FAQ » Immigration-FAQ
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about immigration to Canada. If you have a question that is not listed here or need more information, please contact us for a free assessment.
When applying for Canadian immigration, who is included in the application?
If you are married, your spouse should be included as a dependent, as well as all dependent children whether they are accompanying you to Canada or not. Your dependents must undergo and pass background checks and medical examinations. All dependents 18 years of age or over must complete their own individual application form.
What happens if your circumstances change from the time you submit your application?
When you have signed the form, it becomes a legal document and the information you have provided must be truthful, complete and correct. If any information changes before you arrive in Canada, you must inform us about that in writing, even if your visa has already been issued.
Do you or other members of your family have to attend an interview?
A visa officer will review your application and decide if an interview is necessary. If so, you will be informed of the time and place. Your spouse and dependent children aged 18 or over may be asked to accompany you to the interview. The visa officer may ask about your job, work experience, education, and reasons for migrating, plans and preparations. The officer may also ask about your family, spouse and/or dependents, or about your health, financial situation, or past difficulties with the law. There may also be questions to determine your ability to settle successfully in Canada. We assist in coaching you for the interview, making sure that your visa interview will pass as smoothly as possible.
You intend to live in the province of Quebec upon your arrival in Canada. Are there any special requirements for immigrating to this province?
Yes, there are. If you wish to live in the province of Quebec, you must apply directly to the province for preliminary approval. Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec is entitled to select its own immigrants.
Is there a medical requirement for immigrating to Canada?
Yes, there is. You and your dependents, whether accompanying you or not, must undergo and pass a medical examination. To pass the medical examination you or your dependents must not have a condition that is a danger to public health or safety or would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada. The medical examination must be done by a physician on Canada’s list of designated medical practitioners must do the examination.
For how long is the medical examination valid?
The medical examination is valid for twelve (12) months from the date of the first medical examination. If your visa is not processed in this time, you must undergo another complete medical examination.
Does everyone in my family have to undergo a medical examination?
Yes, they do. All of your dependents who are not permanent residents or Canadian citizens yet, whether they will accompany you to Canada or not, have to undergo a medical examination.
For how long is the Immigrant Visa valid?
The validity date is based upon the earlier of: your or your dependents' passport validity date(s), or the medical validity date(s). Medical examination results are valid for 12 months after the initial medical examination. Immigrant visas cannot be extended once issued. If applicants do not use the visas within their validity, they must reapply for immigration to Canada.
What happens when you arrive in Canada?
When you arrive, you must present your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) to a Canadian customs or immigration officer at your first port of entry. The officer will check your visa and travel document and ask you questions similar to those on the Immigration Application Form to verify that you are of good character and in good health. If there are no difficulties, the officer will authorize your admission to Canada as a permanent resident.
After obtaining permanent resident status in Canada, can you return to your country to settle your affairs?
Permanent residents may leave and re-enter Canada as often as they wish, provided they comply with residency obligations. Permanent residents comply with residency obligations if they accumulate two years of physical presence in Canada in every five-year period.
If you have to stay outside Canada for extended periods of time, you can accumulate residency days if you are:- accompanying a Canadian spouse or common-law partner, or are a child accompanying a parent, or
- employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or the Public Service of Canada, or
- an accompanying spouse, common-law partner or child of a permanent resident who is outside Canada and who is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or the Public Service of Canada.
