Canada Skilled Worker Application: FAQ

Q:What does Canadian permanent resident status confer?
Ans: Pursuant to the provisions of Canada's constitutional laws, the holder of a Canadian permanent resident visa and his/her accompanying dependants are permitted to permanently reside in Canada and earn a livelihood in any one of the ten provinces or three territories within Canada. In addition, individuals with Canadian permanent residence may attend primary and secondary education institutions in the various provincially administered public school systems, tuition exempt. Permanent residents also qualify for provincially administered universal health care coverage.

Q:How long does it take to obtain a permanent resident visa?
Ans: Depending upon the time of year, the immigration office in question and other factors, the processing time for an application for permanent residence filed under the economic class can vary from between 6 months and 40 months. This is the time generally needed to demonstrate compliance under one of the applicable categories; a clean bill of health for the applicant and accompanying dependants; sufficient assets to successfully establish the family in Canada; and a confirmation of no criminal inadmissibility’s for the applicant and the overage accompanying dependants. (The immigration offices in New Delhi, Islamabad, Singapore and Beijing currently attract the most applications and therefore have the longest processing times).

Q:Who is included in the application for permanent residence?
Ans: The application for permanent residence generally includes the applicant, spouse or common-law partner or conjugal partner 16 years of age or older and any unmarried children under the age of 22 years. Children over the age of 22 may in prescribed circumstances, be included as accompanying family members.

Q: What supporting documents must I submit?
Ans: Supporting documentation generally encompasses evidence of employment, education, assets, civil status, and an absence of criminal convictions. Each visa office has its own specific requirements for supporting documentation. It is advisable to seek expert guidance or get instructions from the particular visa office, which will process your application.

Q:Am I required to have a certain amount of assets?
Ans: Skilled Worker applicants will generally be required to prove that they have settlement funds sufficient for themselves and any accompanying dependents. They are expected to be able to support the landed family (the principal applicant and all accompanying dependents) until employment is obtained.

Q:Will my application benefit if I have a close relative in Canada?
Ans: Skilled Worker applicants will be awarded bonus points if the close relative is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and over the age of 19 years. The applicant is then referred to as an "assisted relative". To qualify as a close relative, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be the applicant's uncle, aunt, brother, sister, parent, nephew or niece.

Q:Is work experience a requirement?
Ans: Work experience is a critical requirement for a Skilled Worker immigrant. Applicants must be able to demonstrate at least one year's work experience in an occupation appearing on the General Occupations List. Applicants with arranged employment in Canada are exempt from the work experience requirement.

Q:Must the experience have been accumulated on a full-time basis? Must it have been accumulated continuously?
Ans: Part-time work experience is acceptable. It is assessed in proportion to a standard full-time working week. For example, a two-year part-time position requiring approximately 20 hours of work each week, will be counted as one year of full-time experience. Non-consecutive work experience in positions involving the same duties may also be counted, if the total work experience meets the minimum experience requirements.

Q:How is experience in a previous or current occupation evaluated when that occupation differs from the applicant's education?
Ans: Under the present selection criteria, such experience is fully counted towards the assessment of the applicant's work experience.

Q:Is credit given for experience gained during post-secondary studies?
Ans: Yes, as long as the experience gained at that time is consistent with the definition of an occupation appearing on the General Occupations List, it can be counted in the assessment of work experience.

Q:Must I have a Canadian offer of employment to qualify as a Skilled Worker?
Ans: You are not required to obtain an offer of an employment to qualify as a Skilled Worker.

Q:Can I apply if I do not yet have the required minimum work experience?
Ans: Applicants without one year of work experience in an "open" occupation (6 months for applicants destined to Quebec or Manitoba) are required to demonstrate arranged employment.

Q:What are the applicable processing fees to process an application for permanent residence?
Ans: Applications for permanent residence must include the appropriate non-refundable processing fees for applicants and their accompanying dependants. For applicants applying under the skilled worker program the application fee is currently set at $550 CAD for each applicant as well as each family member of the principle applicant who is 22 years of age or older. A fee of $150 shall apply to each family member under the age of 22 years. As well, a Right Of Permanent Residence Fee of $975 CAD is levied, prior to visa issuance, for each person who is at least 22 years of age applying for permanent residence.

Processing fees must be filed with the application. Right Of Permanent Residence fees are submitted upon request by the visa office, prior to visa issuance. Applicants are encouraged to verify with local missions for applicable immigration office specific payment procedures.

Q:What about the interview process?
Ans: Generally, an interview would be conducted to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the documentation submitted; to clarify issues relating to the applicant’s background; to confirm an applicant possesses the necessary means to settle in Canada; to verify the absence of security inadmissibility’s; to ensure the applicant is intending to enter the Canadian labor market; to verify whether there are sufficient grounds to exercise positive discretion; etc. The interview cannot be conducted to verify an applicant’s language abilities.
Applicants are advised to bring to the interview, all original documentation supporting the application; certificates of non-criminal conviction; evidence of settlement funds.

Q:What about interview waivers?
Ans: Certain cases may substantiate the waiving of a selection interview. This is a highly discretionary aspect of the Regulations and is largely a function of the immigration office in question, the habitual residence of the applicant and the documentation in support of the applicant’s qualifications.

Q:Must an individual reside in Canada in order to maintain permanent resident status?
Ans: Current legislation provides that permanent resident status is maintained if a person is physically resident in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within each period of 5 years, or if other circumstances are met.

If not physically present in Canada, permanent resident status can be maintained while abroad where the Canadian resident is abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse or parent; with a Canadian employer, or with a Canadian permanent resident who works for a Canadian employer.

It is sufficient for a permanent resident to demonstrate at examination, if they have been a permanent resident for less than five years, that they can potentially meet the 730-day residency obligation in respect of the five-year period immediately after their arrival in Canada. An officer is not permitted to exclude the possibility that an applicant who has resided abroad for three years, may still be able to comply with the residency obligation during the remaining two years of the five-year period.

Q:Can foreign nationals who have applied for Canadian permanent residence under the skilled worker class obtain a temporary non-immigrant (visitor's) visa to Canada?
Ans: Traditionally, visa officers have viewed concurrent applications for permanent residence and temporary entry as being incompatible with each other.

Current law attempts to clarify the issue and provides that immigration officer’s must assess the present intention of the applicant when a person applies to visit Canada and verify the question of whether the applicant has the ability and the intention to enter Canada for a temporary purpose and thereafter leave Canada at the expiry of the visitor status, regardless if the long-term goal is to secure permanent residence in Canada. Visitor’s (work, study or visit) with pending immigrant applications may be subject to the issue of Dual Intent if they cannot demonstrate that they will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay.

Under current immigration policy, applicants are encouraged to become familiar with Canada's landscape, which will augment the applicant's likelihood of successfully integrating into Canadian society. Applicants are discouraged however from "waiting" inside Canada during the permanent residence application process. Applicants who wish to procure temporary entry into Canada and who have a pending application for permanent residence will be required to demonstrate sufficient ties to their current country of residence prior to the issuing of a temporary visitor's visa by the Canadian visa office.

Q:Can foreign nationals who have applied for Canadian permanent residence under the Skilled Worker Class concurrently apply for a temporary non-immigrant work permit?
Ans: The issues raised above should be reiterated here as well. In addition, applicants who wish to procure a temporary work permit must generally initiate the process with the assistance of the prospective employer who must file an application with the Canada Employment authorities inside Canada. It is only after the employment authorities have confirmed that the hiring in question will have a neutral affect on the local labor market that the application would be approved and forwarded to the appropriate visa office outside Canada for immigration assessment and processing. This is known as "employment validation". As the average processing time for permanent residence applications currently exceeds 12 months at most immigration offices, it may be advantageous in many cases, for the applicant to apply for a temporary work permit either prior to or during the processing of an application for permanent residence.

Q:What are the general tax implications of acquiring Canadian permanent residence?
Ans: The Canadian Government imposes income tax on the basis of residencyrather than citizenship. It is therefore possible to become a Canadian citizen and a non-resident for tax purposes. After becoming a permanent resident and prior to attaining citizenship, an individual would be required to pay Canadian taxes on worldwide income. However, the tax legislation allows for newly arriving permanent residents to establish an offshore trust into which may flow all of the non-Canadian sourced income, except employment income. The trust avails for a maximum period of five years and it is therefore possible to become a Canadian citizen and a non-resident within the life span of the trust.

Q:What if a prospective applicant is destined to a Province that administers a provincial nominee immigration program?
Ans: A number of provinces have concluded agreements with the Canadian government under the Provincial Nominee program, which provide for very limited selection of foreign nationals destined to one of those provinces.

Owing to the high volume of applications that are currently awaiting processing with the various provincial authorities, applicants are strongly encouraged to secure approved job offers, regardless of the point total received following a self-assessment, in order to increase their chances for approval under a provincial nominee program.

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Canada Business Class Application: FAQ

Q:What is the Business Immigration Program?
Ans: The Business Immigration Program is a category of immigration under which individuals with business/managerial experience and relatively high net-worth may apply for Canadian permanent resident status. There are three sub-categories under the Business Immigration Program: Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Immigrants.

Q:What documents must Business Immigration Program applicants submit?
Ans: In addition to government application forms, education-related and statutory documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.), Business Immigration Program must submit documents evidencing business and/or managerial experience, as well as documents evidencing net worth.

Q:As a Business Immigration Program Applicant, am I required to live in the province, which I originally indicated as my intended destination?
Ans: When you become a permanent resident, you may live, work and engage in business activities in any Canadian province or territory.

Q:How can I qualify as an Immigrant Investor?
Ans: As an Immigrant Investor planning to reside anywhere in Canada, except Quebec, you must:

Q:How can I, as an Immigrant Investor, prove that I earned my minimum net worth “by legitimate endeavors”?
Ans: Immigrant Investor applicants must demonstrate the origin and accumulation of their wealth through reliable, third party documentary evidence: tax returns, pay stubs, deeds of purchase/sale, statements from stockbrokers, business/real estate valuations, etc. An applicant must be able to demonstrate that assets were gained through means, which are considered legal, including gifts or inheritances.

Q:As an Immigrant Investor, will I be obliged to work and/or engage in business activities in Canada?
Ans: While an Immigrant Investor is entitled to engage in work and business activities upon arrival in Canada, there is absolutely no obligation to do so.

Q:When do I, as an Immigrant Investor, commit my investment amount?
Ans: You must commit your CAD$400,000 investment amount before final approval from Federal or Quebec Immigration officials, as the case maybe.

Q:What happens to my investment amount if my Immigrant Investor application is refused?
Ans: If your intended destination in Canada is outside Quebec, your investment will be promptly refunded. If you intend to reside in Quebec and you have deposited your investment in a government approved immigrant investment program you must make sure that your investment is not locked-in until you land in Canada. Your investment cannot be refunded for five years once it has been locked in.

Q:How can I qualify as an Immigrant Entrepreneur?
Ans: To qualify as an Immigrant Entrepreneur, you must:

Q:Is there any minimum net worth requirements for Immigrant Entrepreneurs?
Ans: The minimum requirement is CAD$300,000 (approximately US$135,000), plus sufficient settlement funds. In all cases, the nature and location of your proposed business will determine the net worth required to qualify.

Q:What are the terms and conditions of the Entrepreneur Visa?
Ans: An Immigrant Entrepreneur must, within two years of landing in Canada, establish, purchase, or make a substantial investment in a business in Canada so as to make a significant contribution to the economy. Active and on-going participation in the management of the business is required, and employment opportunities must be created or continued for one or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents, other than the Immigrant Entrepreneur and the Immigrant Entrepreneur's dependents. Efforts to comply with these terms and conditions must be demonstrated to immigration official throughout the two-year period. Entrepreneurs will be required to report their progress to immigration officials on a regular basis during this two-year period.

Q:Must I, as an Immigrant Entrepreneur applicant, make an exploratory visit to Canada during the immigration process?
Ans: As an Immigrant Entrepreneur you are encouraged to make an exploratory visit to Canada to properly assess the business environment of the area in which you intend to locate.

Q:Must I, as an Immigrant Entrepreneur applicant, submit a detailed business plan?
Ans: A detailed business plan is not required. In most cases, a shorter informal business proposal will suffice – an outline of the type of business and the general plans for its operation.

Q:As an Immigrant Entrepreneur, will I be permitted to change my business plan?
Ans: After landing in Canada, you may find that the local economic climate does not lend itself to the type of business plan originally proposed. In such cases, you are well advised to modify your business plan. However, a meeting with immigration official should be held to ensure that the new business is acceptable.

Q:What happens if I fail to meet the terms and conditions of my Immigrant Entrepreneur visa?
Ans: Immigrant Entrepreneurs who fail to satisfy the terms and conditions of their visa may be ordered to leave Canada.

Q:How can I qualify as a Self-Employed Immigrant?
Ans: To qualify as a Self-Employed Immigrant, you must demonstrate an intention and ability to establish or purchase a business in Canada that will keep you employed and make a significant contribution to the economy or the cultural or artistic life of Canada. The business must generate sufficient revenues to support you and your dependents. Farmers, artisans, sports personalities, actors, consultants, and operators of small business outlets that may be in demand in outlying communities are examples of the applicants who may qualify. Assessment in this category is based on:

Q:Must I, as a Self-Employed Immigrant, make an exploratory visit to Canada during the immigration process?
Ans: As a Self-Employed Immigrant you are encouraged to make an exploratory visit to Canada to properly assess the business/cultural/artistic environment of the area in which you intend to locate.

Q:Is there any minimum net worth requirements for Self-Employed Immigrants?
Ans: The net worth requirement for Self-Employed Immigrants varies depending on the nature and location of the proposed venture.

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Canada Family Class Application: FAQ

Q:Who qualifies for immigration under the Family Class?
Ans: Applicants under the Family Class are sponsored for a Canadian Immigrant Visa by a close relative who is either a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident. The Canadian relative is known as the sponsor. To qualify under the Family Class, an applicant must be related to the Canadian sponsor in one of the following ways:

Q:Who can be included in a Family Class application?
Ans: The spouse or common-law partner and dependent children of the principal Family Class applicant can be included in the application for Canadian permanent residence. All individuals included in the application will be required to pass police and security clearances and medical examinations.

Q:Who qualifies as a "Dependent Child"?
Ans: For Canadian Immigration purposes, a "dependent child" means a child who is:

Under 22 and unmarried on the date the application for sponsorship is submitted (and still unmarried on the date the child lands in Canada); or

Of any age or marital status and financially dependent on his or her parents as a result of being either:

Q:What if the dependents will not accompany the Family Class applicant to Canada?
Ans: All of the principal Family Class applicant's dependents are required to pass applicable police and security clearances, and medical examinations, whether they are accompanying the principal Family Class applicant or not.

Q:What financial criteria must be satisfied to qualify as a sponsor?
Ans: The sponsor must be able to demonstrate the financial ability to provide for the essential needs of the Family Class applicant and dependents (sponsored family members). The financial ability requirements may not apply where the sponsored individual is a spouse and/or one or more dependent children.

Q:What does "Essential Needs" mean?
Ans: The sponsor and co-signing spouse (if applicable) have to provide the sponsored family members with food, clothing, shelter and other basic requirements of everyday living. This includes dental and eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The obligation to provide for the essential needs of the sponsored relatives will only arise if the sponsored relatives are unable to provide for these means on their own.

Q:What if the sponsor does not have the requisite financial ability?
Ans: The spouse of the sponsor may act as a co-signor if the sponsor does not have the required financial ability. In such case, the spouses' combined financial abilities will be assessed, and the co-signing spouse will be equally liable in case of default. The co-signing spouse may be a common-law spouse, provided that the common-law couple has been living together for at least one year.

If the combined financial abilities of the sponsor and the co-signing spouse still do not meet the minimum requirements, then the application for sponsorship will be refused.

The foregoing financial requirements may not apply where the individual being sponsored is a spouse and/or one or more dependent children.

Q:What other criteria must the sponsor satisfy?
Ans: The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; at least 19 years old; physically reside in Canada (or demonstrate an intention to reside in Canada by the time the sponsored family member lands in Canada); not be in prison; not be bankrupt; and not be under a removal order if a permanent resident.

Q:As a sponsor, what obligations are there toward the government?
Ans: The sponsor and the sponsor's co-signing spouse (if applicable) are obliged to sign an "Undertaking to Assist a Member of the Family Class" with the Government of Canada. The signed document is a promise to provide for the essential needs of the sponsored family members for a period of 10 years following landing 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 Canadian Government provides the form of agreement. A similar provincial form is provided for sponsors who reside in Quebec, with the notable difference that the duration of the commitment is only three years in the case of sponsored spouses.

Q:Can the "Undertaking to Assist a Member of the Family Class" be revoked or modified?
Ans: The “Undertaking to Assist a Member of the Family Class” once made cannot be cancelled or modified by the sponsor at any time after the sponsored family members have landed in Canada.

Q:What if the sponsor does not fulfill the terms of the "Undertaking to Assist a Member of the Family Class"?
Ans: Failure to meet any of the commitments provided for in the “Undertaking to Assist a Member of the Family Class” could result in legal action being taken against the sponsor and the co-signer.

Q:What other agreements must the sponsor enter into?
Ans: The sponsor is obliged to enter into a sponsorship agreement with the sponsored family member/s. By signing this agreement, the sponsor agrees to provide for the essential needs of the sponsored family member/s.

Q:What documents must the sponsor submit?
Ans: The sponsor and the sponsor's co-signing spouse (if applicable) must complete and submit an "Application to Sponsor a Member of the Family Class" form (IMM-1344A Form), as well as a "Financial Evaluation" form (IMM-1283 Form) where the sponsor indicates his or her financial ability to support the Family Class Immigrant (and his or her spouse and dependents). The following additional documents are required:

If the sponsor resides in the Province of Quebec, corresponding forms provided by the Quebec Government will be required in place of most Federal forms.

Q:What documents must the Family Class Immigrant submit?
Ans: The Family Class Immigrant, spouse and each dependent child aged 18 or over (whether accompanying the Family Class Immigrant or not) will each be required to complete and submit an "Application for Permanent Residence" form (IMM-008 Form). Applicants destined to the Province of Quebec will be required to complete an Application for a Quebec Certificate of Selection form. The following additional documents are required:

Q:Where is the Application to Sponsor submitted?
Ans: The Canadian sponsor submits the application to Immigration Canada's Case Processing Center located in Mississauga, Ontario.

Q:Where is the Family Class Immigrant's application submitted?
Ans: The Family Class Immigrant's application is an Application For Canadian Permanent Residence In Canada and as a general rule it is submitted to a Canadian Visa Office located outside of Canada. If the intended destination is within the Province of Quebec, an additional application for a Quebec Selection Certificate is submitted to the Quebec Government.

Q:Are there circumstances that may allow a Family Class Immigrant to apply from within Canada?
Ans: For humanitarian and compassionate reasons, certain Family Class Immigrants are allowed to submit their applications for permanent residence from within Canada. To qualify, immigration official will have to be convinced that the Family Class Immigrant would suffer excessive hardship in applying for permanent residence from outside of Canada.

Family Class Immigrants applying from within Canada are required to submit additional government forms in support of their applications for permanent residence. They must also ensure that their Canadian visitor status remains intact while they wait for their Immigrant Visas to be issued.

Q:Can a Family Class Immigrant work or study in Canada while the application is being processed?
Ans: While waiting for their Immigrant Visas, Family Class Immigrants are allowed to work or study in Canada only if they have been granted an Employment Authorization or Student Authorization. Family Class Immigrants entitled to apply for permanent residence from within Canada can apply for an open Employment Authorization after their applications have been approved in principle by immigration officials.

Q:Must Family Class Immigrants and Sponsors attend interviews with immigration officials?
Ans: In certain cases, immigration officials will convene Family Class Immigrants and their dependents for a selection interview. The main purpose of the interview is to satisfy the immigration official as to the family relationship to the Canadian sponsor. In other cases, the Canadian sponsor may be interviewed in Canada to verify financial ability and to confirm family relationship. In some cases, however, no interviews take place.

Q:How long will the entire sponsorship process take?
Ans: The length of the sponsorship process varies depending on the Visa Office to which the Family Class Immigrant's application is submitted. Sponsorship cases are a priority at all Visa Offices and such applications are processed ahead of skilled worker applications and applications under the Business Immigration Program.

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Canada Citizenship: FAQ

Q:Once I obtain Canadian Permanent Resident status, how soon do I become eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship?
Ans: You are allowed to apply for Canadian Citizenship after you have been physically resident in Canada for three years (1095 days) out of the four years immediately preceding your application. Where exceptional circumstances exist, however, you may be allowed to apply even if you have not been physically resident in Canada for the required 1095 days.

Q:Do I have to apply for Canadian Citizenship as soon as I am eligible?
Ans: No. There is no obligation to apply for Canadian Citizenship at any time.

Q:What are some of the advantages of obtaining Canadian Citizenship?
Ans: Unlike permanent residents, Canadian citizens are allowed to be absent from Canada for extended periods of time without any risk of losing their status. Except in rare cases, Canadian citizens cannot be deported from Canada. Canadian citizens also receive Canadian passports and are entitled to vote in federal elections.

Q:Will time spent in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident be counted towards my Citizenship application?
Ans: Time spent legally in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident may be counted towards the calculation of the 1095 days required to qualify for Canadian Citizenship. Within the four years prior to applying for Canadian Citizenship, each day spent in Canada as a non-permanent resident (i.e. as a visitor) is counted as half a day, up to a maximum total credit of one year. Each day spent in Canada as a permanent resident is counted as one whole day.

Q:Will time spent absent from Canada be counted towards my Citizenship application?
Ans: Unless there are exceptional circumstances, time spent outside of Canada (other than for short vacations) will not be counted towards the calculation of the 1095 days required to qualify for Canadian Citizenship.

Q:Will Canadian Citizenship make me eligible to work in the USA, Mexico, or Chile?
Ans: Under the provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, qualified Canadian citizens can benefit from facilitated admission into the USA, Mexico and Chile for business and work-related purposes.

Q: As a Canadian citizen, am I required to obtain a Returning Resident Permit for absences from Canada?
Ans: No. Citizens of Canada are not required to obtain Returning Resident Permits for any absence from Canada. Canadian Citizenship cannot be lost as a result of a long or permanent absence from Canada.

Q:Can I have dual Citizenship?
Ans: Since 1977, Canada has permitted its citizens to hold dual or multi Citizenship. As a result, Canadian citizens will not lose their Canadian Citizenship if they retain their former nationality or become citizens of another country.

If you intend to become a Canadian citizen, you are advised to verify whether the country of your current nationality permits dual citizenship.

Q:As a Canadian citizen, must I pay Canadian income tax on my worldwide income?
Ans: Not in all cases. As a general rule you are only required to pay Canadian income tax on worldwide income if you reside in Canada. It is always best to consult with a specialist in Canadian taxation for specific advice regarding any and all Canadian taxation matters.

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Q: Do I become a permanent resident when my landing documents are issued?
Ans: No. You will only become a permanent resident when you cross a Canadian port-of-entry with your valid passport and your valid Canadian Immigrant Visa.

Q: How long can I wait to come to Canada once my visa is issued?
Ans: You must arrive in Canada before the expiry date which appears on your Immigrant Visa. Usually, it is one year from the time medical examinations are completed. As this is not always the case, be sure to verify the expiry date as soon as you receive your Immigrant Visa.

Q: Can the expiry date on the immigrant visa be extended?
Ans: As a general rule, the expiry date on your Canadian Immigrant Visa will not be extended. Failure to land in Canada before the expiry date may result in the necessity of re-application.

Q: What should I arrive with when I land in Canada?
Ans: You must have your valid passport and your valid Canadian Immigrant Visa. It will be helpful to have an inventory of all belongings that you intend to bring in after landing. It's also a good idea to have evidence of your settlement funds.

Q: Where do I submit an application for a Canadian Immigration Visa?
Ans: As per the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, cases can only be filed at the visa post servicing your country/area of residence.

Q: Can I apply at any Canadian visa office?
Ans: No. As per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, you can only file your case at the visa post serving your country/area of residence.

Q: What documents do I need in support of my application?
Ans: Supporting documents include evidence of employment, education, assets, civil status, and police clearance. Each visa office has specific requirements. It is advisable to seek expert guidance on all such documentation.

Q: When must I submit the supporting documents?
Ans: Each visa office has specific requirements. Supporting documents are submitted with the application forms and processing fees.

Q: What is the Business Class Immigration Program?
Ans: Individuals with business/managerial experience and a substantial net worth may apply for immigration under this category. There are three categories that fall under Business Class: Investors, Entrepreneurs and Self-employed.

Q: What documents are needed when applying under the Business Category?
Ans: Other than all the usual documents (passports, birth certificates…), applicants must submit evidence of net worth and business/managerial experience.

Q: Under the Business category must I live in the province as intended earlier?
Ans: Once you become a permanent resident you can live, work anywhere in Canada.

Q: How can I qualify as an Immigrant Investor?
Ans: Have a net worth of C$ 800,000; - Ability to invest C$400,000 for five years in a project selected by a Canadian province to be of benefit to its economy - Have successfully operated, controlled or directed a business.

Documents Required
All intending immigrants must be able to present to a Canadian Consular office proof of the following: