Canada Immigration Questions Answered

Immigration to Canada seems to be a growing interest these days. And why not, Canada is popular for the good quality of life that it offers to its residents. But, how does the immigration process really go? Applying for immigration is not easy, and it can also be confusing.

Here, we discuss some general questions commonly asked by those who plan to immigrate and we clarify the answers to these questions.

Questions about Qualifications

1. What are the qualifications when applying for immigration? Is a job and employer needed?
A job and employer is not needed when immigrating to Canada. As long as you are a skilled and experienced worker, included in the 29 occupations that Canada has specified, you can apply for immigration. You can also be sponsored by a Canadian relative. When you get there, you’ll find that there are different organizations whose goal is to help newcomers.

2. Can my family immigrate with me? And is it possible for my family to be the first to move even if I’m the main applicant?
Yes, your family can immigrate with you, but they can’t move ahead of you. The main applicant should be the one to move first – alone or with the family.

Question about Processing

1. How long does the immigration processing take?
It used to take several years before, but one year is the average timeframe now. That is, if you quality in any of the 29 occupations issued by Canada. This change was started in February 2008, but so far one year is the minimum. There’s no such thing as processing and approval in just a matter of a few months.

Questions about the Conditions

1. Can I apply for immigration even if I’m out of status in the US?
Yes, you can. This doesn’t affect your application for immigration to Canada – there are many with a similar case who were still successful in their application.

2. When I apply for immigration to Canada and I am approved, do I have the option to postpone the move and extend the validity date in my visa?
No, you don’t have that option. Once approved, the validity date will refer to a year after your medical examination or during the expiration date of your passport, whichever is earlier. No extension is given.

3. I have been planning to apply but I cannot leave immediately due to family responsibilities. What can I do?
If you have not yet applied, there is a special arrangement that will accommodate your present situation.

4. I work in another country and want to immigrate to Canada. In case I am approved, should I move directly from my country of work to Canada or should I return to my home country and move from there?
It doesn’t matter. There is no law that covers this, so you can move from anywhere.

These are just a few of the common questions that people ask about immigrating and moving to Canada. If you need professional help with your immigration to Canada case, send an email to options@canadaimmigrationfacts.com on what your situation is and how to get in touch with you so that one of our CSIC professional lawyers can look at your case.


Disclaimer: The immigration article posted above does not substitute as a legal advice on immigration issues. If you need to consult a qualified professional about your case, you can visit a qualified immigration professional in your city or country. Use due diligence in doing so.

Addressing The Different Questions About Canada Immigration Procedures

We’ve heard a lot of stories about Canada – that it’s a very successful country, that even if you’re just an apple picker over there, you can already earn a lot. Many people equate Canada with wealth, with a good life, and with a bright future. No wonder many individuals are aiming to work in … Continue reading

Canada Immigration Policy Involving Parents and Children: A Closer Look At Humanitarian And Compassionate Reasons

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, you’ll be happy to know that it’s possible to bring your family with you – your spouse and your children. And if you’re already a permanent resident, you can also petition your family – including your parents – so that they can come and live with you. Only, … Continue reading

Misrepresentation On Canada Work Permit Must Be Corrected

Q: I am in the process of applying for an open permit under the live-in caregiver program and afterwards as a permanent resident. When I applied as a caregiver, I indicated in my application that I was single when in fact I am married. That time, me and my spouse were not in good terms, … Continue reading

Immigrants To Canada Expected To Increase With New Measures In Place

Canada is starting to implement measures toward economic recovery by planning to admit more immigrants to the country. Employers today need more federal skilled workers, so Canada is aiming at increasing its target to 265,000 immigrants for this year (2010). Such immigrants will include federal skilled workers and provincial nominees. If the government is to … Continue reading

Latest Changes For Foreign Contract Worker Rules To Canada

Canada has always been one of the most popular destinations of foreign workers from Asia, especially from the Philippines, not only because of the good job offers but also because of other good opportunities. One of these is the ability of foreign workers to apply for permanent residency in the country through the different programs … Continue reading

Slow Processing Of Canada Work Permit At The Canadian Embassy In Manila

Many Canadians are in dire need of Filipino workers and many Filipino workers are also very eager to work in Canada because of better pay, good working conditions and other benefits. But the real problem is, processing of their Canadian work permits in the Canadian Immigration Office in Manila is utterly slow. The present situation … Continue reading

Canada Refugee Status Claim Denied? Consider Applying For Permanent Resident

A denied application for a refugee status in Canada is not yet the end of the road for your intention to become a Canadian resident. Don’t lose time fretting at the thought of being deported. There are other proven strategies that may help you in your case. One solution is for you to apply as … Continue reading

Tips On Caregiver Agency “Ghost Employer” Tactics

Caregiver Applicants, Know If Your Employer Is For Real And Not Just A “Ghost” For those applying to be a live in caregiver in Canada, here are some tips that you should heed before engaging the service of a nanny agency or recruiter. This will help you to detect early on if your Canadian employer … Continue reading

Live In Caregivers Can Now Sue Recruiters Promising “Ghost Employers”

Q: I applied as a live-in caregiver in Canada. I was assured by the agency that my employer is already waiting for me. I settled all my accounts with the agency confident on the thought that I can just recover all my expenses by working hard in Canada. I was in high spirit when I … Continue reading

Many Live-in Caregivers Fail to Meet the 24 Month Requirement

Becoming a permanent resident is what every foreign live-in caregiver strives for. Foreign live-in caregivers need to secure their future and status in Canada by making sure they meet the 24 months of full-time employment as live-in caregiver within 36 months from arrival date. For clarification, the foreign live-in caregiver program (LCP) is still the … Continue reading

Canada Work Permit For A Brother

Q. I live in Canada and have a brother who wants to come and work here. I am able to get him a job offer, however, the job offer that I have is from an occupation that isn’t in demand here. What does an employer have to do in cases like this? A. As long … Continue reading

Live In Caregiver Program: Question Of An Employer

Q: I am employer in Toronto and I require the services of a live in caregiver from the Philippines. My live in caregiver applicant in Manila have already obtained her work permit but she was surprised about the notice that she cannot leave the Philippines until she satisfies the documents coming from the POEA. The … Continue reading