada Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program?

There is an application package available on IRCC’s site with the necessary forms to apply for refugee resettlement as a Convention Refugee or as a Humanitarian-Protected Person Abroad.

The forms include:

• A Generic Application Form for Canada.
• A form for Additional Dependents.
• A form about the refugee’s background.
• Refugees Outside Canada form, inquiring about the reasons behind the refugee claims.
• A form on whether the refugee used a representative.

If the refugee is referred by the UNHCR or another referral organization, the IRCC abroad lets the refugee know how to submit the application into their office.

Once the IRCC receives the application, they email the refugee a letter of confirmation along with an assigned file number. If the application is accepted, the IRCC decides which city/province they will be resettled to.

If the refugee is referred by a private sponsor group, then the group handling their referral has to submit the application in their place to the Resettlement Operations Centre in Ottawa (ROC-O) of IRCC. if the application is accepted, the refugee will resettle to the area where their sponsor is from.

There are no application fees for refugees.

In both cases, the IRCC, along with select partners, arrange for the refugee’s travel and settlement arrangements. They inform the refugees about the arrangements after they are completed.

The In-Canada Asylum Program

The In-Canada Asylum Program allows people who are already in Canada to apply for refugee status. This program provides refugee protection to people who cannot return to their country of nationality due to fear of prosecution or because they may be tortured or punished.

What are the In-Canada Asylum Program requirements?

To qualify for the In-Canada Asylum program a person has to be:

• A conventional refugee – meaning they are outside their country because they may be prosecuted due to their race, religion, political stance, or because they belong to a particular social group.
• A person in need of protection – meaning they cannot return to their country because they could be torture, have their lives at risk, or face other forms of unusual and cruel punishment.

Whether or not a person meets these conditions is decided by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). The Canadian officers who review the application for the In-Canada Asylum Program decide if it is eligible to refer it to the IRB.

A claim may be not eligible to be referred to the IRB if the refugee:

• Has been recognized as a Convention refugee by another country and they can return there.
• Has arrived through the Canada-United States border.
• Cannot be admitted to Canada because of criminal activity or the security risks they pose.
• Made another refugee claim in the past and it was not found eligible for referral.
• Made another refugee claim in the past and it was rejected by the IRB.
• Withdrew/abandoned a past refugee claim.
• Is subject to a removal order.

How to apply for the In-Canada Asylum Program?

The refugee has to download the application package on IRCC’s website. The package includes an instruction guide, the  necessary forms and a list of documents that the applicant has to submit. These are:

• The original copies of all identity and relationship documents, including:
  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Travel document
  • Marriage certificate
  • Identity cards
  • Baptismal record
  • Four passport-sized pictures taken in the last six months for the applicant and all family members.
• Optional: Other documents that support the refugee claim. For example:
  • Membership card for a political or social organization.
  • Medical/police reports.
  • Business records.
  • News articles or human rights reports from the condition in the country of the applicant.

All the documents that are not in English or French have to be translated into the language the refugee chose for the proceeding. The translator has to give a declaration stating their name, the language translated, and that the translation is accurate. This statement has to be included in the application.

The applicant and their family members also have to undergo a medical examination.

Submission of the application

After the refugee has completed all the forms as well as gathered the documents, they have to submit it in person to an IRCC office.

If the applicant is an adult, they must date and sign the forms where it is required.

If the applicant is a minor, their parent has to date and sign on their behalf.

If the IRCC officers handling the application deem that the refugee has met all the eligibility criteria, they send him/her to enter an eligibility interview. There, the officer assesses whether the refugee claim is eligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board.

The IRCC will make a decision within three days.

If the refugee meets the eligibility criteria

If the refugee is found eligible and the IRCC refer them to the IRB, then the refugee will receive a package containing:

• An appointment for appearing at the Refugee Protection Division of the IRB and make a case for refugee protection.
• A Refugee Protection Claim Document (RPCD) confirming that the case has been referred to the IRB.
• Interim Federal Health coverage, covering the refugee as long as they are a refugee claimant.
• A Medical Report to be submitted to a doctor for completion.
• A list of conditions.
• Other immigration-related documents.

Once the IRB receives IRCC’s referral, they send the refugee a Notice to Appear, which lets them know when they should appear for the hearing.a Notice to Appear.

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This program allows internationals who have skills which match the needs of the province to apply for Quebec immigration, and if selected, become permanent residents of Canada who live in that province.

This article will go through the requirements and the process of becoming a Quebec Skilled Worker.

What is the QSWP immigration?

The Quebec Skilled Workers Program is an immigration program based only on Quebec. Only people who want to live in Quebec permanently must apply for this program directly because the application is evaluated based on the rules of the province.

If selected, you will be able to find a job and housing in Quebec and continue to live there. You will be considered a Canadian permanent resident and get all the benefits that are entitled to you. In addition, after a few years, you will be able to apply for Canadian citizenship and get a Canadian passport.

What are the requirements of the Quebec Selected Skilled Workers Program?

In order to make the application process fairer, Quebec has designed their requirements and selection factors based on a grid of points. When you apply, you will be assigned Quebec immigration points, which will rank you in comparison to the other applicants. Those who have the highest points are then selected.

The selection factors considered are education, work experience, age, language proficiency, family in Quebec, spouse or common-law partner points, job offer, age of children, and financial standing. The tables below show each factor and how many points you can get.

From all of these criteria, to get to the cutoff for employability, you must either have 43 or 52 points. If you do not have these points, you will not be considered. In addition to the cutoff for employability, the province of Quebec takes also into account the age of children if you have any and financial standing.

At the end of the evaluation, in order to get a passing score at the preliminary and selection phase, you must have at least 50 out of the 59 points.

To be considered financially stable, you must have these sums of money for the three-month period after arriving in Quebec.

How to apply for the Quebec Selected Skilled Workers Program?

In order to apply for this program, there are a few steps as outlined below.

Get a Certificate of Selection from the Province of Quebec

To get this certificate, you must first submit an Expression of Interest to immigrating in Quebec. This can be done through submitting an application with your information on the Arrima portal. Your expression of interest will be valid for 12 months and if you are not contacted by the Quebec immigration officials during this time, then you must submit your profile again or it will be invalid.

If the Quebec immigration officials choose your expression of interest, then you are invited to apply for permanent selection. This means that the officials will send you a personalized list of what information and supporting documents they need. You will also be asked to pay the application fees.

The fees for the permanent selection are:

You will have 90 days to complete the requirements or your application will be lost. After you submit all the required documents, the Quebec immigration officials will evaluate everything you submitted based on the points system that was outlined in the previous section of this article.

Finally, you may either get immediate approval, immediate rejection, or an invitation for an interview. If your interview is then successful, you will either get the Certificate of Selection or you will be rejected. If rejected, you will have to start the application from the beginning.

Apply for permanent residence to the Government of Canada

The Quebec province has the authority to select skilled workers which will contribute to the economy of Quebec with their skills. However, the Government of Canada is responsible on whether to issue permanent residence or not to those skilled workers. So after passing phase one and getting the Certificate of Selection from Quebec, you must be approved for permanent residence from the Government of Canada.

After you are selected, the Government of Canada will send you an application package with forms which you need to fill out and a list of supporting documents. The forms could include the following:

• Document Checklist [IMM 5690]
• Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]
• Additional Dependants/Declaration [IMM 0008DEP]
• Schedule A—Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]
• Additional Family Information [IMM 5406] (PDF, 570KB) September 2018
• Schedule 5: Economic Classes—Declaration of Intent to Reside in Quebec
• Supplementary Information—Your travels [IMM 5562]
• Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604]
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409]
• Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]
• Application for Permanent Residence: Guide for Quebec-Selected Applicants [IMM EQ7000]

Fill out these forms and gather the documents and submit them through the Government of Canada website. You will have to also pay the following fees:

After you submit your complete application, you may be asked to give biometrics information, hold an interview, complete medical examinations, or send additional information. If the Government of Canada finds that you are admissible and fulfill all the criteria to become a Canadian permanent resident in Quebec, then they will send you a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent residence visa.

All in all, the process to become a Quebec Selected Skilled Worker will take approximately 17 months. Afterwards, you can start making arrangements for travel and housing in Quebec, where you will be settling down.

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What is a Canada Visa?

A Canada visa is a stamp on your passport which allows you to enter the country of Canada.

It is a permission for you to travel to the country and legally be able to stay either temporarily or permanently. Getting a visa to Canada means that the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your home country decided that you are eligible and fulfill the requirements for entry. However, once you are at the Canadian border and customs, it is up to the officers at the border to evaluate whether you are fit to enter.

If you answer the Canadian Border Services Officer (BSO) questions honestly and correctly, they will allow you to enter. Otherwise, if they suspect that you are not eligible to enter, they can deny you and ask you to go back to your home country even if you have a Canada visa.

Who Needs a Canadian Visa?

People from countries that do not have a visa exemption or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) agreement with Canada will need a visa to enter the country. More specifically, people from around 148 countries need a visa to visit, work, or immigrate to Canada.

If you are one of these applicants and you need a visa for Canada, you must apply for one. Depending on the type of visa you want, you will have a method of applying, but there are a few general steps you must take.

What are the Canada Visa Types?

Before you apply for a Canadian visa, you must first know which visa you want to apply for. Here are the types of Canada visas:

• Visitor visas.
• Student visas.
• Work visas.
• Permanent Residence visas.
• Business Immigrant visas.
• Express Entry Program visas.

You must pick the one that fits the motive of why you want to go to Canada.

Temporary Canada Visas

The temporary Canada visas allow the person to stay in Canada for a specific period of time which is determined by the Canadian Consulate or the Border Services Officers (BSO). This time is usually up to 6 months. However, the temporary visa can be single entry or multiple entry visa.

Single entry visa allows the person to only enter Canada once, stay for 6 months and then return to their home country. A multiple entry visa allows the person to enter Canada multiple times until their visa expires and stay temporarily.

Here are the types of Canadian Temporary Visas:

• Canada Tourist Visa. The  Visitor Visa or the Tourist visa allows the holder to enter Canada for the purposes of tourism in the country.
• Canada Super Visa. The Canadian Super Visa allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or Canadian Permanent Residents to visit their children or grandchildren for an extended stay.
• Diplomatic and Official Visa. The Diplomatic and Official visa gives permission to officials and diplomats from foreign countries to enter Canada for official duties and purposes.
• Courtesy Visa. The Courtesy visa is given to all those people who do not qualify for a Diplomatic and Official Visa but are considered of importance due to their ranks and positions. This includes for example, members of trade missions or diplomats with touristic intent.
• Canada Business Visa. The Business Visa is given to those who are travelling to Canada with business purposes as individuals or as a group of business people.
• Visa to Give Birth in Canada. This visa is given to people who fulfill all the criteria to stay temporarily in Canada and who are pregnant and want to give birth in the country. Giving birth in Canada makes the baby automatically a Canadian citizen.
• Intending Organ Donors Visa. This visa is given to a person who is traveling to Canada with the purpose of donating an organ to a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Canada Facilitation Visa. Facilitation Visas are given to Canadian citizens with dual nationalities who do not have a Canadian passport but have a passport of another nationality. The facilitation visa is stamped on the person’s other nationality visa due to extreme hardships of the person getting a Canadian passport.
• Canada Student Visa. A Canadian student visa is given to those who have an admission from a Canadian university to complete their studies. If you are going to Canada to study for less than 6 months, then you can only get a TRV visa, but for more than 6 months of studies, you will need a Student Visa.
• Canada Temporary Work Visa. Canada temporary work visas are given to those people who have a job offer in Canada and will work for up to 6 months. To get this visa, the person must present a valid job offer letter from an employer and qualify for a temporary visa.
• Temporary Residence Permit. This permit is for people who need to go to Canada for different purposes but are otherwise not admissible for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This permit is issued only for the length of time that the person needs to be in Canada, for example 2 weeks for a workshop.
• Working Holiday Visa. The Canada Working Holiday Visa is given to young people from 30 countries, so they can work in Canada and travel. It is a random selection visa which means that applicants will submit their applications and wait to be randomly selected to apply for the work permit.

Permanent Canada Visas

The permanent Canada visas are visas which allow the holder to permanently settle in the country. These are otherwise known as immigrant visas and can be of different types, as follows:

• Immigrant Investor Program. The Immigrant Investor Program is for people who will make investments in the Canadian economy and have a net worth of at least CAD$800,000. They must invest at least CAD$400,000 and the government will return this investment to them in 5 years without any interest.
• Startup Visa Program. The Canada Startup Visa is for people who will be individually involved in contributing to the economy. They must have a net worth of at least CAD$300,000 and must commit to owning and managing at least one third of a Canadian business as well as create and maintain employment within 3 years of being in the country.
• Self-employed Persons Visa. The Self-employed Persons visa is for people who have skills in business, athletics, culture, or farming and can start their own businesses. These people must demonstrate how they will finance the business as well as their skills in those particular areas
• Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). If you have one of the occupations which are required in the Canadian province of Quebec and you are fluent in French, then you can apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program which will allow you to move and work permanently there.
• Family-Sponsorship Program. The Family Sponsorship Visa allows the spouses and dependent children of Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents to immigrate to Canada permanently.
• Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). This visa is given to caregivers who are qualified to take care for elderly, disabled people, or children and live in a private home in Canada.

Express Entry Visas

The Canada Express Entry Program is an electronic immigration program designed by the Government of Canada. It allows people from all over the world to apply for immigration to Canada based on their specific skills.

The following are part of this program:

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
• Canadian Experience Class

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) visa is given to people who are qualified tradespeople in occupations such as:

• Carpenters
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Crane Operators
• Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics
• Electricians
• Machinists
• Ironworkers
• Welders
• Plumbers, etc.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The visa under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is given to people who have professions which are required in Canada. You must check what kind of occupations Canada needs at the point you are planning to apply and obtain the necessary points.

Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)

This visa under the Provincial Nominee Program is given to semi or low-skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy though their work. The workers are placed in different provinces of Canada where the demand for their work is higher.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class permanent visa is given to those who have a temporary student visa or a temporary workers visa and want to switch to a permanent resident status. They either have a Canadian education or work experience and have settled into Canadian society.

Canada Visa Application

The Canada visa application process depends mostly on the visa type you need to apply for.

To apply for a Canada visa, you need to go through these simple steps:

1. Find out if you are eligible for a Canada visa.
2. Create your online account.
3. Compile the document file.
4. Pay the fees.
5. Wait for processing of your Canadian visa.
6. Submit your passport and processing fees.

Find out if you are eligible for a Canada visa

To find out how to get a Canadian visa, the Canadian government has made it quite easy. They have created different tests that evaluate the eligibility of applicants by asking them to fill out an online questionnaire. Depending on the type of visa you want, you will be asked to answer several questions, and the system will then let you know whether you can apply or not. Additionally, it will also send you the relevant instructions and steps you must take to fulfill all the requirements.

How to navigate through the Canadian government website?

To be able to access these questionnaires and find out if you are eligible for the Canada visa, you must go to their website here. The website will show you different information and different tabs that you can select, but you must go to the Immigration tab.

When you hover or click on the Immigration tab, it will show you a drop-down list of options. The first one will be My Application, and then there will be tabs for Visit, Immigrate, Work, Study, and others. You must select the one that corresponds with the visa you want to apply for. As a continuation of the example we showed above, if you want to get a tourist visa, you must click on the Visit tab.

After you click on the tab that matches the reason you want to visit Canada and the visa you want to apply for, you will see more information there. Whichever tab you have clicked, one of the links will say “Find out if you can apply” or “Find out if you are eligible”. You must click on this link.

The link will take you to the questionnaire where you will have to answer several questions. They will range from your personal information to reasons why you want to visit Canada, and previous travel history. At the end of the questionnaire, the system will show you the results.

Receiving the results

You will be able to see three different types of results which say one of the following:

1. You are eligible for the visa you have selected.
2. You are eligible for a different type of visa that the system will match you with.
3. You are not eligible for the visa.

If you are eligible for the visa you have selected or a different type of visa, the system will ask you to input your contact information (usually your email), and they will send you a set of documents.

The documents will contain a description of the visa, as well as instructions and details about how to apply. Additionally, they will send you a reference code.

The reference code is one of the most important information on that set of documents because you will have to use it to start your application. Without a reference code, you will not be able to apply. The reference code tells the system the information you have given it during your questionnaire and it will have the type of visa you are applying for.

Because of this, you must save the email and those documents. You can either write the reference code in different ways, such as send it to yourself, write it on your computer, or on a piece of paper, but you must not lose it. If you do, you will have to start the questionnaire process all over again.

Create your online account

Within the instructions sent to you by email, it will show you whether you must apply for a Canada visa online or in person. Since the Canadian government is digitalizing its records, most people will have to apply online. To do that, you must create an account.

There are two ways to create an account for the application:

• Using your online banking login since the Canadian Government has partnered with many banks;
• Creating a Government of Canada login (GCKey);

You can use whichever one fits you better, since either way you will have to use your banking details to pay the visa fees.

Compile the document file

Once you login to your account, you can start your Canada visa application. Use your reference code to start applying for the visa you have been deemed eligible for. Once you enter the reference code, the system will show you a list of documents for your Canadian visa application. 

You must submit all of these forms online in the system and then proceed to submit the application.

Pay the fees

Once the system has verified that you have submitted all the necessary documents, it will take you to the payment page. You will have to pay the Canada visa fees depending on the type of visa you are applying for. When that is completed, your application will be submitted.

It will take around 5 workdays for you to see the application on your account, and if you apply in person, you will just have to take those documents to the Canadian Embassy in your home country.

Wait for processing of your Canadian Visa

The Canadian Embassy will then process your Canada visa application for two or more weeks depending on the type of visa. Additionally, they might ask for more documents, or for you to submit your biometrics and have an interview.

If they ask for your biometrics and an interview, this means you will have to visit the Embassy in person even if you applied online. You will have to make an appointment, or the Embassy will make one for you. At your appointment, you will have to submit your fingerprints and photographs, as well as answer questions from a Canadian Embassy official. See the photo requirements for Canada visa.

The official will determine whether you are fit to get a Canadian visa or not. They can let you know of their decision immediately after your appointment or send you a notification later.

All Embassy notifications regarding your visa will be posted on your account, so you must check it continuously, even if you did not have to submit biometrics or go through an interview.

Submit your passport and processing fees

If you receive a notification that your Canada visa application was successful, the next step is to submit your passport to the Canadian Embassy. This can be done by mailing it to the address of the Embassy in your country, together with processing fees. The processing fees depend on the type of visa you are applying for and will range from $20 to $50, which you must pay by check or money order. You must also pay for a return envelope for your passport.

The Embassy officials will receive your passport and fees, stamp the visa on your passport, and mail it back to you. If you get notified of their decision immediately after the visa interview, then you will have to pay the processing fees there and get the passport immediately.

After a Successful Canadian Visa Application

Once you have your visa, you can travel to Canada. At the point of entry, you will be asked to show your passport and documents. The officials will check them and ask a few questions about why you are going to Canada.

After you answer, they will make the decision whether to let you inside the country or not. The officials at the point of entry have the authority to not allow you inside Canada if they believe that you will commit crimes or not respect your visa restrictions. Having a Canadian visa does not guarantee that you will go to Canada, only the border officials are allowed to do that.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa to Canada?

The Canada visa processing time varies for each specific case. It can take anywhere between two to four weeks, or even longer.

Your Canadian visa begins to process only after the Canadian authorities have received your complete application.

If they need you to get them additional documents, the processing time will be delayed.

Can I Help Someone Get a Canada Visa?

If you have a family member or friend who is living abroad, and you want to bring them to visit Canada, you can write them a Letter of Invitation. 

The Letter of Invitation must include the following information: About the person you are inviting:

• Full name and date of birth
• The reason they want to come to Canada
• How long they intend to stay in Canada and when they will leave
• Their contact information
• The relationship you share
• Where they will stay
• How they will finance their trip

About you:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Your occupation
• Your residential status in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
• Your family details – names and dates of birth of your immediate family members (spouse and dependents)
• How many people live in your household

However, the Letter of Invitation does not guarantee that they will get a Canada visa. The visa will be processed on its own merit, but the letter may help.

If you want to sponsor a family member to join you in Canada permanently or long-term, you can do so through the Canada Family Sponsorship Program.

How Can I Extend my Stay in Canada?

If your Canada visitor visa is about to expire, and you want to stay longer, you have to apply for a visa extension. This is called a Canada Visitor Record.

You have to apply for a visa extension for Canada (visitor record) at least 30 days before your visitor visa expires.

Other than extending a tourist visa, you can change your study or work permit to a Visitor Record as well. However, a visitor record is only available while you are inside Canada.

If you want to leave Canada and enter again, you will not be allowed entry with a visitor record.

What Happens if I Overstayed my Canada Visa?

If you have stayed in Canada past the expiry of your visa, the next step depends on how long you have overstayed.

If you’ve overstayed for less than 90 days, you can restore your visitor status by applying for a Visitor Record and selecting “Restore my status as a visitor”.

If you’ve overstayed for longer than 90 days, you cannot apply to restore your status and have to leave Canada. You may not be able to get another Canada visa.

However, you should try not to overstay a Canada visa. If you think you may need to stay longer than the duration of your visa, apply for a visa extension before it expires.

How Much is a Canada Visa Fee?

The Canada visa fee depends on the type of visa you are applying for. There are also different types of fees you must pay, such as a processing fee and a biometrics fee.

A normal Visitor Visa fee, however, is $CAN100. 

What if My Canada Visa is Rejected?

If your Canada visa application is rejected, you can re-apply again at anytime, provided that your rejection letter does not forbid you from re-applying.

However, you can re-apply only if your situation has changed or you have additional information that may help you get a Canada visa approval.

As for appeals, there is no formal process to appeal a Canada tourist visa decision. Appeals are only available for refugee and permanent residency applications. They are processed by the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).

Will I Get a Refund if my Canada Visa Application is Rejected?

Canada visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. That’s because you’re paying a fee for the visa application to be processed, not for the visa itself.

However, in some cases, you may get a refund if your withdraw your application before it starts to process. After it has started to process, you will not get a refund.

Additionally, if your application is you may receive a refund for the following:

• The fee for Right of Permanent Residence
• The fee for Right of Citizenship
• The fee for an Open Work Permit
• The fee for International Experience Canada (IEC)
• The fee for Employer Compliance

However, you can still request a refund for any of your fees through the Government of Canada: Immigration and citizenship website.

Can I Apply for a Canada Visa From Another Country?

In some cases, there is no Canadian embassy or Visa Application Center in your country of residence. In this case, you may have to travel to another country to apply for a Canada visa.

However, you must only apply for a visa at the Canadian embassy or VAC responsible for your jurisdiction (ie. for the country you are a legal resident of).

Additionally, if you are from Country A and have a residence permit for Country B, you can apply for a Canadian visa from Country B.

However, if you are simply visiting Country B and do not have legal residency there, you have to apply at the Canadian embassy or Visa Application Center responsible for your jurisdiction, in your own country or otherwise.

You can give your biometrics at a Canadian Visa Application center. The Canadian embassy will send you a letter informing you of when you have to give your biometrics. To receive the letter, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your Canada visa application.

There are Visa Application Centers worldwide where you can submit your biometrics. Visit the website of the one nearest to you to find out about the fees and services they offer.

Do I Need to Submit Biometrics For my Canada Visa Application?

Yes, most visa applicants have to give their biometrics (fingerprints and picture) when applying for a Canada visa, regardless of the type of visa being applied for.

What Does a Canadian Visa look like?

A Canadian visa is a stamp on the passport and has a distinct look. It usually does not include a picture, but includes the following information:

• The place the visa was issued;
• Date of issuance and expiration;
• Number of entries allowed;
• Document number;
• Visa category;
• Visa type;
• The visa holder’s last and first name;
• Passport number.

How Can I Travel to The US as a Canada Visa Holder?

To travel to the US from Canada, you might be required to apply for a US visa in Canada. However, if you are a citizen of a country in the Visa Waiver Program, you are not required to apply for a US visa from Canada, but you will have to apply for ESTA instead.   

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This means that applicants who want to get obtain permanent residence to Canada can get the nomination of the province they want to move to. This nomination helps immensely in getting you invited to apply for the Canadian permanent residence.

Each Canadian province (Nunavut and Quebec excluded) have their own Provincial Nominee Programs.

They also have their own immigration programs, called “streams”, that are aimed at certain groups of people, like students, workers, entrepreneurs, etc. Each province’s PNP has at least one stream that’s connected with Canada’s immigration selection system, the Express Entry.

Gaining the nomination from a territory boosts your Express Entry points by 600, giving you an almost automatic invitation to apply for the Canadian permanent residence visa.

See below to learn more about how Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program works, what makes someone eligible for it, and how you can apply.

How Does the Provincial Nominee Program work?

So, you want to live in one of Canada’s provinces. You will need a permanent Canadian residence visa to do that. In order to boost your chances of obtaining a Canadian permanent residence visa, you can apply to the province you want to live in for a nomination.

You can do this through the Provincial Nominee Program.

The Canadian provinces that offer a PNP are:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

If the province you want to live in gives you a nomination, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send you an Invitation To Apply (ITA) for residency.

The PNP program is aimed to people who:

• Want to have a permanent residence visa for Canada
• Want to live in one particular province
• Have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province

How to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program?

The ways you can apply for a Provincial Nominee Program depends on the province you are applying to.

You will have to visit the official site of the province you are interested in and see what the application and eligibility requirements are. You can find a list of all the Canadian Provinces and links to their contacts in IRCC’s PNP eligibility site.

In some provinces, you can apply through the Express Entry System. In others, you will need to apply to the province directly and see if they give you a nomination.

Applying through the Express Entry System

There are two ways in which you can apply for the PNP via Express Entry:

Contact the province/territory you want to apply in

You apply for a nomination from a particular province under one of their Express Entry streams.

If they nominate you, you can update your Express Entry profile and show that you have been nominated. If you do not have an Express entry account, you will have to create one.

You will receive your nomination through your account, and you’ll have to accept it electronically.

Show an interest in specific provinces/territories via Express Entry

When you create your Express Entry profile, you can show interest in certain provinces/territories.

One of the provinces you were interested in will send you a “notification of interest” if they want to nominate you. If they do so, you have to contact them directly.

Then, you have to apply to their Express Entry stream.

If they choose you for a nomination, they will send it to you through your account, and you’ll have to accept it electronically.

If you are nominated (by either of the two above-mentioned methods) you will receive 600 CRS (Comprehensive Ranking Score) points to your Express Entry profile. Since Express Entry ranks potential immigrants by how many CRS points they have, 600 points will get you noticed. It will boost your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence by the IRCC.

If the IRCC invites you to apply, they will contact you through your account. Then, you have to apply for permanent residence online.

An Express Entry invitation to apply for permanent residence is only valid for 60 days. You will have to apply within that time frame.

Applying directly to a province

If you want to apply directly to a particular province’s Provincial Nominee Program, you will have to get acquainted with its eligibility and application requirements. You can do this by visiting their websites.

For the direct Provincial Nominee Program, the process is:

1. Apply to the desired province’s PNP.
2. Meet all of their eligibility requirements.
3. You will be assessed on that particular province’s point system/criteria.
4. If you receive a nomination, they will send you a nomination letter.
5. You have to submit a paper application for permanent residence to IRCC.

Keep in mind that this process takes longer than the Express Entry process.

After you have received your nomination

Once you have received your nomination via PRP, you can then submit your permanent residence application.

Requirements for the Provincial Nominee Program

The following documents are required to apply under the Canadian PNP:

• Copies of travel documents and passports.
• Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ).
• Confirmation of nomination from your province.
• Proof of language proficiency.
• 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.
• Police Certificates and Clearances. They should be from every country/territory you’ve lived in for six or more months.
• Photographs according to Canada’s photo requirements.
• PNP fee receipts.

Application forms for the Provincial Nominee Program

• Generic Application Form to Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration [IMM 5669]
• Additional Family Information [IMM 5406]
• Schedule 4: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 4]
• If applicable: Schedule 4A: Economic Classes: Provincial Nominees – Business Nominees [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 4A]
• Supplementary Information – Your travels [IMM 5562]
• Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604]
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409]
• Use of a Representative [IMM 5476]

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• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Program
• Provincial Nominee Program (only uses the platform, but has different rules)

This article will go through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and its details.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Canada Program?

Being a Canada skilled worker or a federal skilled worker is highly beneficial. You can move permanently to Canada and become a permanent resident. After a few years, you can also apply for Canadian citizenship.

Because of all these benefits, many people want to immigrate to Canada and the country also needs skilled workers, so they developed the FSWP. This program invites the most qualified and experienced people who apply from all over the world and who fulfill the conditions to immigrate.

The applicants must meet the strict criteria and get the necessary points. They must also try to have a job offer in a highly skilled job position to be able to maintain their status. The process takes from 6 months to 1 year to be completed if you apply and is very competitive.

What are the requirements for the FSWP Canada?

In order to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, there are different sets of criteria you must fulfill such as:

• Minimum selection criteria points;
• Proof of funds;
• Admissibility;

Minimum selection criteria points

These points are based on a number of factors which have different points assigned by the Canadian Government. In order to find out how much you scored, you must take an eligibility test on the Government of Canada website. This test will ask you a series of questions to determine whether you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, such as questions about your age, nationality, work experience, language skills and so on. The total points on the test are 100 and you must score 67 or more points to be eligible. The following tables show the criteria and the points for each so you can calculate them.

Language Proficiency

Language skills on English or French, which are Canadian official languages are necessary. The points are assigned for reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. You must take an approved language test for English (CELPIP or IELTS) or French (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) and based on those points, you get scored on what is known as a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).

If you have language skills in the second official language of Canada, you can also get an additional 4 points.

Education

You are also required to have at least a secondary (high school) diploma from a foreign or Canadian institution. The more educational diplomas you have, the more points you will get. If you have a foreign diploma, then you must convert it to a Canadian degree through getting an Educational Credential Assessment report from an approved agency.

This agency will evaluate your diplomas and will assign an equivalent Canadian degree to it. The points range from 25 points for a Doctoral Degree to 23 for a Master’s Degree, 21 for a Bachelor Degree in various fields and so on. To check the full list of degrees and their corresponding points, visit the Education Factor Points for FSWP.

Work experience

You are also required to have some full-time or part-time, paid work experience to get points at skill levels 0 (management jobs), A (professional jobs that require e university degree) or B (technical jobs or trades that require a college diploma or apprenticeships).

In order to determine the type of job that you have, you must find the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. Once you do that, you can compare the years of experience and get the corresponding points.

Age

You also get points depending on your age group, as follows.

Arranged employment in Canada (Max. 10 points)

You can also get points if you already have a job offer in Canada. The job offer must be for at least 1 year and it must not be seasonal. The work must be continuous, paid, and full-time (at least 30 hours per week) in a skill level 0, A, or B. To get the points you must be in one of these situations:

1. You have a valid work permit based on a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in a job that belongs to a skill level 0, A, or B. You are also working for the employer for which the work permit was issued and the employer has made a valid job offer for you if you become a permanent resident.
2. You are currently working in Canada in a job that is LMIA-exempt because the job is based either on an international agreement (such as the North American Free Trade Agreement – NAFTA), it is of significant benefit to Canada, or is based on a federal-provincial agreement. In this case, you must have a valid work permit, you have been working for that employer for the past year continuously and the employer has made you a job offer for when you become a permanent resident.
3. You do not have a work permit, but an employer who has a LMIA has made you a job offer to start when you become a permanent resident.
4. You have a work permit for Canada and are working for an employer who is LMIA exempt; however, you have a job offer from a different employer who has a LMIA to start working when you become a permanent resident.

Adaptability

You can also earn points for various factors that determine how you will adapt to life in Canada.

Proof of funds

In addition to getting 67 points out of 100 to qualify, you must also have enough funds to cover your stay in Canada for 3 to 6 months. You must prove this through submitting bank account statements.

Admissibility

You must also be admissible under a permanent resident visa for Canada. This means that you must have a clean criminal record, not pose a risk to Canada’s national security, and be a healthy individual.

Only if you fulfill all of the above criteria, can you apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

How to apply for the Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program?

If you have determined that you are eligible and that you will get 67 or more points, then the next step is to start the application process.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is not a direct application program. This means that you will only submit a profile to the Canadian Government and they will choose who is the most qualified to apply for permanent residence. The whole process takes from 6 months to 1 year and you have to do the following actions.

Get supporting documents

Before you compile your profile, you must have these supporting documents ready:

• A valid passport or travel document;
• Language test results (English or French);
• Education Credential Assessment Report
• Job offer letter from an employer in Canada (if you have one);
• Police certificates to prove you have a clean criminal record;
• Medical examination;
• Proof that you have enough funds to cover your stay in Canada if you are invited to apply;

Submit your profile

Next, you must open an account on the Government of Canada website and start your FSWP profile. In the profile form, you will write down your personal information and any details that can earn you points. You will also submit the supporting documents.

You have 60 days to submit your profile from the day you started or you will have to start again. Once you submit your profile, you must wait for the selection period. In the meantime, you can submit additional supporting documents or documents that improve your scores such as new language proficiency tests or a job offer letter if you get it later.

Get invited to apply

The Canadian Government will then evaluate all the profiles that are submitted based on the CRS Calculator. If you are one of the people who are the highest ranked, you will get an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

You can accept the invitation or you can refuse it if it is for a different program than the FSWP. If you refuse your invitation, then you must start all over again with a new profile.

Apply for permanent residence

If you accept the invitation, then the Government of Canada will send you the forms you must submit to apply for permanent residence. You will have to submit more supporting documents as well as pay the fees. The fees which apply for the FSWP are as follows:

After you submit the forms, documents, and fees, the Canadian Government will evaluate you and if they accept your application, you can make travel arrangements and move to Canada. If they deny it, they will inform you of the reasons and you can apply again.

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