Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

Hiring a Foreign Worker

Are you a Canadian company looking to hire a foreign worker to work for your company? Before you can hire the foreign worker, you may need to have a Labour Market Impact Assessment – which is a document that allows you to extend an offer of employment to a foreign worker. In this blog, we will provide some useful information about the Labour Market Impact Assessment process, when it is required and how to get one.

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment

The government of Canada understands Canadian companies may sometimes experience temporary labour or skill shortages. In cases where a Canadian company cannot find qualified Canadian workers to fill these shortages, the company may need to hire a foreign worker. The Labour Market Impact Assessment Process is required to show that hiring the temporary foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian job market by ensuring that qualified Canadians are not bypassed for a foreign worker.

What To Include in my Visitor Visa Application

Have you applied for a Visitor Visa to Canada but got refused despite providing all required documentation? Well you are not alone. Many people do not know this, but one of the most difficult applications to get approved for in Canada immigration is the Visitor Visa.

A recent article in the Globe and mail confirmed an increased rate in refusals each year. In 2017, almost 600,000 people were refused a Visitor Visa to Canada. This number made up over 25% of all Visitor Visa applications received that year.

Work in Canada as a Live-in Caregiver

Are you looking to work in Canada as a caregiver? Do you have an employer who is willing to hire you and you want to learn more about what you and your employer will need to do before you can work for them? On this blog, we will discuss Canada Immigration’s Live-in Caregiver program, the eligibility requirements, application process and some of the duties and responsibilities of both employers and applicants in this type of applications.

What is the Live-In Caregiver Program

The Live-in Caregiver program is one of the programs under Canada immigration’s Temporary Foreign Worker program. Under the program, employers can hire temporary foreign workers who are caregivers to care for the elderly, children and persons with medical needs.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) allows many Provinces and territories in Canada, with the exception of Quebec, to nominate individuals with certain skills, education, and work experience to immigrate to Canada. In order to improve the efficiency of immigration application processes, many provinces and territories have connected their own PNP programs with Express Entry since January 1, 2015. Each province and territory has their own criteria for their PNP programs; this allows provincial governments to have better control of the services and employment sectors in their region. In this blog, you will learn about how to immigrate to Canada as a provincial nominee through Express Entry.

Applying For a PNP through Express Entry

If you want to apply for a PNP through the Express Entry, you have two options to do so.

Getting Your Canadian Citizenship

Becoming a Canadian citizen means you have reached the milestone for your immigration journey. There are so many privileges and benefits of being a Canadian citizen. For example, Canadian citizens have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote and even more, actually become involved with a political party or leadership campaign. Furthermore, if you are a Canadian citizen, that means you may travel with ease without worrying about the expiry date of your permanent residence and your residency obligation. In order to obtain your Canadian citizenship, you will undergo three steps: application stage, test, and oath. In this blog, you will learn specifically about the Canadian citizenship test.

Who is Required to Take the Test

If you are between the ages of 18 and 54 when you submit your Canadian citizenship application, then you are required to take the test. Failure to do so will result in the refusal of your application.

Coming to Canada as a Minor

If you are a person who is under the age of majority and wants to come to Canada, you will undergo a specific application process prior to entering Canada. The border officers are very strict when it comes to examining minor children’s entrance. The reason behind this is that, the officers want to make sure those minors, who are coming to Canada, are not missing children or runaway children. That being said, minors without proper documentation or the company of their parents or legal guardian(s) will be scrutinized when they are entering Canada. This blog will introduce you required documents for a minor travelling to Canada, as well as some possible scenarios that a minor may encounter at the border.

Becoming a Canadian Citizen

When a foreign national obtains permanent residency in Canada, this is the first step towards eventually obtaining Canadian citizenship. It is the desire and dream of many permanent residents in Canada to one day finally be able to call themselves citizens of this wonderful country. Much like obtaining permanent residency in Canada, there are several requirements and conditions that permanent residents have to abide by in order to successfully obtain Canadian citizenship. Many permanent residents are curious as to which routes would be the best to obtain citizenship. In this blog, you will learn about the 3 ways to obtain Canadian citizenship.

How to Obtain Canadian Citizenship

The most important part of successfully obtaining Canadian citizenship is first obtaining permanent residency in Canada. This may actually be the most difficult part of the process of obtaining Canadian citizenship. Any permanent resident of Canada can verify that the process of successfully obtaining permanent residency is a difficult endeavor. Once they have received their permanent residency, however, there are several more requirements and conditions in order for them to proceed to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Avoid Fraud

In 2013, a British Colombian man was able to pull off one of Canada’s most profitable immigration frauds to date. Due to the fraud, 1,200 clients of this unlicensed British Colombian “lawyer” are now facing scrutiny and are open to investigation after they were all falsely represented.

In fact hundreds of his clients were actually pretending to live in Canada, often times at his multi-million dollar home, in order to meet the residency requirements to be granted permanent residency; all the while most of these individuals had never even visited Canada. The individuals that did pretend to live in Canada are now facing deportation orders. The hundreds of individuals that simply were misrepresented by this individual may be losing their citizenship or permanent residency as well. Sadly the representative most likely doesn't even care about the hundreds of individuals lives that he has affected because over $10M was collected from this particular scam.

How can I apply for a Minor’s Study Permit

Do you want to bring your child to Canada? Are you seeking to provide your child the privilege of attaining a Canadian education? Do you require assistance in completing your minor’s application for a study permit? Fear not! Acquiring a Canadian education is a luxury that most parents dream of making accessible to their children. If you are like most parents who do, or if you or someone you know is seeking assistance in inquiring information about a minor’s study permit, there is some important information you should know that will help you get started. Continue reading this blog in order to find out more on this specific immigration topic.

What is a Minor’s Study Permit

A minor’s study permit is a document issued to young foreign nationals seeking to pursue an education in Canada under a designated learning institution. These foreign nationals are typically children aged 18 years old and younger within the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. However the age is increased to 19 years old and younger for the provinces of British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Yukon.

Visiting Canada

Do you have the desire to visit Canada or any close family members or friends that live in Canada, but you yourself live in another country? Well, there is no need to worry. Thirty-five million people visit Canada each year and there are many reasons why people would want a temporary resident visa. Reasons such as travel or leisure, or even to visit family members. Any of these reasons can also be applicable to you and now is the time to start your process in obtaining your own visitor visa. Continue to read this blog where we will tell you the step by step processes and qualifications needed to qualify for a temporary resident visa (TRV) or a visitor visa.

What is a Temporary Resident Visa

First let’s discuss the basis of a temporary resident visa and what it means. A temporary resident visa (TRV) or visitor visa is a document issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office outside Canada. This document shows that the person holding this has satisfied the qualifications and requirements for admission to Canada as a visitor. TRV’s can be used for single entry or multiple entry depending on what the applicant applied for. There is a specific amount of authorized time for your stay depending on the reason. For tourists, they are allowed to be admitted for a six-month period. The time for temporary workers and international students vary for each person and their specific circumstances. Any extensions to your stay can be administered from within Canada.

Visiting Canada

Recently, the government of Canada has produced new rules in relation to the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), otherwise known as a visitor visa, application. Now you may be thinking, “Why are there constant changes to the requirements in the visitor visa application? What is the big difference?” Well, these requirements are quite important and does have a big difference on one’s future visitor visa application. Changes made by Canadian immigration officers are a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Always remember, entry into Canada is not a right, but indeed one’s privilege. It is important for you to know and understand what application you are applying and what it entails. Not only will these changes affect future visitor visa applications but will also affect those already withholding this permit. By following the minor adjusted requirements, it will make both your application and the officer’s job go smoothly.

What is a Visitor Visa

A visitor visa or temporary resident visa is an official document granted by immigration officials to show that you are eligible to travel into Canada and have surpassed the basic requirements asked for. This mini document is usually stapled to your passport and is viewed by the Canadian immigration officers when travelling into Canada. Now, there are many reasons for one to apply for a TRV, like if you are visiting as a tourist on vacation, visiting family members, planning on studying in Canada or working in Canada. Whatever the case may be, it is your responsibility as the principle applicant to be aware of any new changes being made to the permit you are applying for in order to come visit Canada.

International student studying in Canada

Are you an international student planning to study abroad in Canada, but are unaware of how to do so? Do not worry if this person is you, as this blog will inform you on the step-by-step process required for the study permit application. Essential requirements and qualifications needed in order to apply, as well as specific documents that are required will be addressed. If you have any issues pertaining to a study permit application or other related permits, feel free to give Akrami and Associates a call and request a consultation at 416-477-2545.

What is a study permit

For those who are unaware, a study permit is an authorized document issued by an officer to any foreign national wishing to study abroad in Canada for a specified period of time.

Immigrating to Canada with Express Entry

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program? What does it allow me to do? Many questions may surface when thinking about the Federal Skilled Worker Program and what such application entails. Many individuals often have questions regarding the Federal Skilled Worker Program. With this being the case, it is highly recommended that you find an immigration expert who is right for you and who understands your personal needs. Here at Akrami and Associates, we offer a high degree of professional help and advise to our clients through our team of experiential lawyers and associates. This being said, please do not hesitate to contact us to book a consultation at 416-477-2545, regarding your diverse immigration matters.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a program that allows for individuals who are seen as capable of establishing themselves economically in Canada. The Canadian immigration officials initiated this program as a way to promote the establishment of entrepreneurs, business owners, and company developers to encourage blooming economic conditions within Canada. A structured point system is used for this program, which is used to select the top individuals who are seen as individuals who could be successful, economically.

Top 5 Reasons for Visitor Visa Refusals

Temporary Resident Visas, also known as Visitor Visas, are one of the most complicated and difficult applications to get approved in Canada. There are many significant reasons for why a Visitor Visa may be refused. It is very important for applicants to identify and understand why an application was refused, especially if they would like to apply for another one in the future. Therefore, in this article, I will explain common reasons for visa refusals.

Why your Visitor Visa was Refused

It is important to recognize that any immigration application that is submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will ultimately be reviewed and assessed by an authorized Immigration officer. These immigration officers have the ultimate discretion and flexibility to determine whether or not an application meets the eligibility requirements and is qualified to be issued the visa. Additionally, the Immigration officer must also be satisfied that you will abide by Immigration laws and leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. Many times, Immigration officers will refuse Visitor Visa applications because of this exact reason.

Studying in Canada

documentation you require to legally enter and study in Canada? Or have you been accepted into a Canadian school and want to apply for a study permit? If you are a foreign national and are interested in studying in Canada, you may have some of these questions and more. If so, this blog will provide some useful information about the application process for a study permit, which is the proper documentation required for foreign nationals who would like to study in Canada.

What is a Study Permit

A study permit is a government-issued document that allows foreign nationals to study in Canada. To be eligible for a study permit, you must be accepted into one of Canada’s designated learning institutions (DLI). A study permit is not a visa. It does not allow you to enter Canada. To enter Canada, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa or an electronic travel authorization. This will be issued as part of your study permit application.

Introducing the Express Entry Program

Are you a skilled worker looking to immigrate permanently to Canada? Depending on the type of skilled work experience that you have, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the federal Express Entry program. To learn more about the federal Express Entry program, the application process and how you may qualify, read the rest of this blog.

What is the Federal Express Entry Program

The Express Entry program is one of the pathways to immigrate to Canada permanently. The program targets skilled foreign workers with the ability and qualifications to help boost Canada’s economy. There are three programs under the express entry program. These are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class.

Who Can Apply For a Canadian Study Permit?

Have you always wished of pursuing your education in a fun and challenging way? Have you ever thought of travelling to another country for school, to have the opportunity to immerse in another countries culture and lifestyle while also getting to experience all the amazing sights the country has to offer? If so, you may have considered studying in Canada. It is no secret Canada has plenty of beautiful sights, an abundant variety of cultures to experience and an education system that is rivaled by few; it would be the opportunity of a lifetime. Fortunately, the Canadian government knows it is the dream of many foreign nationals to experience Canada while studying within the Canadian system, and so they have allowed people who would like to come for this purpose to apply for a study permit and do so. If you are a foreign national who dreams of studying in Canada, continue reading this article to find out how you can apply for a study permit.

Why Do I Have to Apply For a Study Permit?

Oftentimes, a course will continue for more than 6 months, which is the maximum length of time any visitor; with or without a visitor’s visa, can stay. Therefore, without a study permit, you could only take part in a course which continued for less than 6 months, which is a huge limit on the programs foreign nationals could take part in while in Canada. To study for a period longer than 6 months, you can apply for a study permit and essentially ask the Canadian government for permission to stay in Canada longer than 6 months to pursue a program of interest to you, and then return to your country of origin. To be clear, if the program you intend to study is shorter than 6 months, you do not have to apply for a study permit. If the officer believes you seek an extended stay in Canada to pursue studies and you are honest in your assertion you will leave once they are over, you are likely to be granted a study permit and have the opportunity to experience the sights, culture, and educational system which are so highly respected worldwide.

How do you Cross the Border

Any foreign national will experience some anxiety or fear when crossing the Canadian border, especially when the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer asks questions. Foreign nationals who have criminal inadmissibility or, in other words, a criminal record will have more questions and more examination from the Immigration officer when attempting to cross the border. Therefore, as a foreign national, you should be well-prepared and anticipate all questions that the Immigration officer may have for you. In this blog, you will learn about relevant information with regards to crossing the border as a foreign national.

Interview Process

As a foreign national, it is very likely that you will undergo two interview processes when you are crossing the border. The interview process shall be finished quickly, if you can address all questions asked by the officer properly, and you have sufficient documentation.

Travelling to Canada as a Minor

Coming to Canada as a minor is never an easy process. If you are a minor and want to come to Canada, you will undergo a specific application process. The border officers are very vigilant when they are examining minor children’s entrance. This is because they want to make sure those minors, who are coming to Canada, are not missing children or runaway children. That being said, minors without proper documentation or the company of their parents or legal guardian(s) will be inspected when they are entering Canada. In this blog, you will learn about how to travel to Canada as a minor, as well as some possible scenarios that a minor may encounter at the border.

Understand the Term “Minor”

The term minor refers to children who are under the age of majority in Canada. However, different provinces and territories have their own age of majority. For example, the age of majority for Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan is 18. The age of majority for British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Yukon is 19.

Express Entry programs

Express Entry is one the most common options for an individual to immigrate to Canada. Express Entry, however, can be very confusing to many foreign nationals, because there are many categories under it. There are three major programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. In order to prepare you for your application, it is important for you to recognize and understand the eligibility requirements prior to applying. In this blog, you will learn about the differences between Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class, so that you may have a better idea of what Express Entry entails.

Minimum requirements

Federal Skilled Worker Program