Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

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.

Arranged Employment for a Federal Skilled Worker Immigrating to Canada

Any Canadian employer that would like to hire a foreign skilled worker through the Express Entry selection system can support the applicant in their permanent residency application through either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Through both of these federal economic immigration programs, there are different eligibility requirements; however, when it comes to arranged employment, they are relatively the same. Therefore, in order to better understand what it required of you if you have arranged employment in Canada, in this article, I will explain the process of obtaining arranged employment in Canada.

What is Arranged Employment

According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), arranged employment is defined as having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in either a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 0, A or B job for a continuous period of a year or more. Keep in mind, in some cases, the valid job offer must be reviewed and approved by Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada prior to the foreign national becoming employed.

FAQ – Nova Scotia Nominee Program

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NTNP) in Canada and some important information to consider if you are applying under this program for permanent residency in Canada. The Nova Scotia Nominee Program is an economic immigration program that assists the province of Nova Scotia to meet its labour market needs and assist skilled foreign nationals to permanently immigrate to Nova Scotia. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply under this program, I suggest you read our article on “Basics of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program in Canada.

Q: What is the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NTNP)?

A: The Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NTNP) is a program that allows foreign nationals to be nominated by Nova Scotia in order to fill any provincial economic and labour market needs. This program also facilitates Nova Scotia to nominate skilled foreign nationals with qualified work experience and who also qualify under the provincially established criteria to work in Nova Scotia and obtain permanent residency.

Steps in Obtaining a Permanent Resident Card

Once a foreign national receives permanent residency in Canada, they should obtain their permanent resident card as well. This card is essentially a wallet-sized plastic card that includes pertinent information about the permanent resident, such as their height, eye colour, gender, etc. The card also includes the permanent resident’s photograph, signature as well as the date that they obtained their permanent residency in Canada. Obtaining a permanent resident card as a permanent resident of Canada is necessary to identify your status. Therefore, in this article, I will address the steps in obtaining a permanent resident card in Canada and other important information for permanent residents.

The Purpose of a Permanent Resident Card

It is very imperative that permanent residents of Canada obtain a permanent resident card to properly identify their status within Canada. As previously mentioned, a permanent resident card also includes specific personal information about the permanent resident. This information is extremely important especially when entering and exiting the country. If a permanent resident decides to exit the country and re-enter via a commercial vehicle, such as an airplane, train, boat or bus, they must show their permanent resident card to confirm their status in Canada before boarding. If the permanent resident does not have the permanent resident card while travelling, they will face complications trying to re-enter the country.

FAQ – Electronic Travel Authorization

In this article, I will address detailed questions and answers for foreign nationals who require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. When a foreign national desires to come to Canada to visit, they will need a Temporary Resident Visa, also known as a Visitor Visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorization in order to be authorized to enter. If the foreign national is from a visa-exempt country, they will not require a Visitor Visa but instead must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. In order to discover more information about the Electronic Travel Authorization, please continue reading this article or refer to our article on “Who Needs an ETA.” The intention of this article is meant to clarify any questions or information you would like to know with regards to an Electronic Travel Authorization.

Q: My trip to Canada is within the next couple of days and I am unable to submit any additional documentation that Immigration is requesting of me for my ETA application. Am I still able to travel to Canada?

A: This is a very interesting and important question to ask with regards to Electronic Travel Authorizations. For instance, if Immigration is requesting a medical examination or a police clearance certificate and you are still awaiting the decision from the doctor or police, or if you are experiencing problems uploading information online, then you may request a case specific enquiry to request an extension. The case specific enquiry is also done online and will request identity information from you with regards to the ETA. It is best to request an extension in order to submit this information as Immigration did require you to send this. Conclusively, if you cannot provide the documents and have not requested an extension, you will not be permitted entry into Canada.

FAQ – Working in Canada

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for individuals looking to work in Canada and some important information you should consider if you are applying for a work permit application. A work permit application in Canada is created for foreign national workers who would like to come to Canada to work and thus contribute to the Canadian economy. If you feel as though you would want to apply for a work permit in Canada, I suggest you read our article on “Prepare to Work in Canada” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to working in Canada.

Q: What exactly is a valid job offer in Immigration context?

A: This is important to note before seeking employment opportunities in Canada. A valid job offer in Canadian Immigration context is a genuine and honest offer of employment from a valid Canadian employer. A foreign national worker will require a valid job offer prior to applying for a work permit in Canada.

New Requirement for Canadian Employers for Inviting Applicants

For Canadian employers looking to hire a temporary foreign worker through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), they will now be required to invite candidates who acquire a number of stars in relation to the position. As of August 28, 2017, there will be a new rating system in which employers will be matched with workers registered in the Canadian government’s Job Bank. The Canadian government has named this new feature its Job Match Service. In this article, I will address the new changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and how this ultimately affects Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications.

New Job Match Service

The purpose of the new Job Match service is to permit Canadian employers to view anonymous profiles of registered job seekers. The profiles of these job seekers reflect and coordinate with the skills and job requirements that are listed in the employer’s job posting. These matches will essentially be rated under a 5-star system. Therefore, the more stars that the job seeker can accumulate for the intended position, the greater the compatibility with the Canadian employer.

Difference Between High-wage and Low-wage Streams

There have been several changes with regards to job offers for high-wage and low-wage streams in the past year. These are two different streams that fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). In most cases under the TFW program, Canadian employers must also receive a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The TFW program essentially allows these Canadian employers to hire foreign national workers to fill intended job positions in Canada, all while ensuring that there are no Canadian or permanent residents that can fill the intended job. In this article, I will address the changes of the median hourly wages and as a result the high-wage stream and low-wage stream.

Responsibilities of the Canadian Employer

In almost all cases of hiring a foreign national worker, Canadian employers must receive a posititve Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) prior to hiring a foreign worker. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a useful tool for Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill labour shortages in Canada. The TFWP is administered and run by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

When a Child is Born to a Canadian Citizen Outside of Canada

There are many Canadian citizens who live outside of Canada and have established a family abroad. As a result, most times, they would like their children to also have Canadian citizenship. However, there are certain circumstances that allow the children to gain citizenship and others that do not allow them to gain citizenship. This can often be a complicated and confusing process to go through for the Canadian parent. Therefore, in this article, I will address how to determine whether your child is a Canadian citizen or not and the steps to take in order for them to gain citizenship.

How to Determine Whether a Child is a Canadian

It is important to recognize that every circumstance is different depending on several factors. The official way in determining whether or not your child is a Canadian citizen is by applying for a proof of citizenship on their behalf. This option is only available for Canadian citizens who were citizens at the time their child was born. Evidently, if you obtained Canadian citizenship after your child was born, they do not automatically become Canadian citizens.

FAQ – British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) in Canada and some important information to consider if you are applying under this program for permanent residency in Canada. The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is an economic immigration program that assists the province of British Columbia to meet its labour market needs. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply under this program, I suggest you read our article on “Basics of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program in Canada.

Q: What is the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)?

A: The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a program that allows individuals to be nominated by British Columbia in order to fill any economic and labour market needs the province has. This program also allows skilled and qualified individuals with the opportunity to work in British Columbia and gain permanent residency in Canada as a result.

How to Immigrate to British Columbia through PNP

There are many provinces and territories in Canada that foreign nationals would love to travel to. Specifically, the province of British Columbia is a distinctive destination for foreign nationals to immigrate. The province of British Columbia has one of the lowest crime rates in Canada and thus makes it one of the safest places to work and live. British Columbia also has a variety of different cultures that creates a vibrant society that welcomes many foreign nationals from all over the world. Foreign nationals who are applying through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program have three different ways to gain permanent residency in B.C. Under this program, British Columbia chooses individuals who have a connection with British Columbia. In this article, I will address what the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program is and the three different ways to gain permanent residency in B.C.

What is the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is an economic immigration program that assists British Columbia meet its labour market needs and prioritizes economic development within British Columbia. The program facilitates British Columbia to nominate foreign nationals with skilled work experience to work in British Columbia and obtain permanent residency. These individuals will then be able to contribute to British Columbia’s economy.

The Process of Renewing or Changing your Study Permit in Canada

In Canada, in order for foreign nationals to legally study, they must obtain a study permit. Once a study permit has been obtained by a foreign national and they wish to either renew their study permit to continue their studies or to change their study permit to go to a different designated learning institution, they must properly apply to do so. This is essential especially if the study permit will expire. Additionally, a foreign national must ensure that they do not overstay their authorized visit. Therefore, in this article, I will explain what a study permit entails and how to proceed with renewing or changing your study permit to study and remain in Canada.

What Does a Study Permit Entail

A study permit must be obtained prior to arriving in Canada to study. A study permit essentially allows the foreign national student to study in Canada temporarily. It is important to note that a study permit is a requirement set out by the government of Canada in order to assess potential students that wish to come to Canada to study.

FAQ – Super Visa

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for the Super Visa and some important information to consider when applying for this program. The Super Visa was created and intended for foreign nationals, who have children or grandchildren that are either Canadian citizens or permanent residents, to obtain a multi-entry visa for a period of 10 years. Additionally, they also have strict eligibility requirements that they must meet prior to applying for this program. If you are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and would like to apply for the Super Visa, I suggest you read our article on “Do you Qualify for a Super Visa?” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to the Super Visa.

Q: Is the Super Visa a multiple entry visa?

A: Fortunately, yes. The Super Visa is a multiple entry visa that allows the individual to enter Canada for a period of up to ten years.

FAQ – Landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for Landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident and some important information to consider if you are applying for a Permanent Residency application. When you have finally arrived in Canada and have landed as a Permanent Resident, it may be extremely overwhelming as you are coming from a completely different country to move permanently to Canada. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency, I suggest you read our article on “Different Ways to Obtain Permanent Residency in Canada” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to landing in Canada as a Permanent Resident.

Q: Do I automatically become a Permanent Resident of Canada the moment I receive my Canadian Permanent Residency approval?

A: This is a very important question to recognize and understand. The simple answer is no – you do not automatically become a Permanent Resident of Canada the moment you receive your Canadian Permanent Residency approval. It is important to realize that you will only become a Permanent Resident in Canada the moment you cross a Canadian port of entry with a valid passport. You must also have your valid Canadian Permanent Residency approval. Subsequently, you will receive your official landing in Canada documents for any future reference you may need.

FAQ – Criminal Rehabilitation

In this article, I will address a few popular questions and answers for Criminal Rehabilitation applications in Canada and some important information to consider if you are applying for a Criminal Rehabilitation application. A Criminal Rehabilitation application is intended for foreign nationals with criminal inadmissibility who would like to visit Canada and not have inadmissibility issues in the future. This type of application was created and intended to provide foreign nationals, who have past criminal offence(s), made in or outside of Canada, with an opportunity to enter Canada even with their criminal inadmissibility. If you feel as though you would be eligible to apply for a Criminal Rehabilitation, I suggest you read our article on “How to Apply for Criminal Rehabilitation” before reading this question and answer article. The intention of this article is meant to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to Criminal Rehabilitation applications in Canada.

Q: What exactly is a Criminal Rehabilitation application?

A: A criminal rehabilitation application is a permanent waiver that removes the criminal inadmissibility from a foreign national that wishes to enter Canada. In other words, in the future, instead of being denied entry into Canada due to their inadmissibility, they will no longer have any inadmissibility issues when entering Canada.

Steps on How to Renew Your PR Card While Outside of Canada

Once foreign nationals receive permanent residency in Canada, they become ecstatic at the thought of making Canada their permanent home. However, there are certain circumstances that can prevent these individuals from maintaining their permanent residency in Canada, such as obligations in their home country or family emergencies. Essentially, if an individual has not completed their residency requirements then they may lose their permanent residency in Canada. Therefore, in this article, I will explain how to renew your PR card while outside of Canada and important information you must consider prior to renewing your PR card.

Eligibility to Renew your PR Card

When renewing your PR card, it is important to remember that the process is almost the same as applying for a PR card. There are specific eligibility requirements that must be met prior to receiving your PR card and, in this circumstance, renewing your PR card.

Steps in Obtaining a Study Permit in Canada

Educational opportunities in Canada are unlike any other country in the world. Canada is a very advanced and progressive country that offers exceptional educational and career opportunities. For this and many other reasons, many foreign nationals from all over the world aspire to pursue further educational studies in Canada. It is important to note, however, that in order to study in Canada, one must obtain proper authorization prior to coming to Canada to study; they will need a study permit. In this article, I will explain the purpose of a study permit, who needs a study permit to study in Canada, the eligibility requirements for a study permit in Canada and further steps.

What is the Purpose of a Study Permit

The purpose of a study permit in Canada is to provide authorization to foreign nationals, who permanently reside outside of Canada, to study in Canada temporarily. A study permit is a requirement by the Canadian government for foreign nationals who are studying in Canada at a designated learning institution. However, it is important to note that not all foreign nationals who come to Canada to study require a study permit.

Exceptions to Canadian Work Permits

There are many individuals from all over the world who wish to contribute to an economy that is prosperous and progressive. In a lot of cases, foreign nationals desire to come to Canada to work and contribute to the Canadian economy. Of course, applying for a work permit and meeting the requirements is essential prior to coming to Canada to work. However, there are some exceptions for certain individuals who would like to come to Canada, who do not require a work permit to legally work. Therefore, in this article, I will address what a work permit is, who needs one and who doesn’t, and important information pertaining to work permits in Canada.

What is a Work Permit

A work permit is a permit that is authorized and provided to a foreign national that wishes to work in Canada and contribute to the Canadian economy. There are many steps that must be taken prior to applying for a work permit. For instance, the potential employer of the foreign national must first apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Additionally, once and if they receive a positive decision on their LMIA, then this will indicate that the hiring of a foreign worker for the specific company will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market. It will also show that the Canadian employer was not able to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the intended job. However, in some circumstances, an LMIA is not required before applying for the work permit.

Applying for a Work Permit On and/or Off Campus

As an International student in Canada, experiencing the Canadian education system and observing the Canadian culture, can definitely insight some interest in possibly working and seeing what the Canadian economy has to offer. More international students now want to work while studying and they have two options to choose from on-campus and off-campus. The Canadian economy and workplaces are very unique and can attract many students. Of course in order to work in Canada, you must be authorized to do so. Therefore, in this article, I will explain the eligibility requirements for international students wanting to work while studying in Canada, either on-campus or off-campus, and the difference between the two options.

Working On-Campus

The convenience of working on-campus can appeal to many international students as many are unfamiliar with the surrounding environments and are comfortable being near their school and residence. There are eligibility requirements that one must take into consideration before working on-campus. One must abide by these requirements in order to work at the educational institution without a valid work permit. The eligibility requirements are listed below.