F.A.Q

Potential candidatesmake an expression of interest (EOI) by creating an Express Entry profile and providing information about their education, skills, experience, language ability, and other personal information.

No Government fee is required to submit an Express Entry profile. The fee is only requested when you are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

There are several layers of cost to consider for Express Entry.

Language tests

 Cost varies by test and location, but typically between $200 CAD and $500 CAD per exam.

 Educational Credentials Assessment

 Cost varies by service provider and service selected, but typically between $200 CAD and $400CAD.

 Application & Processing Fees

 These fees are only charged after you receive an ITA and once you are ready to submit your final permanent residence application.

 Processing fees

 $825 CAD per adult; $225 CAD per child

 Right of Permanent Residence Fee

 $500 CAD per adult, dependent children are not required to pay this fee

 Biometrics

 $85.00 CAD per person

Unless you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class program or have a valid arranged offer of employment from a Canadian employer, you will need to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support your resettlement in Canada. These settlement fees are not fees paid to the Government, but you must have access to them to be approved for a permanent residence visa. The amount of money you need to support your family depends on the size of your family.To calculate the size of your family you must includeyourself, your spouse or partner, your dependent children and, your spouse’s dependent children. You must also include your spouse or dependent children even if they arepermanent residents or Canadian Citizens

not coming to Canada with you. This table shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada. If you have more money, you should list the full amount in your profile or application.

If the information provided by the potential candidate turns out to be false, this is known as misrepresentation and, depending on the nature and severity of the false claim, carries penalties. A potential candidate who has been found to have provided false information going into the Express Entry pool can be banned from re-entering the pool for five years. Therefore, it is important to provide accurate and correct information while creating the profile.

All candidates who create their Express Entry profile are given a score, out of 1,200, based on factors that play an important role in the economic success of the newcomers once they migrate to Canada.The Comprehensive Ranking System ranks eligible candidates through Express Entry under the following components:

Core human capital factors

 Candidates are awarded points for their age, education, language proficiency and Canadian work experience. These are considered as key to economic success for immigrants.

Spouse or common-law partner factors

 Candidate’s are awarded points for education, language proficiency and Canadian work experience of their accompanying spouse or common-law partner.

Skill transferability factors

 A maximum of 100 points are awarded for a candidate’s skill transferability factors. There are five combinations of such skill transferability, with a maximum of 50 points awarded for each combination. Even if a candidate scores more than 100 points in total, only 100 points will be awarded under the Comprehensive Ranking System.

Additional factors

 This section awards 600 additional points for a Provincial nomination, and other additional points for a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, Canadian education/experience, a sibling in Canada, and/or French language ability.

After submitting the express entry profile, candidates get a score to determine their place in the pool using the point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS system considers skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors (e.g. having a sibling in Canada, Canadian education or a valid job offer in Canada, etc.) to award points.

Candidates are required to update their profile to reflect any changes in their status, such as in language ability, family composition, work experience, or education credentials.

Highest ranking candidates from Express Entry pool are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence.If a candidate’s score is close to, equal or higherthan the minimum CRS score cut-off in most recent Express Entry draws, then they will likely be competitive in the Express Entry pool candidates.

Usually, it is impossible to predict the minimum CRS score cut-off in future Express Entry draws. The CRS score cut-off is impacted by a range of factors, including difference between twoconsecutive draws, number of ITA’s issued in each draw, and how many new candidates have entered the pool or increased their CRS score. If more time passes between two consecutive draws, typically the minimum CRS score cut-off increases, as more candidates will have time to enter the pool and existing candidates have more time to improve their scores.

Skilled trades are occupations that require a special skill, knowledge or ability which can be obtained at a college, technical school or through specialized training. All occupations under skilled trade are skill type B.

Trade occupations as per National Occupational Classification (NOC) are as follows:

A Certificate of Qualification proves that a person is qualified to work in certain skilled trade in Canada. Trade certification in Canada falls under provincial jurisdiction. Each province outlines which professions will be regulated and establishes regulatory bodies where applicable. With a Certificate of Qualification, applicants prove they have passed a certification exam or met all the requirements to practice their trade in a specific province or territory.

Each province outlines which professions will be regulated and establishes regulatory bodies where applicable. You should contact following provincial, territorial, or federal bodies to know more about the process and requirements:

If your trade is not regulated by a province or territory, it may be federally regulated (for example, airplane mechanic). You can find out who regulates your trade by visiting the website of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

There are few factors under CRS which may help you in improving your CRS score.

Language Skills

This factor can award up to 260 CRS points for a single candidate and up to 270 points for a couple? Language is not only the most valued human capital factor under the Comprehensive Ranking System, but it is also a factor where incremental gains can make a huge difference.Extra points are awarded for each improvement in language test results across the four language abilities (reading, writing, listening &speaking). Highest threshold is obtained when a candidate achieves a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 9 in each ability. Higher CLB also triggers an increase in points under skills transferability factors (education and work experience).

To reach CLB 9 on the IELTS General Training exam, you must achieve the following minimum scores:

Listening 8.0 |Speaking 7.0|Reading |7.0 Writing 7.0

To reach CLB 9 on the CELPIP general exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 9 in each of the four abilities(reading, writing,listening &speaking).

Work Experience

 If you are working outside Canada but have less than three years of full-time experience, keep working! Try to accumulate more than three years of work experience because, it will give you more points under skills transferability factors. If you are already working in Canada on a work permit the same applies. If you indicate that your employment is ongoing on your Express Entry profile, your CRS score will automatically update when you reach a new threshold of work experience. Although there are limits as to how many CRS points you can earn, however, more work experience and skills may be in demand in a specific province which could lead to a coveted Provincial Nomination.

Spouse

 Candidates with a spouse, however, may have additional potential for improving their CRS score because the spouses’ level of education, language ability, and Canadian work experience may all be rewarded.  You can add up to 20 points to your CRS through your partner’s first language scores. You can add up to 10 points to your CRS score by getting ECA done for your partner’s education.

Job Offer

 A job offer from a Canadian employer will bring you 50 CRS points.If you are not currently in Canada, obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employermay be difficult, but there are plenty of online resources where you may find employment opportunities.

Provincial Nomination

 If you want a 600 boost to your CRS score, plus the knowledge&b skills that you are being welcomed with open arms into your chosen destination province. A nomination from one of the provinces under Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) adds 600 additional points to your overall CRS and in most cases will secure you an ITA in the next draw. Many Canadian provinces have been using their Express Entryaligned “enhanced” PNP streams in innovative, dynamic ways. Ontario has targeted specific occupation groups, notably in the Information Technology (IT) sector, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan have PNP streams for candidates across a range of occupations (no job offer required!), British Columbia continues to invite candidates to apply under its unique system; Alberta and Manitoba have entirely new Express Entryaligned streams and other provinces have also been on board, issuing nominations to candidates in the Express Entry pool.

Can I use my Canadian work experience if it is not related to my education?

 Work experience does not have to be related to your education if you accumulated work experience after graduating from an approved Canadian post-secondary educational institution. However, it is your responsibility to demonstrate that you were qualified to work in a skilled occupation (i.e., you meet the minimum, education, skills, language, and other requirements of the job).

Do I qualify under Canadian Experience Class if I choose to return to my home country after completing one year of work experience in Canada?

Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada. However, they need to submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.

Can a candidate qualify for Canadian Experience Class if he/she has done one-year study program in Canada? 

A candidate must have acquired at least two years of academic study in Canada and must have graduated from an approved Canadian post-secondary educational institution to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class. However, there is an exception to this rule. A candidate would still qualifyunder Canadian Experience Class if he/she has completed a one-year master’s degree after completing another program that is one year in length.

Do I need to provide proof of funds for Canadian Experience Class?

Proof of funds is not a requirement if you are applying under Canadian Experience Class.

Does my internship experience in Canada will count towards my Canadian Experience Class?

If your internship was paid and was not a part of your education, then you may count it towards work experience requirement.

Not all trades are regulated in all the provinces. Where a trade is not regulated, an offer of employment from a Canadian employer may help. Trade  speople who have an offer of employment for one year or more in their trade from a Canadian employer are eligible to apply.

Is there an eligible occupations list for Federal Skilled Worker program?

There is no eligible occupations list in place currently under Skilled Worker program. Candidates need to have at least one year of work experience in the past 10 years in an occupation classified under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) as skill level A or B or skill type 0.

Do I need certain amount of funds to apply under Federal Skilled Worker program?

Yes! Applicants must show that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their dependents after arrival in Canada. The settlement funds requirement is waived for foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada and/or those who have arranged employment in Canada.This table shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada. If you have more money, you should list the full amount in your profile or application.

What is the minimum eligibility requirement to qualify under Federal Skilled Worker program?

 To qualify under Federal Skilled Worker category, candidates must:

• Have at least one year of continuous full-time, or equivalent, paid work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification skill type 0 or skill level A or B.
• Have language test results equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French in all abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking); and
• Have a Canadian educational or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for a foreign education.
• Have enough settlement funds for settlement in Canada.
• Must attain at least 67 points on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s six immigration selection factors.

All applicants and their accompanying and non-accompanying dependents are also required to meet Canadian health and security/criminality requirements.

Do I need a job offer from a Canadian employer to qualify under Federal Skilled Worker program?

 A valid job offer is not required to qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Class, but you can get up to 15 points and thereby improve your chances of being eligible. Furthermore, a valid job offer can award you between 50 and 200 points under Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), depending on the type of job.

Where can I submit my application under Federal Skilled Worker program?

All Express Entry applications are submitted online. However, applications are initially processed in Canada through the Centralized Intake Office – Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Once approved at first stage, the application will undergo further processing with an appropriate immigration office outside of Canada that serves the country where the applicant is legally residing or the immigration office that serves the applicant’s country of nationality.

Who is included in application under Federal Skilled Worker program?

Express Entry allows the principle applicant to include his/her spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner and dependent children in the application. Upon approval applicant and accompanying family members receive permanent resident visa/status.For Canadian immigration, a dependent child is defined as the following:

• under 22 years of age and not a spouse or common-law partner, or
• 22 years of age or older and unable to support themselves financially due to a physical or mental condition.

You can prove this by documentation (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs, deeds of purchase/sale, statements from stockbrokers, business/real estate valuations, etc.). You need to demonstrate that your assets were gained through means, which are considered legal, including gifts or inheritances.

Usually, applicants are only required to make an investment if their application is approved.

Yes! Most of the Canadian business immigration streams will require a capital investment from your personal net worth. The Federal Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed programs are the only streams that do not require some sort of upfront investment.

No! Your permanent residence application will not be jeopardized in the event your business fails.

Entrepreneurs willing to immigrate to Canada through Start-UpVisa program must secure a minimum investment of $200,000 CAD from a designated organization or at least $75,000 CAD from a designated angel investor. If your business is accepted into a business incubator program, you are not required to secure an investment.

You need to contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support.You need to convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting.The process to pitch your idea is different for each organization. Each organization has its own requirements. For example, you may be asked to present your business concept in person or submit a detailed business plan.If you reach an agreement with a designated organization, it will send you a letter of support. You need to include this letter when you submit your application to us. This is the proof you need to show that the venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator is supporting your business idea.

Yes! Up to 5 people can apply through the Start-up Visa Program as owners of a single business. When reviewing your proposal, the designated organization will decide who is essential or non-essential to the business. An essential person is critical to the proposed start-up. Without this person, the designated organization would not invest or support the proposal.

You must have two years of relevant experience and show that you intend to become self-employed in Canada. You must also score at least 35 points on a selection grid designed to determine whether you will be able to make an economic contribution to Canada.

No! However, you will need to satisfy a visa officer that you have enough money to settle in Canada with your dependents and finance the work on which your selection was based.

There is no formal definition of “significant contribution.” Visa officers use their judgment based on applicant’s profile and supporting documents. A contribution to athletics or the arts, even at less than a national standard, may still be significant at the local level. You must contribute to economic activities in Canada.

Individuals who fail to pass the citizenship test the first time, but who otherwise meet the criteria for obtaining citizenship, will be asked to sit another test around 4-8 weeks after the first test.If the second test also results in failure, IRCC will invite the person to appear for a hearing with a citizenship officer. During this oral hearing, the officer may assess whether this person meets all the requirements for citizenship by testing his/her knowledge of Canada, asking questions about hi/her residency in Canada, and assessing English or French ability.

No ! You do not automatically become a Canadian citizen if you marry a Canadian citizen. It may be possible for your spouse (the Canadian citizen) to sponsor you to become a permanent resident.

Your child is likely a Canadian citizen if at least 1 parent (legal/biological parent)was born in Canada orbecame a naturalized Canadian citizen before the child was born.

Yes! You can leave Canada after IRCC receives your application. If you need to leave Canada and want to stay eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must:

• Make sure that you live in Canada long enough to keep your Permanent Resident (PR) status.
• Be a permanent resident (when you apply).
• Not lose PR status before you take the Oath of Citizenship.
• Bring your PR card with you when you leave Canada so you can return easily.

No!Naturalized Canadian citizens do not have to intend to reside in Canada upon being naturalized.

Except for in a few rare cases involving international adoption, all naturalized Canadians must first apply for and obtain Canadian permanent resident status. Canada welcomes newcomers from across the world under its immigration programs, through which individuals and families may become permanent residents.

The sponsor must undertake to provide the sponsored family members with:

• Food, clothing, shelter, and other basic requirements of everyday living; and
• Health needs (e.g. dental, eye care) which are not covered by public health services available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• The obligation to provide for the essential needs of the sponsored person(s) will only arise if the sponsored person(s) is unable to provide for these needs on their own.

The sponsor and the sponsor’s co-signer (if applicable), are obliged to sign an undertaking with the Canadian Government promising to provide for the essential needs of the sponsored person(s) for a period of time following the arrival of the sponsored person(s) in Canada. The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that the sponsored family members do not become dependent on Canadian public welfare assistance. The undertaking, once made, cannot be cancelled, or modified by the sponsor at any time after the sponsored family members have arrived in Canada.

You can appeal the case to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 30 days of the refusal. IAD appeals are lengthy, costly and by no means guaranteed.

It depends on which Canadian Immigration Visa Office is processing your application and the type of family member sponsored.

It depends on where the application is in the process.

• You will get a full refund if IRCC did not start your application.
• You will get the refund (except sponsorship fee) if IRCC has started processing sponsor’s application but has not yet started processing the permanent residence application.
• You will get the refund forRight of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) if IRCC has started processing PR application.
• You will not get any refund if your application is refused by IRCC.

You can put a withdrawal request through IRCC web form. Please mention your name, your date of birth, your complete address, the date the application was sent, your client ID number (if available), the type of application (for example, sponsorship of my spouse), the reason for the withdrawal. If your sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident before IRCC get your cancellation request, the application can not be cancelled. You will have to respect your sponsorship obligations.

If your spouse or common-law partner is living in Canada on a valid work permit, they may continue to work until their permit expires. If they are living in Canada on a valid study or visitor visa, they may be eligible to apply for an open work permit (OWP) that allows them to work while their application is being processed.

If your spouse or common-law partner is not living in Canada, they are not eligible to apply for a spousal open work permit. However, if they meet the eligibility criteria for a Canadian work permit, they may apply for a regular work permit while their sponsorship application is in process.

In most cases, there is no low-income-cut-off (LICO) for spouse, partner, or dependent child sponsorship. However, if either a spouse or partner you are sponsoring has as dependent child who has dependent children of their own, or a dependent child you are sponsoring has a dependent child of their own, you must meet a minimum LICO score, which is determined by the Canadian Government each year.

No!You do not need to demonstrate a minimum amount of income/moneyor a job offer to sponsor your spouse or common-law partner. However, you must sign an undertaking, in which you promise to provide financial support for the basic needs of your sponsored family member.

The length of the undertaking depends on the category of sponsorship. For spousal sponsorship (including spouses and common-law or conjugal partners), the length of the undertaking is 3 years from the day the sponsored individual becomes a Canadian permanent resident.

No! You can begin sponsorship application if the adoption process is in the final stages.

A marriage of convenience (MOC) is a marriage where the sole purpose is to let the sponsored spouse immigrate to Canada. If the visa processing officer reviewing the application determines that your relationship is a marriage of convenience, your spousal sponsorship application will likely be refused. Marriages of convenience constitute marriage fraud and may result in criminal charges.

Spousal sponsorship applications are typically processed within 12 months.

No!IRCC do not recognize these types of marriages. If one or both parties are not physically present at the ceremony, IRCC will not recognize the marriage.

You may be exempt from this rule if:

• Your application was received before June 10, 2015, or
• You are a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. The marriage may be recognized if:
• You could not be physically present at your marriage ceremony, because of travel restrictions related to your service,
• the marriage took place outside of Canada, and
• It was registered in a country where marriage by proxy is legal.

Your application may be more complex if:

• the contact information on file (address, telephone, email) is outdated and IRCC is not able to contact you or a family member.
• IRCC requested more documents and they were not submitted on time, or at all.
• Your dependant(s) turned 18 since you applied.
• You added dependant(s) to your application since you applied.
• Your dependant(s) got married and/or had children of their own since you applied.
• You provided legal documents to confirm a change to your marital status, or about child custody.
• You or your family member were asked to resubmit a medical exam because one expired (exams for every person must all be valid at the same time).
• You or a family member were asked to appear for an interview.
• You or a family member might not be eligible.
• Background checks are still in progress for you or your family members.

No! The insurance must be purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

There is no medical test or examination required to purchase super visa insurance. You can buy the policy online or over the phone from a Canadian insurance company.

There is no age restriction to apply for a Super Visa. You can apply for your parents and/or grandparents up to any age.

You must be covered for one year.

You can get a full refund on your insurance with proof that your visa was denied.

You can contact your insurance provider to change your dates of coverage, as long as you contact them before the effective date.

If you are travelling to Canada with a Super Visa, you must purchase a one-year policy in order to be eligible. Once you have returned home, you can apply for a partial refund (with proof of your early return, provided you have no claims on file).

Once you are back home, you can apply for a partial refund (with proof of your early return, provided you have no claims on file).

No!Policies can only be issued for one year at a time. However, once you are nearing the end of your first year, you can renew your plan.

Visitors to Canada plans allow side trips, provided at least 51% of the coverage dates are spent in Canada. The trip must also commence and end in Canada.

Yes!Travellers up to age 79 can be covered for most pre-existing medical conditions, provided they meet certain stability requirements. For travellers aged 80 and over, coverage of pre-existing conditions may be offered after a detailed medical questionnaire and underwriter approval.

Yes! You can take a deductible to lower your premium.

The Express Entry stream is aligned with federal express entry system. Under this stream a Canadian province can select the candidates from express entry pool and notify them to apply in their Provincial Nominee Program.

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwest Territories require the lowest language (IELTS/CELPIP) score (CLB 4) out of all the Canadian provinces.

No! Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) must be satisfied that a provincial nominee meets statutory requirements (e.g., health, security, and authenticity of documents) before issuing a Canada Immigration Visa.

Processing times vary from one province to the next, but it typically takes a few months for your application to be processed. Applying for Canadian permanent residence through a PNP is a two-step process. First, you must apply to the province. Once the PNP has been approved, you must then submit your application to the federal government. Only the federal government can grant you Canadian PR.

It depends on which province/territory you intend on applying for. Therefore, you must submit your application to the appropriate provincial or territorial government office.

PNP’s aligned with federal government’s express entry program award 600 CRS additional points which automatically triggers an ITA. PNP may also issue work permit support letter (WPSL) which can be used to apply/extend the work permit application.

The requirements are different for each PNP in Canada. Provinces and territories are often looking for candidates with work experience that meets the needs of their specific labour market. Factors like language, education, experience, and close relatives are key selection factors. Candidates need to demonstrate that they will be able to contribute to the local economy and have a genuine intention to settle in that province/territory.

Yes!Some provinces issue nominations to applicants who do not qualify for express entry.

Government processing fee for LMIA application is $1000 CAD per position. However, there are exceptions where an employer/company is not required to pay this processing fee.

Exceptions

• LMIA to support permanent residency application.
• LMIA for primary agriculture stream and positions under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0821, 0822, 8252, 8255, 8431, 8432 and 8611.
• LMIA to hire a foreign caregiver to provide home care for individuals requiring assistance with medical needs.

Positive LMIA and the work permit specify the name of the employer, the position, and the location of work. None of these criteria can change unless a new LMIA and a new work permit is first obtained. The exception is that the name of the employer can change if the business is sold and the worker remains in the same position and same location.

If you want to give your foreign worker a promotion, you first need to go through the LMIA process in order to demonstrate a labour shortage for the new position, obtain an approved LMIA, and then have the foreign worker obtain a new work permit for the new position.

Provincial Labour standards always override the LMIA approval. If the minimum provincial wage is now higher than the LMIA approved wage rate, you need to adjust the worker’s wage rate to match the current provincial minimum wage.

If you decide after the foreign worker starts to work for your company that he/she is not a good fit, you can terminate their employment according to the provincial/federal labour laws and employment contract (if any). Make sure you notify Service Canada that foreign worker is no longer working with you.If you decide that you can no longer offer the position before the foreign worker starts to work for your business, you need to notify both the worker and Service Canada as soon as possible.Cancelling a job offer can have serious/negative immigration consequences for the foreign worker, so it is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

No! The job must be for a full-time (at least 30 hours/week).

The LMIA process serves as proof that no Canadian citizen and/or permanent resident is ready, willing, and able to fill a specific position in Canada. The process is difficult, and onus is on the employer/company to demonstrate that there is a genuine labor shortage. However, there are sectors where Canadian workers are not available to fill the labour shortage, and a foreign worker is the only option.

It depends on several factors and situations. Employer can apply for many LMIA’s indeed they can demonstrate that there is a genuine need for their business.For lower skilled positions, there is a CAP on the number of foreign workers that any one business can employ andthere may be certain restrictions in place due to regional unemployment levels.

Wage/Salary and working hours are specified in a positive LMIA. Increase in wages/salary (once the foreign worker has started his/job) can have issues/problems during thecompliance audit.If employer had advertised a higher wage/salary in the first place, they may have had Canadians or Permanent Residents who were interested in the position, and then you would not have required to hire a temporary foreign worker.

However, an employer can increase salary/wages if the prevailing wage rate changes during the employment. The prevailing wage rate is the government acceptable wage rate for each position and location. If a scheduled pay increase is part of your business, you may specify in LMIA application in order to give yourself the option to provide the same pay raises to a foreign worker that you provide to your Canadian employees.

You can submit LMIA application up to six months prior to the expected job start date.

The processing times are averaged across all processing centers in Canada. Timelines represent the average time it takes to process an application from when it is received by Service Canada to when the decision is made on the application.

Global Talent Stream and applications that qualify for expedited service have a service standard of 10-business days that is expected to be met 80% of the time. The service standard date starts on the business day after the application has been received.

Yes!You can purchase a business in Canada while being on a tourist visa. However, you will have to meet certain requirements and the laws differ depending on the type of business you buy as well as the province in which it will operate.

As a business owner, it is expected that you will actively manage your business in Canada. Therefore, your presence in Canada is generally required. However, this does not mean that you cannot travel while working in Canada, especially if your business requires extensive traveling outside of Canada.

Under the Owner/Operator LMIA based work permit, as a manager of your business in Canada, you must pay yourself a salary that meets the Canadian median wage standards.

Yes! This is possible, but make sure that you buy at least 51% of shares in the running/existing business.

It is not mandatory to submit a business plan if the business is in operation since many years. Business plan is required for start up businesses.

The Owner/Operator program generally exists for small and medium business owners. It does not refer to individuals who simply receive shares as a compensation package. The size of a business can be defined in many ways, by the value of its annual sales, annual gross/net revenue, the size of its assets or the number of its employees.

No! However, if it is your second application for Owner/Operator LMIA to extend a work permit or support application for permanent residence, then you may need to provide proof of your work in Canada.

Yes! You can buy a business with a partner or buy shares in an existing business in Canada. However, the partner who has at least 51% shares in the business can only apply for the Owner/Operator LMIA and receive a work permit to manage the Canadian business. The minority partner (if not a Canadian citizen/permanent resident) will have to apply for a regular LMIA if he/she wants to relocate to Canada as a business partner as well.

One of the primary objectives of the Owner/Operator LMIA program is to create job opportunities for Canadians. Your inability to meet your hiring commitment plans may negatively affect your work permit extensions and/or permanent residence applications in the future.

No! Your work permit will be limited to your company in Canada, which means that you cannot work for any other company.

When supporting your permanent residency application, your company must guarantee to IRCC that your position will remain available to you for at least 1 year after you become a permanent resident of Canada. Although there is no specific limitation on selling your business, the IRCC may interpret your sale of the business as a breach of undertaking by your Canadian business.

Yes! You can leave Canada and return as long as your visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid. If your visitor visa or eTA is expired, you must apply for and receive a new one before you leave.There is only one exception to this. You may be able to re-enter Canada with an expired visitor visa (not an expired eTA) ifyou only visit the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon andyou return to Canada before your study permit expires.

When you return to Canada

If your study permit is still valid, or we extended your permit while you were away, the officer may let you enter as a student.If IRCC is still processing your study permit extension, the officer may let you enter as a visitor. In this case, you cannot study until you get your extended study permit. The officer at the port of entry may also ask you to prove you have enough money to support yourself in Canada.

A border officer may have some questions for you when you arrive back in Canada. If the officer believes there’s reason to refuse your re-entry, you will not be able to re-enter Canada. The officer may ask you for a copy of your extension application, the fee payment receipt, or any other document to prove you applied for an extension.

Yes! However, your study permit is not a travel document. It does not give you the right to travel to or enter Canada. Along with your permit, you may need a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Depending on where you are from, you may only need your passport.

International students in Canada can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during full-time studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. Most students do not need a work permit to work while they study whether their job is on campus or off campus. If your program of study includes work experience, you may be able to work more than 20 hours during the semester. This will be indicated in your letter of acceptance. If the government approves this condition, you will be granted both a work permit and a study permit.

Distance learning may be done through e-learning, correspondence, or online courses. Distance learning is a process that often involves a learning process by which technology is used to so that the student does not need to be physically present where the teaching is taking place. A study permit cannot be issued for a distance learning course. However, if a distance learning program includes an in-Canada portion, and the length of the program is longer than six months then the student may receive a study permit for the in-Canada portion of the program. The duration of the study permit, however, is restricted to the duration of the in-Canada portion only.

Yes! You can change your school or program at any time. If a student is transferring from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another, even if it is at the same level of study, he or she must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) by updating his or her online MyCIC account and ensuring that the school is a DLI. The same applies for post-secondary students changing their level of study (i.e., from a bachelor’s to master’s program). Please check the conditions listed on the study permit to verify whether the permit restricts the holder from studying at a particular institution or program.If you are moving to a school in Quebec (and your previous school is outside Quebec), you must get a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ). You need a CAQ for any level of school, including primary.

Statement of purpose (SOP) or letter of intent is a critical part of your study permit application. It should explain your plans to study in the country and your goals. You should acknowledge the conditions of being a Canadian study permit-holder. The purpose of the letter of intent is to assure the Canadian government that you will respect the conditions of your permit. You must agree to leave the country once your permit has expired.

To study at a Canadian school, you will need to be proficient in English or French. Canadian post-secondary schools set their own conditions for language skills of international students. Language skill requirements vary from one school to the next. While preparing your application, you should research the specific requirements for your program. Some schools even allow you to complete English courses after you begin your studies. Some international students do not need to provide proof of their language skills. If you are from an English-speaking country or have studied in English, then you may not have to take the English test. Each school set its own language requirements. It is important to check the specific requirements of the school where you want to apply.

There are plenty of scholarship opportunities for international students who want to study in Canada. The opportunities available to you will depend on your field of study or research and your country of origin. More information about scholarships may be found at EduCanada.

Compared to many countries, studying in Canada is very affordable. You will likely need between $20,000 CAD and $30,000 CAD annually to cover tuition. This range is an average only and will vary according to the institution and program in which you are enrolled. The costs for housing, food and other living expenses will depend on your location and your own needs, but $15,000 – $20,000 CAD annually is not an uncommon estimate.

International students who are married or have dependent children may wish to bring their family with them. Canadian visa officers will consider study permit applications which include accompanying family members. You should note that including family members on a study permit application may influence the visa officer’s decision. If you are approved as a family, your spouse will be able to work full time while in Canada. Any accompanying children will be able to study for free.

If your family does accompany you, your spouse or common-law partner will be eligible for an open work permit, authorizing them to work full-time in Canada while you are studying.

A Designated Learning Institution, or DLI, is a school, approved by a provincial or territorial government, that admits international students. It is vital to secure a letter of acceptance from a DLI to obtain a Canadian study permit. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. Post-secondary schools must receive permission from the provincial government to accept international students. If you want to come to Canada to study at the post-secondary level, make sure that your school and program of study is on this list of Canadian DLIs.

All international students in Canada must have healthcare coverage. Certain provinces allow international students access to Canada’s public healthcare system. Students in provinces that do not offer health coverage must buy private health insurance. All Canadian schools offer health insurance plans for international students.

Canada makes it easy for international students to become permanent residents if they want to remain in the country. The Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to stay in Canada and work for up to three years after graduating. After working in Canada for at least one-year in skilled occupation, international graduates may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. To apply for a PGWP, you need to prove that you have respected all the conditions of your study permit. A PGWP is typically granted for the same duration as your studies in Canada.

An applicant is not required to obtain a study permit for a program, which is less than six months in duration.

If an application is refused, you may re-apply with a new application.

Processing time starts the day IRCC receive your complete application and ends when they make a final decision. It may vary depending on how many applications IRCC receive and where (country) the application was submitted.

Yes! You can apply to extend your stay beyond six months through an extension application. However, you should apply before the expiration of your current visitor status. If your visitor status expires but you have already applied for an extension and are waiting for your renewal, you will have an implied status, until a final decision is made on your extension application. If your application for an extension is refused, you can apply for restoration of status, so long as your application is made within 90 days of the refusal date.

• You need to be currently in Canada at the time of submitting the application and must hold a current passport that will stay valid for the duration of your stay.
• You will need to pay the associated fee for the application.
• You need to provide a reason(s) why you want to extend your stay.

There is no formal appeal process for refused TRV (visitor visa) application. However, you may reapply if your situation has changed substantially or you have considerable new information to submit.

International students generally require a study permit to pursue an educational program in Canada. However, there are few exceptions to this rule. If your program in Canada is less than six months, you do not require a study permit, although it may be a good idea to apply for one in case you decide to continue your studies. You may also study in Canada without a study permit if you are a family member of a foreign representative accredited by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. In addition, if you are a member of a foreign armed force under the Visiting Forces Act, you will not be required to obtain a study permit. If you are in Canada on a work/student permit, your minor children can study at the secondary or elementary level without study permit.

A foreign national must obtain a work permit to work in Canada. You need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work permit. Also, you must meet other program requirements.

If your friend/family member requires a visitor visa to visit Canada, their initial application must be submitted outside the country. (visa office at their country of residence). You may provide them an invitation letter, explaining how you will them to visit Canada. For an example, you may state that you will pay for their plane tickets and will provide an accommodation. While an invitation letter may help a visitor visa application, it does not guarantee that the applicant(s) will receive a visa.

Incomplete application forms

 You should be extra diligent when filling out your application forms, as leaving certain areas blank is the most common mistake you can make as an applicant. If you are not sure about any section, always try to find out how to answer, rather than guessing/leaving it blank.Sign all the required sections. Missing out just one signature may lead to an incomplete application. Make sure to double check all the areas in your forms, and only sign where a signature is required.

Misrepresentation or incorrect information

 Always be honest when providing information and supporting documents for your application. Submitting any forged/altered document may result into visa refusal. It is advisable not to provide incorrect information on the application forms. Lying or providing forged/altered documents will only diminish the credibility of your application and could be refused based on misrepresentation. Misrepresentation may result in legal action, removal or being banned from Canada for up to 5 years.

Not having enough proof of ties to your home country

You must provide documentary evidence of financial and social ties to your home country, otherwise the officer may conclude that you may not return at the end of your stay in Canada.

Using an unauthorized representative

You can hire an authorized representative to help with your application. Paid representatives are authorized by the government. Unfortunately, there are many fraudulent companies or agents that will overcharge you for what they claim is a guaranteed visa. An authorized representative will never give you a guarantee of success.

Generally, individuals who are not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident require a valid work permit to work in Canada. However, foreign worker can do some jobs in Canada without a work permit.

The first step is to obtain a valid offer of employment from a Canadian employer. Open work permits are the exception and do not require a job offer.

A foreign worker can only work with the employer mentioned on his/her work permit. If an individual changes employer, he/she must apply for a new work permit. Only workers admitted to Canada on an open work permit can change employer without reapplying.

An open work permit is a work permit that is not job, occupation, location, or employer specific. Open work permit holder is authorized to work in anywhere in Canada with any employer.

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

• Are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
• Are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student).
• Have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada.
• Applied for permanent residence in Canada (bridging open work permit).
• Are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence.
• Are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student.
• Are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.
• Are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member.
• Are under an unenforceable removal order.
• Are a temporary resident permit holder.
• Are a young worker participating in special programs.

Yes!If your work permit is still valid, you can apply to extend it from inside Canada.