Immigration Blog about US & Canadian Immigration matters.

It is common that foreign nationals who are visiting, working or studying in Canada want to stay longer than originally intended authorized stay. If you are looking to extend your stay in Canada, you will need to undergo a restoration of status. To learn more about what restoration of temporary resident status, eligibility requirements and how to apply continue reading below.

What is restoration of status?

As a temporary visitor in Canada, whether studying, working or just visiting, you have an authorized length of time. When the authorized amount of time is coming to an end and you wish to stay longer, you must apply to restore your status within 90 days of the expiry date of your Temporary Resident Visa. This process is known as “restoration of status”

Looking to travel to Canada? Want to visit the CN tower? Niagara falls? Take in the scenery at Banff National Park? Looking to attend a family function or special event? Canada enjoys its visitors as much as its visitors enjoy Canada.  There may be various reasons you wish to visit Canada so it important to know who needs a visitor visa and how you can apply for one.

If you are from a country that is visa required, it is important to understand the process of a visitor visa application. Continue reading this blog for more information on visitor visa application and how the process works.

What is a visitor visa?

A visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa) is an official document that confirms that you able to enter Canada. Not to be confused with a B-2 tourist visa. Essentially it is the same thing but a tourist visa is for the US, not for Canada.

Anyone wishing to visit Canada must apply from outside of Canada before they travel. A variety of factors determine what you need:

• the type of travel document you plan to travel with;
• the country that issued your travel document;
• your nationality
• how you plan to travel to Canada.

Most people wishing to visit Canada need the Visitor Visa, but one should check the visa exempt list to see if an “Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)” is sufficient.

What is the difference between an ETA and a visitor visa?

There are some foreign nationals that only need an Electronic Travel Authorization, if they are planning to transit to or fly to Canada. An Electronic Travel Authorization (often referred to as an ETA) is available only for visa-exempt people, these are individual who do not require a visa to enter and visit Canada.  An eTA is usually valid for a period up to 5 years or until the validity of your passport.

Most people have the misconception that they even with a valid ETA, the traveller must convince the border agent that they are eligible to enter Canada legally.

What is the difference between a single entry and a multiple entry visa?

There are 2 types of visitor visas, single entry and multiple entry.  A single entry visa allows visitors to enter Canada once and is usually valid for up to 6 months.  A multiple entry visa allows the holder to seek entry to Canada as many times as necessary, and holds a maximum validity time of 10 years.

A multiple entry visa is what all applicants apply for, once your application is reviewed, either a single or multiple will be issued dependent on the situation. This remains at the discretion of the visa officer.

What are the requirements?

In order to qualify for a visitor visa- you must be deemed eligible. There is a certain criteria you must meet in order to apply. You must be able to show the officer that you meet the requirements

A few of the basic requirements are as follows:

• Valid travel documents ( example: Passport)
• Good Health ( a medical exam may be required)
• Clean criminal record/no immigration related convictions
• Solid ties to home country (You have good reason to leave at the end of your visit, these may include family ties, property ownership, employment, financial assets)
• Enough money to maintain yourself and family members with you for the entire duration of your stay, including trip home.
• No intention of work or study while in Canada unless authorized
• Not a threat to Canadian security
• Must be able to convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
• provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish your admissibility,

The more information evidence that you can provide that your stay in Canada is temporary the more likely your application will be approved.

Reasons you may be inadmissible?

Some people are not allowed entry into Canada. You may be inadmissible to Canada for several reasons

Some examples include being involved in:

• Criminal activity
• Human rights violations
• Organized crime
• You may also be inadmissible for security, financial and/or health reasons.

How long is processing time?

Immigration Canada will process the application

• Processing times vary depending on office and completeness of application. Most offices do process within a few weeks
• May be asked to complete additional steps ( Interview, send more info, medical exam, police certificate)
• Be prepared to give your biometrics (finger prints and photos) after applying. You have 30 days

If the application is approved, the visa will be stamped on your passport. If the application was not approved, you will receive an explanation of why it was refused.

Important notes:

A visitor visa does not necessarily guarantee access into Canada once you have arrived. Upon arrival, border services will verify your identity to make sure you are the person authorized to enter.

To help avoid people overstaying their authorized welcome in Canada and remaining here illegally, the border officers scrutinize all applicants more than most other types of applicants.

Akrami and Associates

The application criteria set forth by the Government of Canada is very strict in regards to a visitor visa. Even a minor detail missed can mean that your application gets denied. The assistance and qualified guidance of immigration professional can and will alleviate the stress and hassle.

Contact Akrami & Associates to determine what steps you need to take as a visitor to Canada. Akrami & Associates has assisted many clients successfully and would love to make your entry to Canada as easy as possible.

Contact us at 416-477-2545 or you can also login to our website www.thevisa.ca. We are here to assist, facilitate and navigate you in all your visa needs. We provide tailored information, guidance and services which best suit your needs.

With Akrami & Associates there is always a way

You crossed all your T’s and dotted all your I’s. You’re in Canada and are looking for ways to extend your stay. Continue reading below for ways to do so.

Super Visa for Parents or Grandparents

Missing your parents or grandparents and like to invite them as a visitor to Canada? If yes, then the Super Visa may right for your family. A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for up to 2 years at a time. It’s a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years. The Super Visa is a family stream which allows both Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents to invite their parents or grandparents. The Super Visa allows an applicant to stay in the country for a maximum of 2 years without having to renew their visa. So if you like your parents or grandparents to stay longer than 6 months then read further to see if you are eligible to apply for a super visa application.

How Super Visa is different from Visitor Visa?

At present, most visitors to Canada may visit for a period up to six months when they first enter Canada. Visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for an extension, and pay a new fee.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A VISITOR’S VISA EXTENSION?

Are you a visitor in Canada? Are you looking to stay for a longer time period? Do you want to learn how to extend your visa? Have you applied for an extension and your status has expired? Are you curious about what this process entails and you wish to learn more? Throughout the entirety of this blog all of your concerns will be resolved.

What is a visitor’s visa in Canada?

A visitor’s visa in Canada is a travel document given to foreign visitors in order to be able to enter Canada. It works the same way an electronic travel authorization (eTA) does, it lets the immigration officer know that you abide by all requirements needed to enter the country. Nonetheless, it does not guarantee it, as the immigration officer will also consider other factors such as the amount of money you bring for your stay in order to support yourself (for hotel expenses, plane tickets, food, recreation, etc.). The need for a visitor visa depends on the individual’s nationality, method of travel and the travel document that will be used.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A VISITOR’S VISA EXTENSION

Are you a visitor in Canada? Are you looking to stay for a longer time period? Do you want to learn how to extend your visa? Have you applied for an extension and your status has expired? Are you curious about what this process entails and you wish to learn more? Throughout the entirety of this blog all of your concerns will be resolved.

What is a visitor’s visa in Canada

A visitor’s visa in Canada is a travel document given to foreign visitors in order to be able to enter Canada. It works the same way an electronic travel authorization (eTA) does, it lets the immigration officer know that you abide by all requirements needed to enter the country. Nonetheless, it does not guarantee it, as the immigration officer will also consider other factors such as the amount of money you bring for your stay in order to support yourself (for hotel expenses, plane tickets, food, recreation, etc.). The need for a visitor visa depends on the individual’s nationality, method of travel and the travel document that will be used.

Do You Want to Immigrate to Canada in 2019

As you may know, Canada’s education and living conditions attract many foreign nationals to visit, study, and work. Furthermore, the multiculturalism in Canada is one of the essential reasons that drives one's longing to move. After they have experienced the beauty of Canada, they may consider settling down permanently in Canada. While numerous individuals are contemplating moving to Canada, they may be thinking about looking for assistance from an immigration representative to make the immigration process more smoothly. Indeed, here comes the most significant inquiry: is hiring a representative necessary? In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of hiring an immigration representative and how to avoid immigration fraud.

Who are Immigration Representatives

Immigration may be difficult and complicated, especially if you are not family with Canadian immigration law. If you are struggling with your application, you may be able to seek guidance from a representative. An Immigration and citizenship representative’s job duties include but are not limited to:

Visitor Visa

Are you planning to visit Canada? Are you looking into applying for a visitor visa? Have you gotten confused about the process to obtaining a visitors visa? If you have there is no need to worry as many other people get stuck when dealing with an visitor visa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Which Type of Visa Should I get

Canada is beautiful country with plenty of tourist hotspots, and this is why Canada is one of the most popular countries to travel to. However, you may have to do a complete preparation before you come to visit Canada. Depending on your circumstances, the things you will need to prepare may be different than other individuals preparing to visit Canada. As a result, it is highly recommended that you have a thorough understanding of all the things you will need to prepare for prior to your travel. In this blog, you will learn about different processes individuals commonly go through before visiting Canada.

What is Temporary Resident Visa

A temporary resident visa (TRV) is also known as the visitor visa. If you are a foreign national who wants to visit Canada and is coming from a non-visa exempt country, you will need a temporary resident visa. A temporary resident visa typically allows you to stay in Canada for a 6 month period maximum. If your temporary resident visa is valid for a different length of time, it will be clearly indicated on the visa. It is your responsibility to be aware of the expiry date of your visa, so that you do not overstay in Canada. You are not permitted to leave and re-enter the country, unless you apply for and receive an approved multiple entry visa.

Applying for a Super Visa

Many families have been split apart as a result of children and grandchildren attempting to immigrate to Canada and start a new life. The government of Canada takes this into consideration and allows for a process called the super visa. The super visa is a visitor’s visa for parents and grandparents who wish to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada. This super visa allows for multiple persons to visit Canada for a period of 2 years at a time and with a status period of up to 10 years. This article will talk about who is eligible for a super visa, what to do if it is refused, super visa extensions, and financial requirements in order to allow for a parent/grandparent to obtain a super visa.

Eligibility required to apply for a super visa

• An applicant can apply for a super visa if they meet the requirements for temporary residence in Canada as a visitor and provide the proper documentation. They require documents such as:proof of their relationship to the child or grandchild (who must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
• proof of a medical examination and of being medically admissible into Canada
• evidence that the child or grandchild is able to provide financial support through meeting the low income cut-off (LICO) minimum (a co-signer may be added to meet the LICO minimum)

Application process of a super visa

After your application is sent, it will be processed at the visa office to make sure it has been done correctly and that it contains all the necessary documents. A visa officer will decide if an interview is necessary. If an interview is required, you will be notified about the interview. If your application is refused, your passport and other documents will be returned. You will also receive a letter telling you why your application was refused. If you sent forged or fake, they will not be returned to you. If your application is approved, your passport and other documents will be returned to you with your super visa. Note that a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) and a valid travel document do not guarantee you entry into the country. You may not be allowed to enter if you arrive in Canada and a Canadian official finds that you are no longer admissible because there has been new information about you which has appeared (such as a forged document).

Apply for a Visitor’s Visa

Are you considering a trip to Canada temporarily? Do you come from a non-visa exempt country? Every year over 35 million people travel to Canada. Sometimes, people come to visit relatives, or, to attend a business trip, or, maybe even for simply tourism. If you do not come from a visa-exempt country and are trying to visit Canada, you must apply for a temporary resident visa, to be permitted to enter the country. All applicants must ensure they apply for all the necessary documents before attempting to travel to Canada, to avoid being denied entry at the border. If you come from a visa-exempt country, you have less to worry about than anyone else. Or, for example if you have a criminal history, you must address your inadmissibility before being able to enter Canada. If you are thinking about travelling to Canada in the near future, continue reading this article to find information that could be beneficial for you. Let us help you in applying for the right visa today!

What is a Visitor’s Visa?

A visitor visa, otherwise known as a temporary resident visa, is a document which allows individuals who are from non-visa exempt countries to enter Canada. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you do not require a visitor visa; rather, you simply require an eTA, otherwise known as an Electronic Travel Authorization. In order to apply for a visitor’s visa, you must only be requesting to enter the country on a temporary basis. To apply for a visitor visa successfully, you must be able to prove to an immigration officer that you will leave after the period of time your visa is valid for, is up.

How to Avoid Common Application Mistakes

The number one reason applications are refused is because they are riddled with mistakes. These applications are difficult applications to pursue on your own, because, if you are unfamiliar with the process, there is a good chance you overlook certain details and submit an imperfect application. Unfortunately for applicants, the Canadian Government is not interesting in assisting others file applications; this is why they recommend you consult an immigration specialist, or a lawyer. It often comes as a surprise when an application which is incomplete is returned and refused, without any ability to re-submit it and pick up where it left off. However, one needs to understand, immigration and border protection cannot be taken lightly. Applications must be complete and robust for the security of Canada as a whole. Therefore, it makes sense that when an application is complete, it cannot simply be approved. Furthermore, the Canadian government has to devote all its time and resources to processing and approving complete applications for individuals who truly deserve to fulfill their long-worked-for-wish of immigrating to Canada. Everyone who submits an application to immigration can understand, the wait time are agonizing at the best of times, and they would not like to think their applications are being inefficient they are spending too much time processing applications. Ultimately, we have created this article to help applicants have an easier time submitting applications which will not be returned and refused, and get everyone working together to help Canadian border officers process more files successfully.

1. Always check country specific requirements before submitting your application.

Regardless of the type of application you are submitting, whether it be for permanent residence, or for temporary residence, please take the time to do this. Depending on the country and the type of application you are submitting, you could need to submit additional documents. Or for example, you could have to submit originals of some documents which other countries are only required to submit a copy of. If you do not submit original documents when required, your application will be returned as incomplete.

What is “Restoration of Status?”

Restoration of status is a fancy term for the process an individual who wishes to change or extend the terms of their temporary stay in Canada, necessarily goes through. As a temporary visitor to Canada, you only have legal status in Canada to stay for a designated period of time, therefore, if you decide you would like to stay longer to study or work, you must apply to extend your permit before the permit expires. If you fail to apply for a new permit before yours expires, you will not be on implied status, and rather, you will now have to apply for a restoration of status. A restoration of status is needed by any individual who allows their permit to expire before submitting a new application, but still would like to remain in Canada. If this is the case for you, I will be breaking down how to go about applying to restore your status in Canada, and successfully obtain a new valid temporary permit which will allow you to remain in Canada.

Who Needs to Apply for Restoration of Status?

The most important criteria to meet before applying for a restoration of status, to ensure you are even required to restore your status, is that you have allowed your temporary visa allowing you to be in Canada, to expire. Similar to this, you could also find yourself eligible to apply for restoration of status as the result of failing to abide by the conditions of your work or study permit. Specifically, you must have violated the condition to only work for the employer listed on your work permit, or, because you changed your program of study or educational institute from the one which is listed as a condition on your study permit. If you do either of these things and consequently have your study permit revoked, you can apply to restore your status on the new conditions of your permit. Though, it is important you did not violate any other conditions of your temporary permit. Next, it is equally important this permit has expired less than 90 days before you submit your application to restore your status. If it has been longer than 90 days, you are unfortunately ineligible. Finally, as mentioned, you must have complied well with the conditions on the original permit. Failure to have done so would also result in having your application to restore your status refused.

Want to See Your Parents and Grandparents more Often?

Canada, being a land of immigrants, is filled with individuals who have migrated here, but have left members of their family behind in their country of origin, for one reason or another. This is often unavoidable, as it is not easy for an elderly individual to migrate their entire life overseas, and across borders. The Canadian government recognizes there are many families who are separated by borders and oceans, which do not get to see each other as often as they would like. For this, they have introduced the parents and grandparents super visa. The super visa program, allows parents and grandparents to apply for a document which allows them to visit Canada an unlimited number of times during the period which it is valid, and stay in Canada much longer than is typically allowed on a visitor’s visa. Though this does not allow families to reunite on a permanent basis, it does allow them to reunite much more often, for extended periods of time. Throughout this article, I will explain what a super visa is, and how to apply for one.

What is a Super Visa?

A super visa essentially a multiple entry visa. Specifically, the super visa is a temporary resident visa which is granted for a 10 year period, and allows individuals to enter Canada as many times as they would like. During this time, the visa-holder can stay in Canada for a period of up to 2 years.