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These Frequently Asked Questions address many of the issues pertinent to applicants for Canadian permanent resident status. Terms like 'generally' and 'typically' are sometimes used to describe situations that apply in most cases. Exceptions do occur, and should be addressed on a case by case basis. This FAQ is intended to provide general information only, and is not meant to be a substitute for formal legal advice.
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Index of Topics and Questions
1. General
1.1 What is a Canadian Immigrant Visa?
1.2 How is an Employment Authorization different from a Canadian Immigrant Visa?
1.3 Can I apply for a permanent resident status and temporary status at the same time?
1.4 Is my legal status in the country from which I am applying relevant?
1.5 I have heard that Canadian Immigration Regulations will be changing. When will that be? How will I be affected?
1.6 Is there a benefit to using an attorney for immigration to Canada?
2. Eligibility and Qualifications
2.1 Who qualifies for a Canadian Immigrant Visa?
2.2 Who can I include in my application for an Immigrant Visa?
2.3 Are there any special procedures for Canada's different provinces?
2.4 Is it harder to qualify for immigration in provinces with distinct criteria?
3. Government Fees
3.1 Does the Canadian government charge a fee for submitting a permanent resident application?
3.2 When do I pay government fees?
3.3 In what currency must I pay these government fees?
3.4 What is the Right of Landing fee?
3.5 If I am already in Canada, do I still have to pay the Right of Landing fee?
3.6 Are there any other fees or costs?
4. The Application Process
4.1 Where do I submit my application for a Canadian Immigrant Visa?
4.2 Can I apply to a Canadian visa office which is not responsible for the area in which I reside?
4.3 What documents should be submitted in support of my application for permanent residence?
4.4 When must I submit the supporting documentation?
4.5 In what language must my supporting documentation be submitted?
4.6 Can I transfer the application to a different visa office after it has been submitted?
4.7 How long does the immigration process take?
4.8 What is a lock-in date?
5. Selection Interviews and Interview Waivers
5.1 Will I be interviewed by an Immigration Officer?
5.2 What is a security interview?
5.3 When is the selection interview held?
5.4 Is there anything I can do to obtain an interview waiver?
6. Medical Examinations
6.1 Will I have to take a medical examination?
6.2 Will my application be rejected if I have a certain disease or disorder?
6.3 If I am pregnant, will I still have to undergo the medical examination?
6.4 Can my dependents undergo the medical examination in another country?
6.5 Will my non-accompanying dependents be required to complete medical examinations?
6.6 Recently I completed medical examinations for my visitor visa/student authorization/employment authorization. Must I complete additional medical exams for my permanent resident application?
7. Security Clearance
7.1 What is a police clearance?
7.2 When must I submit the clearance?
7.3 Can I omit a police clearance from one or more countries?
7.4 What is a Background Clearance?
8. Skilled Worker Applications
8.1 What supporting documents must I submit?
8.2 Am I required to have a certain amount of assets?
8.3 Will my application benefit if I have a close relative in Canada?
8.4 Is work experience a requirement?
8.5 Must the experience have been accumulated on a full-time basis? Must it have been accumulated consecutively?
8.6 How is experience in a previous or current occupation evaluated when that occupation differs from the applicant's intended occupation in Canada?
8.7 Is credit given for experience gained during post-secondary studies?
8.8 Must I have a Canadian offer of employment to qualify as a Skilled Worker?
8.9 Can I apply if I do not yet have the required minimum work experience?
9. Business Class Applications
10. Family Class Applications (Sponsorship)
11. Landing as a Permanent Resident
11.1 Do I become a permanent resident of Canada as soon as my landing documents are issued?
11.2 How long can I wait to come to Canada after my Immigrant Visa is issued?
11.3 Can I have the expiration date of my Canadian Immigrant Visa extended?
11.4 Must I land at or near the location I indicated as my intended destination on my application form?
11.5 What should I arrive with when I land in Canada?
11.6 When must my accompanying dependents land?
12. After Landing
12.1 Must I stay in Canada following landing?
12.2 When can Canadian Citizenship be obtained?
12.3 Does Permanent Residence status in Canada permit me to enter/work in the USA?
12.4 What is the job-market like in Canada?
13. Obtaining Citizenship
13.1 Once I obtain Canadian Permanent Resident status, when do I become eligible to apply for Canadian Citizenship?
13.2 Do I have to apply for Canadian Citizenship as soon as I am eligible?
13.3 What are some of the advantages of obtaining Canadian Citizenship?
13.4 Will time spent in Canada prior to becoming a permanent resident be counted towards my Citizenship application?
13.5 Will time spent absent from Canada be counted towards my Citizenship application?
13.6 Will Canadian Citizenship affect my eligibility to work in the USA, Mexico or Chile?
13.7 As a Canadian citizen, am I required to obtain a Returning Resident Permit for absences from Canada?
13.8 Can I have dual Citizenship?
13.8 As a Canadian citizen, must I pay Canadian income tax on my worldwide income?