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  Canada

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General Inquiries


What is a Canadian Immigrant Visa?

An Immigrant Visa is a document which allows a person to live and work anywhere in Canada, and confers upon that person permanent resident status. It comes with certain responsibilities and can be revoked if the holder is out of the country for too long, or is guilty of some criminal activity. A person who is a Canadian permanent resident may apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years.

How is an Employment Authorization different from an Immigrant Visa?

An Employment Authorization permits an eligible visitor to reside and work in Canada for a limited period of time, and restrictions are usually placed on the type of employment which can be pursued. It will not, by itself, lead to Canadian permanent resident status. By contrast, a Canadian Immigrant Visa entitles its holder to live and work anywhere in Canada, enjoy many of the privileges of Canadian Citizenship, apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years and sponsor family members for Canadian permanent resident status.

Can I apply for permanent resident status and temporary status at the same time?

You can apply for permanent resident status and temporary status at the same time (dual intent). Doing so will not harm your application for permanent resident status. However, your application for temporary status may be affected because an impression will have been created that you do not intend to leave Canada upon the expiration of your temporary status. Therefore it is better to apply for temporary status before you apply for your permanent resident status.

Is my legal status in the country from which I am applying relevant?

Canadian policy has been to ignore an applicant's foreign immigration status. However, there have been some refusals on the grounds of criminal inadmissibility where the applicant admitted to having knowingly violated the immigration laws of a foreign jurisdiction.

I have heard that Canadian Immigration Regulations will be changing. When will that be? How will I be affected?

Immigration laws, regulations, and policies are subject to change. Ongoing discussions are taking place with the aim of making the selection criteria more compatible with the changing requirements of Canada's economy. The effect of these changes will vary considerably from one applicant to another, depending on the particular circumstances. While one candidate may benefit from these changes, another may suffer a loss of points, or even automatic inadmissibility.

Is there a benefit to using an attorney for immigration to Canada?

Statistically, your chances of succeeding are increased if you are represented by a qualified attorney. But expert representation is not demanded by the Canadian immigration authorities.

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