FAQ - Canadian Permanent Residence

There are many different ways you can obtain Canadian Permanent Residence. It all depends on the candidate's profile. There isn't the best way or the easiest way. To establish viability for immigration to Canada, I will analyse your profile in therms of age, education, professional experience, family composition, knowledge of English or French, country of origin, previous experiences in Canada and other countries, financial capacity and availability. The process of obtaining permanent residence in Canada requires commitment, effort and flexibility. 

Some possible pathways:

- As a Skilled Worker, through the Federal programs via Express Entry;

- Obtaining Provincial Nomination under the different sub categories available;

- Obtaining a valid job offer with a professional skill;

- As a caregiver;

- As a post-secondary student;

- As an entrepreneur or via corporate immigration;

- Being sponsored by a close relative (spouse or partner, children and other relatives in exceptional circumstances). 

Canada recognizes common-law partner status as a relationship that is 'marriage like' and in which the couple has been living together for 12 months or more. The couple will have to satisfy the immigration officer that their relationship is genuine and show evidence or their time together. 

Knowledge of English or French, education and age. With some exceptions, the majority of candidates who successfully obtain permanent residence are 20 to 35 years of age, speak English or French fluently, (sometimes both), have a high educational level, having studied either in Canada or in their countries of origin. It is important to know there is a huge weight on proficiency on one or both official languages. 

Are considered part of the imediate family of the principal applicant:

- Spouse or common-law partner;

- Children younger than 22 years of age, both biological or adopted, as long as not married nor in a common law relationship (the increase in age for dependents will be in effect on October 24 2017, until then, the official age of dependents is 19);

- Dependent children of dependent children (i.e. a candidate has a son who is 18 years old, not married nor in common law relationship, but he has a 1 year old son; the grandson counts as a dependent of the principal applicant);

- Children older than 21 dependent of the principal applicant due to physical or mental disability. 

Each process has its processing time and cots. The processing times also depend on where the application is being reviewed. Here are some useful links:

- Processing times

http://www.cic.gc.ca/ENGLISH/information/times/index.asp 

- Government fees

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp 

- Proof of funds required for Express Entry

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/funds.asp 

- Proof of funds for international students

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents.html

Please note that each provincial process also has its own costs and deadlines. 

As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, I offer different services to help my clients succeed, as student, spouse looking to bring their loved one to Canada, or skilled workers looking to obtain permanent residence. 

On our initial consultation, I will evaluate your profile, check for inadmissibility factors, and establish the best pathway and strategy. 

There is no commitment in hiring further services after the initial consultation. It is not mandatory to use a paid representative but it is useful and it helps the candidate avoid common mistakes when filling out forms and gathering supporting documentation.