FAQ

How Long Can You Stay in Canada as a Visitor?

Typically, visitors can stay in Canada for up to six months. However, the immigration officer at your port of entry has the final say and can allow a shorter or longer stay.

• If a specific departure date is set, it will be stamped in your passport or noted on a separate document.
• If your passport isn’t stamped, your permitted stay is six months from your entry date, or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
• Super Visa holders who entered Canada after June 22, 2023, may be allowed to stay for up to five years.

If you need to stay longer, our firm can help you apply for a visitor status extension.

Visiting Canada While Your Permanent Resident Application Is In Process

You can travel to Canada as a tourist while your permanent resident application is being processed. However, we strongly advise against making any permanent long-term arrangements in Canada until your permanent resident visa is officially approved.

To enter as a tourist, you’ll need a Canadian Visitor Visa. Keep in mind that even with a valid visitor visa, entry isn’t guaranteed. The final decision on whether you can enter Canada, and for how long, is always up to the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

Do You Need a Canadian Visa If You Have a USA Visa?

Yes, most travelers need a Canadian visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit or transit through Canada, even if they hold a USA visa.

Whether you need a visa or an eTA depends on several factors:

• The type of travel document you have.
• The country that issued your travel document.
• Your nationality.
• How you plan to travel to Canada (e.g., by air, land, or sea).

Using a Canadian Visa in an Expired Passport

Good news! You can travel to Canada with a valid visa in an expired passport. Just be sure to bring both your expired passport (with the valid Canadian visa) and your current, valid passport or travel document. You should also be prepared to explain why your old passport is no longer valid.

While this is allowed, we highly recommend getting a new visa placed in your current valid passport. This can help you avoid potential delays or complications at the border.

How Long Does the Immigration Process Take?

The duration of the immigration process varies significantly based on the type of application, your country of residence, and current processing volumes at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For instance, a visitor visa might only take a few weeks, while family sponsorship can extend from 12 to 24 months. During your consultation, we’ll give you the most up-to-date processing time estimates tailored to your specific circumstances.

Should You Hire an Immigration Consultant?

While you can manage your immigration application yourself, the process is often complex and time-consuming. An immigration consultant can be invaluable. We’ll help you navigate the process, ensure your application is complete and accurate, advise you on the best immigration pathway, and even represent you when communicating with immigration authorities. This can significantly boost your chances of success and reduce your stress throughout the journey.

What Are Our Service Fees?

Our fees depend on the type and complexity of the immigration service you need. We believe in transparent pricing, so you’ll receive a clear breakdown of all costs during your initial consultation, with no hidden fees. We also offer flexible payment plans to make our services more accessible.

Do You Offer Refunds if My Application is Rejected?

We aim for success with every application. While no consultant can guarantee approval, we thoroughly assess your eligibility before moving forward. Our service fees cover the professional work we perform, regardless of the final decision on your application. That said, we do offer reduced rates for reapplications in certain situations.

What’s a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Visitor Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), often called a visitor visa, is an official document that a Canadian visa office places in your passport. It confirms you meet the requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident. Citizens from specific countries need this visa to enter Canada.

Do You Need a Visitor Visa for Canada?

Whether you need a visitor visa to enter Canada depends on your country of citizenship. While citizens from many countries do, some are visa-exempt and can enter with just a valid passport. However, even visa-exempt travelers might need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

To confirm your specific requirements, you can:

• Check the official Canadian government website.
• Contact us for personalized guidance.

Understanding the Super Visa

The Super Visa is a special multi-entry option for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It grants the flexibility of multiple entries to Canada, with each stay lasting up to 5 years. The visa itself can be valid for up to 10 years. Key requirements include demonstrating private medical insurance and financial backing from a Canadian child or grandchild.

Documents Needed for a Visitor Visa Application

To apply for a visitor visa, you’ll generally need:

• A valid passport
• Recent photographs
• Proof you can financially support yourself during your stay
• A letter of invitation (if someone is inviting you to Canada)
• Your travel itinerary
• Proof of ties to your home country (like a job, family, or property)

Keep in mind that specific document requirements can vary depending on your unique situation. We’ll provide you with a detailed checklist during your consultation.

Why Visitor Visas Are Rejected

Visitor visas can be rejected for several common reasons. These often include not enough proof of ties to your home country, insufficient funds, an unclear purpose for your visit, past immigration violations, or incomplete application documents. We work with you to address these potential issues before your application is submitted, significantly increasing your chances of approval.

Understanding Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s online application management system for skilled immigrants. It streamlines applications for three key economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates submit profiles, are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Is There a Minimum CRS Score for Express Entry?

No, there isn’t a static minimum CRS score for Express Entry. The score needed for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) shifts with each draw, influenced by the size of the applicant pool and Canada’s immigration objectives. Federal Skilled Worker draws have historically required scores in the 440-480 range, but these figures are not guaranteed and can differ considerably. We specialize in helping clients boost their CRS scores using various methods.

Understanding Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) enable Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada and settle within their respective jurisdictions. Each PNP is comprised of various streams, each with specific criteria designed to attract particular demographics such as skilled workers, entrepreneurs, or post-secondary graduates. Securing a provincial nomination significantly enhances an applicant’s Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by 600 points, thereby providing a near-certain pathway to an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker

Canada offers several pathways for skilled workers, primarily through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, and specialized initiatives like the Atlantic Immigration Program or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.

The most suitable option for you will depend on your unique qualifications, work experience, language skills, and other relevant factors. We’ll assess your profile to help you identify the best immigration pathway.

Why Are Visitor Visas Rejected?

Visitor visa applications can be denied for several common reasons. These often include:

• Insufficient ties to your home country: Not enough proof that you’ll return after your visit.
• Inadequate financial resources: Not demonstrating you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
• Unclear travel purpose: Your reason for visiting Canada isn’t convincing or well-explained.
• Previous immigration violations: Any past issues with immigration laws in Canada or other countries.
• Incomplete application materials: Missing documents or errors in your submission.

We’re here to help you address these potential issues proactively, aiming to prevent rejection before your application is even submitted.