Immigration

What is a Canadian Permanent Residency Visa?

A Canadian Permanent Residency Visa entitles a holder to permanent residency status in Canada. You will be free to live and work anywhere in Canada without restrictions with this Visa. There are some restrictions placed on the Visa such that it can be revoked on criminality and when minimum residency in Canada is not maintained.

What are the different categories for obtaining a Canadian Permanent Residency Visa?

The main categories of immigration to Canada to obtain a Permanent Visa are Business Class (Entrepreneur, Investor and Self Employed), Skilled Worker, Family Sponsorship (Spouses, Common law and Conjugal Partners and Dependent Children) and Provincial Nominee.

What is the difference between having a Permanent Resident Visa in Canada and working in Canada with a Work Permit?

The difference is that a Work Permit you are in Canada on a permit for a limited period of time and have restriction on where you can live and work. If you want to remain in Canada beyond a certain period of time you will need to renew a Work Permit which may or may not be granted. A Permanent Residency Visa to Canada, however, entitles the holder to live in Canada permanently without a further application for a Visa.

What are the fees payable to the Canadian government for each Immigration Application?

The following are the fees payable to the Canadian government for each type of Immigration Application.

Category of applicant Fee***
Skilled Worker/Family Class Principal applicant* $550.00 + tax
Entrepreneur, Self-Employed and Investor Principal applicant* $1050.00 + tax
Each accompanying family member 22 and over* $550.00 + tax
Each family member under 22 years old* $150.00 + tax
Right of Permanent Resident Fee (payable before landing)** $490.00 + tax

*due on submission of application to Canadian consulate
** due prior to landing but after application submitted and reviewed (payable prior to landing
***Fees can change at any notice, the above fees are as of April 15, 2007

What other fees and costs can I expect in the Immigration Process?

You will be required to pay for medical examinations and translation of documents into English or French if applicable.

How can I find out if I qualify for Immigration to Canada?

You are welcome to fill out my online Immigration Assessment Form here, wherein I can provide an Assessment of your chances of immigrating to Canada under the different categories.

Who is eligible to be included in my Immigration Application?

You must include your spouse/common law partner/conjugal partner and any dependent children you may have. Dependent children are defined as children under the age of 22 years or if they are 22 and older they must be full-time students and have not interrupted their studies since the age of 22. If you have marry or have children during the Application process you must update immigration with this new information. Please contact Alexander Atkinson, if you have any further questions on the process.

Will I be required to have a medical, what about my family members?

Yes, everyone who wishes to emigrate to Canada and applies is required to undergo a medical examination this includes both accompanying and non-accompanying dependents with some exceptions. Medical examinations are valid for 1 year.

Is it beneficial to hire a lawyer on an Immigration Application?

Although you are allowed to submit your own application to Immigration Canada, it is highly advised for you not to do so. Immigration Regulations are constantly changing and it is important that the rules are followed to avoid delays or increased costs to fix a poorly prepared application. Worst case is that your case will be rejected for failure to prepare your documents or submitting an application under the incorrect category. A lawyer will ensure that your application is prepared properly thus avoiding delays and a rejection of your application.

I want to sponsor my spouse to Canada, how would I go about doing this?

You can contact our office via email with more information about your situation and we can then determine if you qualify for sponsorship and discuss how we can help you through the process and submit the application on your behalf.

If apply and obtain a Permanent Residency Visa, how soon after can I become a Citizen of Canada?

You can apply for Citizenship of Canada after you have landed in Canada and after you have been a living in Canada as a physical resident for 1095 days (3 years) out of 4 years prior to submitting your application for Citizenship. Some exceptions apply such that you can apply even if you do not meet the fixed term residency requirements.

I would like to apply to Canada as a Skilled Worker, how do I find out if I am a Skilled Worker?

Canadian Immigration has a listing of occupations which qualify under the Skilled Worker Category. If you complete our online Immigration Form here, we can determine for you whether you will qualify for Immigration under the Skilled Worker Category.

I have a substantial net worth and want to come to Canada without setting up or buying a business at this time, I am eligible?

Yes, you may qualify under the Investor Category provided you have the required business or management experience and meet the minimum net worth requirements. You will also be required to make a substantial guaranteed investment ($400,000.00 CDN) in Canada for 5 years which investment will be returned to you without interest.