Canada has plans to lower its permanent resident targets to 365,000 by 2027. That will make it even harder to navigate Canada’s immigration processes to ensure that you can come to the country legally.
Work with a Canada immigration lawyer to increase your chances of success. They can give advice, help you with applications, ensure your documents are in order, and support you with appeals.
Choosing the Right Canadian Work Visa
The first step in navigating any country’s immigration processes is to ensure that you are applying for the right visa. There are a number of options in Canada. You’ll need to make sure you apply for one that fits your needs and that you are eligible for.
To move to the country permanently, you’ll usually need a permanent residency visa. It allows you to live and work in Canada for as long as you want, although you’ll need to renew your permanent residency card.
For temporary moves to Canada to join the labour market, you’ll need to pick the correct work visa. Examples include the Working Holiday visa, Canada Work Permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit. Each of these permits and visas comes with different eligibility requirements. You’ll need to show you meet them during the application process.
Another way to move to Canada for work is if you are an entrepreneur or self-employed person. You could make use of the Start-up visa, Canadian Investor visa, or the Self-Employed visa.
Another type of work visa is the Express Entry Program, which was introduced in 2015. People who obtain enough points, usually 67, can enjoy priority entrance and permanent residence in Canada. The Express Entry programs to choose from are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trade Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Program
Canadian Family Visas
Others move to Canada to join their family members who are already citizens or permanent residents in the country. You’ll need to be specifically sponsored by the family member. Requirements to sponsor a family member include the following:
- You are at least 18 years old.
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act.
- You have sufficient funds to support any family members joining you in Canada for at least their first three years in the country.
- You are married, in a common-law relationship or in a conjugal relationship (having lived together for at least a year) with the partner you want to sponsor.
Along with a partner, a sponsor can also bring your dependent children. They must be under 22 years old and not be married or in a common-law relationship.
Making a Canadian Visa Application
Once you have decided which visa program or permit is right for your needs and eligibility, you can begin the visa application process. Follow the steps outlined below for the best chances of success getting your visa:
- Confirm that you meet all of the application requirements for your desired visa. Take any necessary steps to fill in the eligibility gaps.
- Decide what Canadian province you want to settle in. You may need to fulfil additional requirements based on your decision.
- If applying for Express Entry, you’ll need to complete your online Express Entry account, filling in your details to ensure that you have the required amount of points. Then wait to be invited to apply for a visa.
- Download and complete the application form.
- Submit your application form along with your supporting documents.
- Pay the necessary application fees.
You may also need to attend a Canadian embassy or consulate to answer immigration officials’ questions and have your biometrics taken. Then, wait for your visa to be processed. You’ll be able to check on its progress online. Once you have received your visa approval, you’ll be able to move to Canada.
Getting Help from an Immigration Lawyer Can Boost Your Chances of Success
Canada can afford to make its immigration processes challenging because of how popular the nation is. Immigrants from around the world want to access the excellent job market, high standard of living, natural beauty, and more. Working closely with a lawyer who specialises in Canadian immigration will make it more likely that you can move to the country legally.
There are four critical services that top-quality immigration lawyers can provide. Firstly, you can have a one-to-one meeting with an expert to understand what visas you could be eligible for and what you will need to prepare during the application process.
You can also work directly with an immigration lawyer to go through the entire application process. They will ensure that all steps are properly completed and that there are no errors in your application that could lead to disqualification. Likewise, if you are ready to submit your application, you can work with an immigration lawyer to ensure that all your documents are in order.
Finally, you should work with an immigration lawyer if you have had your visa application rejected. They can take you through the entire appeals process and represent you in court if necessary.
Canadian Visitor Visas
Canadian Visitor visas are short-term and not appropriate if you are looking to move to the country. However, they can be a fantastic tool to visit family members in the country and decide if a move is right for you. Permissible activities include tourism, visiting friends and family, attending business meetings, and getting medical treatment.
The main requirements for Visitor visas are that you have ties to your home country that ensure you will return home after your trip, and that you have enough money to support your travels. These requirements ensure you do not overstay or require state assistance to support yourself.
Some nationalities do not require you to get a Visitor visa to come to Canada. You may be allowed in with an electronic travel authorisation. Although this is easier to get than a visa, you can still only use it for short-term travel.
