Month: February 2020

Applying for a visa in Canada may not seem too different compared to applying for one somewhere else, but believe it or not, there are common mistakes that most people make when doing so. If you want your application process to go smoothly, you want to zero in on these mistakes and avoid them as much as possible.

For that reason, it’s best to understand what these common mistakes are and how to prevent falling into the same pit as other people. Here are the usual oversights when applying for Canadian immigration:

1. Not submitting punctually

Waiting too long to submit your qualifying application can cost you your slot as immigration tends to close quickly. Not submitting as soon as you can means others are getting ahead of you. If you want to secure your immigration approval, submit your application as soon as you become eligible for one.

2. Employment reference letters don’t prove work background

Unlike the usual type of employment reference letters, you need one that lays out all the details of your previous work experience when applying for Canadian immigration. In your letter, your boss or supervisor needs to outline the details of your current work, and not why companies should hire you.

As such, you want the following included in your letter:

• Official job title
• Employment dates (start date to finish date)
• Salary
• Average hours worked per week
• A list of your job duties

Understandably, it can be hard to ask your boss or supervisor to edit the letter they wrote just because they missed a few things. If so, there’s a possible workaround for this. You can provide documents to support the missing details such as payslips, a certificate of employment that states the starting and end date of your employment, and a sworn declaration of your employment tasks from a colleague.

3. Misrepresentation

While it is a common mistake, misrepresentation is viewed by the immigration office as a serious offence. Misrepresentation can delay your immigration application for years or you could be banned from applying for immigration at all.

People think that the best way to get into Canada is to show the best face they have, even if it’s not truthful. Even if you think covering up minuscule details won’t be obvious, it can lead to serious repercussions if the immigration officer finds out. As such, you want to be honest at all times. Do not cover up your career history, medical conditions, criminal background, and other important records. 

4. Having less than a year of full-time experience in your primary NOC code

This will automatically invalidate your application. It’s important to indicate a primary NOC code that falls under skill levels A, B, or O. Only mention a primary NOC code that you have proof of working on for at least one year.

Since your primary NOC code won’t affect your future employment in Canada, you don’t need to worry about what you indicate for the long term.

Conclusion

These common immigration mistakes should be easy to avoid. Just remember to be attentive to all the details of the process at all times. Furthermore, you may want to seek assistance from consultation agencies to improve your chances of approval.

Our team at Bright Immigration knows the best way to enter Canada! If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

One question that many of our customers ask us pertains to the different factors that affect your Canadian immigration application. You may have control over things like your qualifications and the quality of your application, but other factors such as the economic situation of the country and the surrounding political landscape are well beyond your power to influence.

In this article, we’ll go over the factors that fall into the latter category. This is to give you an idea of the context in which your application will be evaluated.

1. The System’s Capacity

Canada’s immigration program, although strongly supported by the government, still has its limits. This is not just in terms of how many applications it can realistically process, but also in the total number of immigrants who are welcomed into the population.

What this means is that in certain years, the total number of “slots” that are available might be lower than in other years. This could be an effect of diminished demand for workers or a lack of infrastructure and resources to support them. Whatever the case, these times will signify that the odds of being successful with your application are not as favourable.

2. International Politics

The relationships between different sovereign nations are perpetually evolving, Economic alliances can either strengthen or deteriorate, and it is these global-scale events that have arguably the biggest impact on immigration policies.

In other words, the relationship between your home country and Canada will undoubtedly change from time to time, and it could be either to the benefit or detriment of your application. For instance, a bilateral agreement between Canada and your country of origin can make your application suddenly more attractive than others’, improving your chances of success.

3. Local Policy

Canada is comprised of several territories that, for the most part, have similar laws regarding immigration. However, some regions such as Quebec are free to set their own regulations for such. This means that where exactly in Canada you intend to migrate may play a key role in your application’s success.

In this regard, it’s best to familiarize yourself with a given jurisdiction’s immigration policies to know whether or not it’s a good time for you to apply.

4. Demographic Factors

The immigration program has goals that vary from year to year. For example, there might be a greater need for younger immigrants during a certain period, which means that those who fall into this demographic have a generally higher chance of getting their applications approved.

It could also be a matter of the applicant’s background. Families that can be reunited through a granted immigration request, for instance, are favoured heavily by the system. There are several other cases where your identity can factor into the deciding process, and these will all be a matter of certain traits that the program is looking for in its applicants.

Conclusion

As you can see, the success or rejection of your immigration application can also be a matter of simple timing. Sometimes, the current environment will make it more difficult for you to get approval, and you will have to pay attention to these factors to decide whether it’s a good time to make an application or not.

Fortunately, a qualified immigration consultant can guide you through the entire process. We have helped many other individuals successfully apply for immigration to Canada, and we’d be happy to do the same for you.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, contact our immigration consultants in Canada at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

You’re from the other side of the world, and you’ve fallen in love with a Canadian. The two of you end up getting engaged and then, ultimately, married. Congratulations! However, now you have to figure out how you can move to Canada to spend the rest of your life together in wedded bliss. 

Canada Spouse Immigration

Naturally, one would be inclined to apply for a fiance visa. However, Canada does not have this. It is crucial that would-be immigrants follow the requirements as stated under the law and apply for an immigration visa beforehand. Border officers will thereby expect a spousal sponsorship application to be filed by the domestic spouse. On the part of the foreign spouse, they should have gone to the Canadian consulate in their country of origin and gotten an immigrant visa from there prior to flying to Canada. If the wedding is held in Canada or abroad, it makes no difference. The foreign spouse still has to make the application from abroad, returning to Canada as a sponsored immigrant.

Based on compassionate and humanitarian grounds, there is a procedure some married couples may choose to do for spouse immigration in Canada. It is an exemption that usually applies to a foreign spouse already in Canada based on a student or work permit. This will allow the foreign spouse to become a permanent resident without needing to fly abroad to apply for an immigrant visa. 

Since the foreign spouse has a legitimate reason to be in Canada already, the request for an exemption is considered acceptable. However, due to semantic issues, someone with a temporary resident visa or who flew in as a visitor (even from the United States and other visa-exempt countries) cannot do this.

This is due to the word visitor as defined under the terminology of Canadian immigration. People with a temporary resident visa are basically in the country for, well, a temporary period, and then fly out. It is not possible for a visitor to be able to permanently remain in Canada. Any indication of intent to stay makes the person ineligible to even be defined as a visitor, which means their entry into Canada cannot be permitted.

When a would-be foreign spouse declares that they intend to marry and apply for permanent residence within Canada, using the aforementioned inland spouse method via their Canadian spouse applying, their entry will more than likely be denied fully. Inland processing is absolutely not meant for the visa of any visitor, and is rather inappropriate. For them to be able to enter the country at all, they need to be able to prove to the border officer that it is purely a visit, and in the end, they will be leaving Canada. 

One of the best and easiest ways for this requirement to be met is through a return ticket. Additional evidence that the spouse’s life abroad was not fully abandoned is also necessary, such as proof of investments, studies, and the like.

Conclusion

Spousal immigration in Canada does not run on fiance visas because those do not exist. A foreign spouse must apply as an immigrant from abroad sponsored by their domestic spouse. The only exception is for people who are already legitimately in Canada through studies or work.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Moving to a new place is always a big and difficult decision to make, especially with all the work that it involves. It may even be more challenging when moving to a new country. Not only will you have to deal with all the issues of logistics and the like, but you will also have to adapt to a new climate, culture, and other factors.

That said, one of the biggest questions you have to tackle during the move is the “when.” When is it the right time to move to Canada? We believe that now is probably the best. Here is why you should move right now to Canada.

1. Offers world-class healthcare

If there is one thing everyone knows about Canada, that would be its fantastic healthcare system. Healthcare is free for all citizens and permanent residents of the country. Besides this tremendous benefit, the offered healthcare boasts high standards, meaning that people can get the quality care they deserve.

Note that this system does not cover every aspect of healthcare. For instance, you will still need to pay for prescription medicine, but that will generally be covered by your employer. Regardless, Canada offers exceptional healthcare, whether through their free healthcare system or affordable private healthcare plans.

2. Boasts incredible work benefits

Canada offers amazing work benefits. For instance, if you land a job, you can expect to enjoy job insurance, private health coverage, life insurance, and more. You can also enjoy more paid vacations, meaning less time at work and more time to enjoy yourself while still making plenty of money.

If you have kids, you also gain an extra benefit called paid parental leave days. During these days, you can continue earning up to half your regular pay for up to 61 weeks!

3. Extends plenty of opportunities

Other than all the incredible work benefits, there are also plenty of job opportunities in the country. From nursing to IT, plenty of sectors have a high demand for skilled individuals. If you are not yet qualified for these jobs, no need to worry. Canada also offers high-quality education that will give you the knowledge and skills you need to pursue any career.

The best thing about this is that if you graduate from a university in Canada, you can stay and work in the country using a unique permit program known as the PGWP (post-graduate worker permit) program. You do not have to be a permanent residence by then, but it can allow you to work towards it slowly.

Conclusion

With all these amazing benefits awaiting you, now is the best time to move to Canada. You can utilize many programs to gain access, whether through the skilled worker program or earning PR status through a Canadian spouse.

Even with the ongoing pandemic right now, we still highly recommend sending in your application. This is because immigration is always welcome, but to a lesser degree at the moment due to current circumstances.

That said, take the time to ensure that all your documents are accurate and genuine and that you satisfy all the requirements for whatever program you are using. Doing so will give you the best chances possible to finally enter this fantastic country and start an amazing new life.

If you are looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Canada has always been known to be the home of some of the warmest, most welcoming people. In fact, it is a long-standing international joke that Canadians are too kind in some aspects. While it is true that Canadians are friendly, the government is also quite welcoming and understanding of the situations of people. 

The government will often provide travel exemptions for what they call “compassionate travellers” that wish to visit Canada for a set of reasons. Provided that they have a relative or loved one that is a citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person, or part of the First Nations, compassionate travel is possible. 

What Is Compassionate Travel?

Those who have relatives in Canada who are in difficult circumstances regarding their health and require support can file for travel restriction exemptions and limited quarantine release. It also applies to those who wish to provide medical aid to someone who needs it and attend a funeral or end of life ceremony. 

These parameters are set to provide family and specific friends a way to enter and assist their loved ones who are not in good health. Many Canadian residents often enter the country alone and leave their respective home countries behind. To provide a way for someone to care for them in any event that they get sick, the government has created a system to help them during illness and distress. 

Requirements for Compassionate Travel Exemptions

As with any international border procedures, Canada requires advance approval for border restriction exemptions and the limited release from quarantine. Without this advance approval, they will bar entry, and you will be subject to mandatory requirements for quarantine procedures. 

Each person must file for their entry by filling out their respective application forms and have a Letter of Required Support or proof of the death of a loved one. Other documents that entail necessary visit authorizations might also be needed when applications are submitted. The more comprehensive the documentation is, the higher chance there is to be granted an exemption. 

It is important to note that this grant is situational, and each situation will require specific documentation. A Letter of Required Support that is signed by a licensed healthcare professional is a typical requirement. This document certifies that the bearer must be present during a loved one’s final moments or support someone in critical condition. 

Funerals or ceremonies that mark the end of someone’s life will require a statement of death, a medical certificate of death, a death certificate, and a burial permit. Additionally, the sites that you will visit must also grant permission due to the possibility of contact with vulnerable people.

Visa Requirements

International travelers must always have their proper identification documents and a valid visa, whether it is a Temporary Resident Visa or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). International travelers can find a more comprehensive list of travel documents on the IRCC page. 

Immigration consultants often warn that border officers responsible for immigration procedures will always have the final say. Providing a 14-day quarantine plan will be required by the officers to ensure that international travelers follow the protocols for mitigating COVID-19. Additionally, travelling with a vulnerable person might require extra proof that states you have consented to allow quarantine with them. 

Conclusion

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process. Gathering the correct documentation and making the filing process as comprehensive as possible will garner fewer questions and doubt, which expedites the movement. Consulting with professionals can assist you in obtaining proper documents and filling them up correctly.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

It’s tough to be separated from your family, especially if you’re a parent or a grandparent whose children or grandchildren live in another country. The chances are that you often worry about how they’re doing and always want to check on them to ensure that they’re doing fine.

While you can visit your family, you’re usually limited to six months of stay with a visitor’s visa. Such time can feel insufficient compared to the years of separation you all have to endure.

Fortunately, Canada allows parents and grandparents to extend their stay for up to two years as long as you qualify for the Super Visa program. With this, you’ll be able to maximize your stay and enjoy your time with your kids or grandkids for a longer period.

Introduction to Canadian Super Visa

Canada allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens to visit them and stay in the country for up to two years. People who hold a Super Visa also won’t need to renew their status during this time. They can also leave and return to Canada as long as their Super Visa is not expired. 

If your kin is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, you may be qualified to hold a Super Visa. However, the qualification process for it is not as simple as proving your relationship with the Canadian resident.

Criteria for a Canadian Super Visa

To qualify for a Super Visa, you must prove that you have legitimate ties with the people you’re trying to visit. You also need to list all the family members who live in your country, as well as your and their financial situation.

It might sound confusing, but the idea is that the person applying for a Super Visa should have valid and urgent reasons to return to their home country as soon as their Super Visa expires. For this reason, Visa officers may also consider the current situation and stability of your home country and its government.

Specific Requirements

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require evidence that the visitor has a valid reason for visiting the country, as well as sufficient financial means to support them (this can also apply to the permanent resident.) An example of this evidence is a letter of invitation from an adult child or grandchildren which states the following:

• The relationship of the invitee to the person who sent the invitation
• Full name and address of both the resident and the visitor
• Number of people living together in the permanent residence
• Reason for visit

Lastly, the applicant will also need to provide complete medical examination results and proof of medical insurance while they stay in Canada.

Application Procedure

Just like any other Visa application, applying for a Super Visa requires you to fill up an online form. For people who can’t apply online, they can send a printed copy of the application form to the correct office in your country, along with the required documents.

During the application process, it’s important to secure all the necessary documents. If any is missing, the application could be rejected right away. Afterwards, you may be asked to come for a verification interview. Your application will be approved if the Visa officer determines that all your documents, the information you provided, and your purpose of the visit are valid and eligible.

Conclusion

While it seems simple, it can be challenging to secure a Super Visa because of the strict regulations that the CIC follows. You may be able to complete the application on your own, but the lengthy process and complicated procedure can be daunting. As such, your best bet is to seek the help of immigration experts in Canada for timely and realistic results.

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted immigration firm in Toronto, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.