 Immigration to Canada FAQs
An immigrant is defined as a person who seeks
lawful permission to land in Canada to establish residence in Canada.
What is a Canadian Immigrant
Visa?
A Canadian Immigrant Visa is a legal
document that enables a person to live and work anywhere in Canada.
What are the categories of
immigrants?
To date, the Immigration Act and
attendant Regulations defines several categories of immigrants. They are
independent immigrants, entrepreneurs, investors, self-employed persons,
family class, assisted relatives and convention refugees.
Who can qualify as an
independent immigrant to Canada?
Any person who demonstrates specific
occupational skills and experience may qualify as an independent
immigrant. However, in order to qualify these skills must be readily
transferable to the Canadian labour market. Therefore, we would ask that
you complete our free informal assessment form in order to see if you
qualify.
Does it matter if I am an
illegal resident in the country from which I am applying?
To date, the general procedural
guidelines advise immigration officers that they cannot refuse to
process applications from applicants without lawful permission to be in
the country where they reside. This includes Canada.
What if I have a relative
already in Canada?
If you possess a close relative living
in Canada it will increase your chances of a successful application.
However, the relative must be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen
aged 19 or over, and he/she must be a "close relative" as defined in our
assessment form. It should be noted that you will be required to provide
documentation to prove the relationship.
Is it true that the Canadian
Immigration Act and its Regulations will be changing?
Immigration Laws, Regulations, and
policies are always subject to change. We are advised that in the year
2000 there were proposed changes tabled before the Canadian Parliament.
Since that date, there have been ongoing discussions to make the
selection criteria more compatible with the Canadian labour market. The
effect of these changes will vary considerably but we are confident that
it may open more doors to applicants who may not of previously qualified
under the present Immigration Laws and Regulations.
Do I need to hire a paralegal,
lawyer or legal representative to complete my forms and advise me on my
application?
No. However, their expertise can be
invaluable and make the difference between an approval and refusal of
your application form given their extensive knowledge of the Immigration
Act and its attendant Regulations.
What is the difference between
using a Canadian-based representative and a foreign-based
representative?
A foreign-based representative(s) may
be outside the reach of Canadian law. Consequently, there may be no
protection or recourse available in Canada to you if you are
dissatisfied with their services. Additionally, Citizenship and
Immigration Canada will only provide information on your file to
representatives who are either:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents of Canada or
- Physically present in Canada.
In your decision making process you should also consider that there
are several associations and/or societies in Canada, that either govern
or oversee Canadian-based companies, paralegal or attorneys.
Consequently, you may lodge a complaint against the legal representative
and they will investigate the complaint(s). Failing an adequate response
from the representative, these associations etc. can take disciplinary
measures and/or impose discipline and provide financial compensations to
clients who are victims of negligence or misconduct. All in all, by
using a Canadian based legal representative there are recourses
available in Canada to a dissatisfied client from oversees.
Where must my application be
submitted?
Applicants may submit their application
to any of the International Region's points of service. They are not
required to reside or have an address in the area served by the office
where they apply. Once your file has been completed, our office will
determine which processing posts have the quickest times and advise you
accordingly. Subsequently, you may decide which post is most convenient
to your needs. However, it should be noted that non-resident applicants
might involve more steps and take longer than resident applications.
Source: Net Pakistani
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