FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Study Permit
Any foreigner who has plans to study in Canada for a period of more than six months requires a Canadian study permit or visa.
To apply for a Canadian study visa, the first step is to obtain an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Submit an online application for a study visa through the official Canadian government website.
The processing time for a Canadian study visa application depends on many factors, such as the country of origin of the applicant, whether the application has been properly and completely filled, and the workload of the visa processing office. Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months.
Yes, international students with valid Canadian study permits are allowed to work part-time on campus while they study. Some students can work off-campus or participate in specific programs that provide work experience.
Yes, you can extend your Canadian study permit if you need more time to complete your studies or if you wish to continue studying in Canada. However, the application for an extension must be submitted at least 30 days before the existing visa permit expires. You must also comply with all eligibility requirements.
Work Permit
The time taken to process a Canadian work permit application depends on various factors, such as the type of work permit, the country of the applicant’s citizenship, and the volume of applications received by the Canadian government at the time of your application.
If you submitted an online work permit application, check the status through your online account. If you submitted a paper-based application, check the status by linking it to an online IRCC account.
Yes, it can be extended, but you must inform the authorities of your plan to extend the work permit at least 30 days before the expiry date of your current permit.
The Canadian visa authorities may allow you to include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children on your application if they meet all the eligibility conditions.
Yes, in some circumstances, it is possible to get a Canadian work permit without having a job offer. You will get the right guidance from your visa consultant.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
The eligibility requirements for a PNP can vary depending on the specific program and province. You can check the eligibility criteria on the website of the specific PNP program and province you are interested in.
Yes, you can apply to multiple PNPs at the same time if you meet the eligibility criteria for each program.
It depends on the specific PNP program and province. Some PNPs insist on a job offer, while others don’t. A job offer from a Canadian employer can increase your chances of being nominated for permanent residency.
The processing times for PNP applications can vary based on various factors such as the program and province, the way you have filled out your application and the volume of applications received. Processing times can range from a few months to more than a year.
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency through a PNP if you are already in Canada on a work or study permit. However, you will still need to meet the eligibility criteria for that specific PNP program and province.
Business Immigration
The processing time can vary depending on the program and the complexity of the application. The Federal Start-Up Visa Program estimated processing time is 12 to 16 months, while the Quebec Entrepreneur Program has a processing time of around 20 months.
Yes, most business immigration programs require applicants to show they have a minimum investment amount.
Yes, most business immigration programs allow applicants to include their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children in their application.
Not necessary. However, you must demonstrate that you have the skills and experience to successfully start or run a business in Canada.
Can I apply for Canadian business immigration if I do not speak English or French?
No, you cannot because language proficiency is mandatory for most business immigration programs.
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency through a PNP if you are already in Canada on a work or study permit. However, you will still need to meet the eligibility criteria for that specific PNP program and province.
Family Sponsorship
The sponsoring Canadian citizen or permanent resident must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit to sponsor a family member to come to Canada.
Sponsorship application processing time varies depending on the type of sponsorship and other factors. Generally, it may take a few months to over a year to complete the process.
Yes, a sponsored family member can work in Canada if they meet the eligibility criteria for a work permit.
No, siblings are not eligible to be sponsored under the Family Sponsorship Program in Canada.
If you are sponsoring your spouse and they have dependent children, or if you are sponsoring your adopted child, you must pay CAD 150 for each child included in the application. If you include the spouse or partner of your relative, an additional CAD 1,050 is required. Other costs include processing fees, right of permanent residence fees, biometric fees, etc.
Pilot Program
The eligibility requirements for Canadian pilot programs vary depending on the specific initiative. Some programs are open to individuals, while others are aimed at businesses, non-profit organizations, or academic institutions.
The Canadian pilot programs offer several benefits, including access to funding, resources, mentorship opportunities, and the ability to test new ideas and innovations in a controlled environment. Successful participation in a pilot program can increase the applicant’s chances of securing future funding or partnerships.
Yes, some Canadian pilot programs are open to non-Canadians, especially the ones related to immigration or innovation. However, eligibility requirements may differ for non-Canadians. Applicants may have to submit additional documentation or pay more fees.
After a Canadian pilot program ends, the government will evaluate the results and determine whether to expand, modify, or terminate the initiative. Successful programs may be integrated into permanent policies or programs, while unproductive programs may be discontinued.
Participating in a Canadian pilot program can involve risks, such as the potential for failure or negative outcomes. Please evaluate the risks and benefits of participating in a program and weigh them against your personal or business goals.
Permanent Residency
No. Canadian permanent residence allows an individual to live, work and study anywhere in Canada indefinitely. Canadian citizenship gives an individual all the rights and responsibilities available to a Canadian citizen.
Yes, Canadian permanent residence can be revoked under certain circumstances, such as becoming inadmissible to Canada by committing a serious crime, misrepresenting information on their immigration application, or being a security risk. The visa can also be revoked if the permanent resident fails to meet their residency obligation of residing in Canada for at least 730 days every five years.
Canadian permanent residence visas are typically valid indefinitely. After becoming a Canadian permanent resident, you are issued a permanent resident card valid for five years.
Yes, they are allowed to leave Canada and travel abroad. However, they must ensure that they meet their residency obligation of physically residing in Canada for at least 730 days every five years.
You can use several pathways the Canadian government offers to become a permanent resident, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Family Sponsorship, and Business Immigration routes.