Our new simplified application process, which came into effect on 01 September 2006, means that when you submit your initial application you only provide the application forms and the processing fee. No additional supporting documents (ie employment letters, educational certificates, financial documents etc....) should be submitted at this time. Supporting documents will be requested by our office at a later date when your application is due to be screened (assessed). This ensures that when we are evaluating your file the information is up to date and a decision usually can be made more quickly.

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Do I need to use a consultant?

The Government of Canada treats everyone equally, whether they use the services of a representative or not. If you choose to hire a representative, your application will not be given special attention nor can you expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome. Please see the following website for further information on immigration representatives.

www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/consultants/index.html

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I have already submitted an application and have a newborn child to add to my file. How do I do this?

Please refer to the information above regarding the simplified application. Once you have received the request for the updated information you will need to submit an updated application form with your child now included. You will also need to submit a copy of their birth certificate, 4 passport sized photos, the processing fee of 150$cdn and a copy of the passport if available. Please do not submit documents for adding family members until this is requested.

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I have been asked to submit proof of my relative’s residence in Canada. What documents are required?

We require any document which shows conclusively that your relative is currently resident in Canada. The best documents to show this are:

- A recent payslip from your relative’s place of work

- A recent credit card statement showing purchases in Canada

- Proof that your relative is attending an educational institution

- Recent Canadian Tax forms.

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I have recently submitted some documents that you asked for. Why haven’t I heard from you yet?

Due to the large amount of mail and documents received at our office each week it may take 4 months or more for incoming documents to be reviewed and for the next step in your immigration application to be made. Please do not contact the office for at least 120 days after you have submitted new information as repeated letters, faxes and e-mails only serve to slow the process. Please note that we do not acknowledge receipt of documents.

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What is a medical exam?

To help meet Canada's immigration objective of protecting the health of Canadian society, all permanent resident applicants and certain temporary resident applicants are required to submit to a medical examination.

The people who have conditions that are likely to pose a danger to public health, are likely to pose a danger to public safety, and might reasonably be expected to cause excessive demands on Canadian health care or social services will be considered inadmissible to Canada.

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How long is my International English Language Test (IELTS) valid for?

For the purpose of Immigration evaluation the test is valid for a period of one year only.

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How do I register for the IELTS?

Please see the following link for a list of test centres and available test dates for countries around the world. http://www.ielts.org/

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How do I obtain a police certificate?

Please see the following link for details on obtaining police certificates from all countries.

www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/index.asp

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I have lived in several different countries. Do I have to provide a police clearance certificate from each one?

You will need to provide police clearance certificates from each country you have lived in for a period of more then 6 months since the age of 18.

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How long is my police clearance certificate valid?

Your police clearance certificate is valid for a period of one year from the date it was issued. If the validity has expired before your visa is issued you will be requested to provide an updated police certificate from the country you are currently living in. If you have already submitted police certificates from other countries where you have not recently lived you will not have to provide an update.

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Once my visa is issued how long do I have to land in Canada?

The Period for which your visa is valid is shown on the visa itself which will be shown in your passport. Permanent Resident visa validity is tied to the validity periods of screening mechanisms, especially the medical exam. Medicals are valid for a period of 1 year only. Generally medicals are issued as a last step in the finalisation of your application. On average you will have between 6 - 9 months to proceed to Canada once your visa has been issued. Please note that you must land in Canada before your visa validity expires as this cannot be extended under any circumstance. If the visa lapses you must apply again.

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