Our Guide to Child Immigration Sponsorship in Canada

One of the ways to immigrate to Canada is by child immigration sponsorship. The law allows foreign-born children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to join their parents and build a home in Canada. Children who successfully undergo sponsorship will get permanent residence in the country. This means they can live in Canada, go to school, and access social services. 

When they reach the age of majority, they can also apply for work in the country. Permanent residency allows sponsored children to not only stay in the country indefinitely but also work towards full Canadian citizenship. Here are some things to keep in mind about how to sponsor a child for permanent residence.

1. There are requirements for the sponsor

When applying for sponsorship of a foreign-born child, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident will make an application to be a sponsor. When this is approved, the immigration officers will process the child’s application and determine their eligibility for residence. 

A sponsor must be at least 18 years old, currently living in Canada, and is willing to sign a ten-year undertaking. This document stipulates that for a decade, the sponsor agrees to be financially and socially responsible for the minor when they arrive in the country. 

Canadian citizens who reside abroad can sponsor a child, provided that they are able to demonstrate proof that they will return to the country once the sponsored minor is granted residence.

2. The sponsor must be capable of giving support

The government does not require an income threshold for sponsors. However, this doesn’t mean that just anybody can apply to be a sponsor to a foreign-born child. Officers will assess whether a Canadian resident has an income or assets that can support the needs of the child when they arrive in the country. 

As such, an immigrant to Canada who wants to bring their child to the country must show that they have a sufficient monthly income to provide for themself and their child. Proof otherwise will be grounds for refusal. 

A person under the age of 22 who is unmarried and not in a common-law relationship can be considered a dependent of a sponsor who lives in Canada. They can be biological or adopted by the sponsor. Immigration services can advise you in case the child to be sponsored has more unique circumstances.

4. Different laws might apply to children of citizens

Not all foreign-born children are required to go through this route. According to the Citizenship Act of 2009, if a child is born overseas to Canadian parents, they will automatically be considered Canadian citizens if their parents were not born abroad themselves. If a child is born outside Canada, they need only to be registered as a Canadian citizen in order to be recognized. This may be processed in applicable institutions inside and outside the country.

5. Adopted children undergo additional procedures

Children adopted outside Canada, or those who will be adopted once they arrive, have additional requirements they must meet. For one, their adoption must conform to laws in both Canada and their birth country. Authorities must assess the relationship between sponsor and child and confirm the legitimacy of a child-parent relationship.

If they think that it is in the child’s best interests that they remain in their home country, they might reject the sponsorship application. Furthermore, there must be genuine consent from the child’s biological parents.

6. Other cases of adoption

In the case of orphaned minors, they can be sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident provided that they are unmarried. The orphan should also be the sibling, nephew, niece, or grandchild of the sponsor. 

If a sponsor doesn’t have a spouse, common-law partner, child, parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew in Canada, and they have no relative abroad who can sponsor under other categories, they can sponsor their relative no matter what the age.

Canadian Visa Application
Immigration to Canada

Conclusion

Bringing a foreign-born child to Canada requires a sponsor to be financially and psycho-socially equipped to support at least two lives. Learning the intricacies of sponsorship from immigration consultants in Canada will help you decide whether you have everything secured or need more help.

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

Decoding Red Flags: A Guide to Getting a Sponsorship for Canada

Individuals who want to apply for a Canadian sponsorship through their spouses go through a process that entails more than filling out forms, providing legal documents, and waiting to get approved. You will have to prove to the government that you and your spouse’s relationship is legitimate!

It doesn’t matter if you’re legally married, are common-law partners, or are conjugal partners. You will have to provide the necessary evidence that your relationship has undergone a logical progression, from meeting for the first time to getting married or being in an exclusive relationship.

If you plan to seek the help of an immigration expert, you must cooperate and let them assist you every step of the way. Keep reading below to find out the red flags that can end up labelling your relationship with your Canadian spouse a marriage of convenience.

What is a Marriage of Convenience?

A marriage of convenience is being in a relationship or being married to your Canadian spouse, yet having a hidden agenda to immigrate to Canada for other reasons than reuniting with them. You can get accused of fraud if your relationship exhibits the following red flags:

There is a Language Barrier

If you and your partner cannot prove that you share a common language to communicate with one another effectively, it can significantly affect your application. Since an immigration agency expects couples to understand each other to end up committing for life, you should be able to talk to your spouse enough to know what you’re both saying.

You Didn’t Meet Before Marriage

Before getting married, people expect you to spend some time together to prove to officials that you’re both in it for the long haul. If you fail to prove that you weren’t physically together any time before you tied the knot, it can serve as a red flag because you didn’t think it was important to strengthen your relationship during the moments leading up to your big day.

You Have Obvious Differences

If the age gap between you and your Canadian spouse is quite noticeable, it could also cause an issue. Besides that, having views to uphold that are different from your spouse can serve as a warning flag. Living in a country that requires you to apply for a visitor’s visa can also affect your sponsorship application.

You Have Been Previously Denied of a Visa

If you have applied for a Canadian sponsorship visa in the past and were denied that request, it can affect your situation. Beware not to hide this face, as failing to provide all the requirements can end up delaying your chances to get approved for sponsorship.

You Don’t Know Your Spouse Too Well

A genuine relationship can be proven by showing the people in charge that you know your partner like the back of your hand. If you can show that you remember their likes and dislikes, their family history, their intimate details, and their background, to name a few, then an immigration advisor can help process your application without problems.

Immigration Frauds
Canadian Sponsorship

Conclusion

It all comes down to making sure that your relationship with your Canadian partner is genuine, authentic, and something you’re prepared to fight for because you want to spend the rest of your life with them. You can always reach out to an immigration service in Toronto to help gather your documents, prepare your application, and give you helpful advice that can speed up your application and increase your chances of getting approved for sponsorship.

Bright Immigration is your premium Toronto immigration service that can provide sponsorship assistance to those who need it. If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

How to Withdraw Your Application for Family Sponsorship? – Our Guide

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for sponsorship for their family members whom they wish to bring to live with them in Canada. Spouses, common-law partners, children, and parents are some of the relationships covered under the family sponsorship program. 

Family sponsorship is one of the best ways to enter Canada to unite families and households by offering a chance to obtain permanent residency status to applicants, provided that they meet the basic requirements under immigration law.

If you need to withdraw your application for family sponsorship for any reason, the Canadian Immigration authorities do allow this under specific guidelines. Sponsorships can be cancelled for any of the following reasons:

  • Divorce
  • Legal separation
  • A breakdown in the relationship between sponsor and sponsor applicant
  • Other personal reason that must be stated in the withdrawal form

If you have lodged an application for sponsorship and need information on how to withdraw it, you will need to complete a cancellation request form, which you can find here. You will need to provide details of your application and a copy of your electronic payment receipt. This request can only be made if the review process of your sponsorship has yet to start. You may check the status of your application with the use of this portal.

Sponsorship applications should not be taken lightly, and as such, if you change your mind during the process, the immigration authorities cannot guarantee that you can be refunded for your application expenses. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding cancellation requests:

  • Can sponsorship applications be cancelled after permanent residency is granted?

If Canadian Immigration receives your cancellation request after permanent residency status is granted, the sponsorship cannot be withdrawn.

  • Will my fees be refunded?

If the application review has not yet begun, then you can expect to receive a full refund for your application. You can expect a partial refund of C$75 for the sponsorship fee if processing has started.

If the review for permanent residency for the sponsored applicant has begun, you cannot expect to receive the C$75 refund, but all other processing fees will be refunded.

Should the permanent residency application already be in process, unfortunately, you will not be eligible to refund the C$490 permanent residency fee.

There will be no refund if the entire application is denied.

  • What happens if my withdrawal request is denied?

Any withdrawal request should take into account that the action may reflect poorly on the sponsorship applicant. If the withdrawal is denied, immigration authorities may still view the sponsor as unwilling to fulfill their obligations, and as such, reject the applicant from obtaining permanent resident status.

  • Can a sponsored person appeal a withdrawal?

Withdrawal requests will only be entertained if there is no decision yet on the granting of permanent residency status. No, a sponsorship applicant may not appeal to the withdrawal request.

Final Note

If a decision on permanent residency has already been made by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department, then withdrawal requests will no longer be entertained. Sponsors are hereby bound to abide by their obligations of Family Sponsorship, namely, to support them financially and ensure they do not require social assistance from the government. For more information and assistance, consult a Canada immigration agency who can guide you through the intricacies of your particular case. 

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

3 Common Sponsorship Mistakes for a Common-Law Partner – What to Know

Many individuals want to immigrate to Canada for a handful of reasons, such as for its solid economy, career opportunities, and security, among others. What’s good about the Canadian government is that they allow citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their partners and other individuals provided that they submit an application and meet the criteria.

Typically, qualified sponsors can cover their spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners. Spouses are those considered to be legally married. While conjugal partners are committed in a relationship for at least a year (but not living together), common-law partners are engaged in a relationship (but living together for at least a year).

For the most part, many Canadians and permanent residents consider sponsoring their partners, so their partners can immigrate to Canada and live there permanently. However, some common-law couples tend to make a few mistakes when sponsoring their partners. In this article, we will share with you three of them:

1. Not living together for a full year

As defined above, a common-law relationship is considered when an unmarried couple has been living together for a year. To emphasize, the relationship term should be “one year” as a major requirement. Not only should a couple live together for a year, but they should be financially, socially, emotionally, and physically codependent.

Unfortunately, some couples are in a hurry that they fail to consider this primary criterion. If not, the couple may have been together for a year but fail to provide valid documentation as proof.

2. Applying for the wrong category

As mentioned above, a common-law couple is different from a conjugal couple. The difference lies in the fact the first couple is living together while the latter is not (although both are in a relationship).

The problem is that some couples make the mistake of applying under the conjugal partner category, instead of the common-law category. For this reason, it’s best to have an immigration consultant to assist you and your partner in the application process.

3. Submitting outdated forms and incorrect or incomplete documents

It’s important to know that the Canadian government is rigorous and stringent in the application processes. As required forms tend to be updated several times in a year, you must fill out the updated forms. Make sure to answer the forms correctly and leave no blank spaces whenever applicable so that you’ll have a higher chance of approval.

Furthermore, when submitting supporting documents, you have to ensure they are correct, adequate, and complete. Typically, supporting documents are registers of personal interaction between the couple, such as photos, greeting cards, receipts of money, emails, letters, and phone records, among others.

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Immigrate to Canada

Conclusion

Before you take the plunge into applying for common-law partner sponsorship, be wary of some mistakes mentioned above. Make sure you and your partner have been living together for a full year, apply under the common-law partner category, submit the right forms, and provide correct or completed supporting documents.

If you’re looking for immigration consultants in Toronto to help you with your sponsorship of your common-law partner, we provide professional help from a trusted firm please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

A Complete Checklist for Spousal Sponsorship

When submitting your spousal sponsorship application in Canada, you’ll be required to use a document checklist. This will indicate everything you need to provide before completing your application. Without it, you may be refused by the Government of Canada. Each document checklist comprises basic criteria and is often broken down into two parts—required forms and supporting documents. When using a checklist, be sure to provide accurate information regarding your sponsored person. 

Part A Checklist Items

Among the components included in the checklist for spousal Toronto immigration are: 

  • The checklist itself. Though it may seem redundant, this requirement serves as a reminder that the checklist must be the first page in your application. 
  • Application to Sponsor, Sponsorship Agreement, and Undertaking. Also known as an IMM 1344, these forms must be filled out and signed by you and the person you’re sponsoring. 
  • Application fees. When applying for spousal sponsorship, you’ll be expected to pay an application fee, biometrics fee, and other charges such as the Right of Permanent Residence fees. You must attach receipts of every paid fee. 
  • Financial evaluation. If you’re sponsoring a person who parents one or more dependent children who also have one or more dependent children of their own, you’ll be required to fill this form, which is also known as an IMM 1283. 
  • Class of application. When applying within the family class sponsorship program, you must indicate your class of application. This may be between a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. If you’re applying for a work permit within your application, you must indicate this as well. 
  • Generic application form for Canada. Referred also as an IMM 0008 form, this must be completed on behalf of the person being sponsored along with any of their dependents. 
  • Country specific requirements. If the sponsored person hails from a country that has its own required documents, this must also be submitted to the Government of Canada. 
  • Additional family information. Also called an IMM 5406, this form lists more information regarding the person being sponsored and their family members.
  • Schedule A. Also known as an IMM 5669, this form is filled up with information about the principal applicant’s background. 
  • Relationship information and sponsorship evaluation. Known as an IMM 5532, this includes information regarding the principal applicant and their partner.
  • Use of a representative. If the person being sponsored is seeking the help of an immigration consultant or lawyer, they are expected to complete this form. 
  • Authority to release personal information to a designated representative. Referred to as an IMM 5475, this form authorizes CIC to relay your personal information to another representative. 

Supporting Documents

For a spousal sponsorship application, supporting documents may include anything that proves the genuineness of your relationship. This may include identification documents, status documents, photos, medical examinations, and proof of your relationship, among other things. 

Canadian Visa Application
Imigration to Canada

Conclusion

One common error applicants tend to make is not making sure they’re completing the most up-to-date forms. Hence, it’s important to review whether or not you may be using an older form with the Government of Canada.

At Bright Immigration, we provide the best Canada immigration officers to help welcome newcomers into the country. 

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

Canadian Immigration 101: How Long Does a Partner Sponsorship Take

The Canadian immigration system gives priority to bringing families together for its permanent residents, allowing Canadian citizens to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or children to reside with them in the Land of Opportunity. 

Programs like the Spousal Sponsorship falls under the Family Class category, and the immigration system is one of the best in the world, it is still a complex process. There are various qualifications and requirements that the sponsor and the one being sponsored need to meet, all of which can be time-consuming. 

Understanding the Difference Between Inland and Outland Spousal Sponsorship in Canada 

A spousal sponsorship counts married couples that include both opposite and same-sex relationships. There are other ways to be eligible too, such as common-law partnership and conjugal partnership. Both require you to provide proof of living together for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, but there are also other factors to consider. 

There are two terms that describe the appropriate application you should submit: outland sponsorship and inland sponsorship.

What is Inland Sponsorship?

This refers to the sponsored person who lives in Canada with the sponsor under temporary status, be it as a worker, student, or visitor. Inland sponsorship applications must be directed to the IRRC’s Case Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, wherein both couples can appeal to live together as permanent citizens. 

One of the best benefits of inland sponsorship is that the sponsored person can continue to work in Canada while the application is under review, so long as the work permit is still valid. 

What is Outland Sponsorship? 

On the other hand, outland sponsorship describes the person being sponsored as someone residing outside Canada. It’s the most common situation for most applicants, wherein Canadian citizens are hoping to bring their foreign partners to Canada. In this case, all applications must be submitted to the IRCC’s Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. 

One of the advantages of outland sponsorship is that the processing time is significantly shorter compared to inland sponsorship applications, which is why people who are eligible for inland sponsorship also pursue outland sponsorship. 

How Long Does a Spousal Sponsorship in Canada Take? 

The waiting time is always the killer when it comes to anticipating the results from your spousal sponsorship application. There’s no clear-cut benchmark for the exact processing time as it varies from application to application, though it generally stretches for 12 months for spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners. 

Outland sponsorship often takes between 15 to 18 months from 2011 to 2016, while inland sponsorship can last for as long as 27 months. Fortunately, the government was able to streamline the processing time for spousal sponsorship in 2017 and now has an average of 12 months for both types of spousal sponsorship. 

Spousal Sponsorship
Spousal Sponsorship

The Bottom Line: Understanding the Process Partner Sponsorship to Canada 

The immigration process for spousal sponsorship is rarely a straightforward one, which is why it helps to have a professional by your side to guide you through the complex forms and documentation for a smooth-sailing experience. 

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

Our Guide to 3 Ways to Bring Your Foreign Partner to Canada

Canada is world-renowned for having an open and welcoming immigration system, which is why it’s no surprise that it takes family reunification immigration with utmost importance. If you found love overseas and want to reunite with your spouse, there are three ways for you to start a new life together in the land of opportunity. 

Whether it’s to bring common-law partners or same-sex couples together, Canadian immigration is open for all families so long as you are eligible under one of three programs available: Spousal Sponsorship, Common-law Sponsorship, and Conjugal Sponsorship. 

What to Expect When You Go for the Spousal Sponsorship Route 

This program caters to couples living in Canada, wherein a Canadian citizen or permanent resident marries a foreign citizen. Both individuals must be at least 18-years-old and must have a legal marriage in their country of origin. The spousal sponsorship involves a test that identifies whether the couple entered a genuine marriage or chose to unite for immigration purposes. 

To prove the credibility of your marriage, you need to show proof of honeymoon, travels, communications, legal relationships with each other’s family members, living arrangements, and shared assets, among other things. 

In addition to submitting the required documents, the couple will also undergo an interview wherein they will have to answer questions relating to the proof of their marriage. 

What to Expect When You Go for the Common-Law Sponsorship Route 

This program is designed for couples living together as partners for at least one year in Canada, but are not yet married. You can apply for this sponsorship so long as you prove that you have a full year of cohabitation and is in a genuine, exclusive relationship. 

The evidence varies depending on each distinct couple. Still, the most common aspects that a visa officer will look into are your shared assets, travel history, established relationships with the other’s families, and other documents that can help show your sincere and committed relationship. 

For instance, showing a co-signed lease or utility bills with both names in the same address can be a powerful way to demonstrate the legitimacy of your cohabitation and relationship. 

What to Expect When You Go for the Conjugal Sponsorship Route 

This particular program is the most challenging sponsorship on the list since it caters to couples who are not suitable for the said categories above. These refer to exclusive couples who are in a committed and conjugal relationship for at least one year, wherein the sponsor is living in Canada. At the same time, the foreign partner resides in a different country. 

Keep in mind that this is not for couples who are planning to get married and live together at a later date. The only way to get approval is to prove you have a “marriage-like” relationship, wherein you have a history of cohabitation, shared assets, travels, and more. 

Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Immigration to Canada

The Bottom Line 

Canada holds high value for reuniting families and building a bright future for its residents, and the three programs above are the best options for sponsoring your partner. 

Please take note that while you meet the eligibility requirements will not necessarily guarantee approval as each situation for couples is unique, so it’s best to hire an immigration consultant to guide you through the complexities. 

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

The IRCC’s Verdict Regarding Spousal Sponsorship Applications

In recent months, spouses looking to move to Canada for a much better life have experienced unease because of the lengthened delays to the IRCC’s processing forces. 

In the case of those looking to sponsor their partners for a permanent residence, many of their plans may have to wait for a while because of the waiting periods and onset of difficulties along the way. Fortunately, those looking to speed up the process and undertake the application process can move along with the Coronavirus special measures. 

A hopeful development 

Amid concerns surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on immigration processing times, the Canadian government has quelled the unease by announcing that they will still accept and process applications. This came as great news for couples looking to reunite after quite some time.

According to the recent updates that the CIC and Canadian government have put out, individuals seeking to apply for spousal and common-law sponsorships will still have their applications accepted and processed. Applicable to partners both in Canada and abroad, the recent development poses a crucial opportunity that many aspiring applicants cannot overlook.

While the Canadian government itself is still refining its COVID-19 measures, the CIC has taken it upon itself to iron out various concerns that couples have regarding a sponsorship during the crisis. 

On incomplete applications

The CIC has indicated that they will continue to accept and process new applications for permanent residence, including incomplete applications that have lacking requirements due to restrictions. With this update, applicants won’t have to worry about delaying their submissions or applications since the necessary accommodations are made. 

In the case of those filing new spouse or common-law sponsorship applications, incomplete applications must be submitted alongside a letter of explanation that details specific COVID-19-related delays. Although incomplete applications will be kept and reviewed in 90 days, CIC officers will provide an additional 90-day deadline after 60 days to fully complete an application. 

Attaining entry amid travel restrictions

While the Canadian government announced a travel ban on foreign nationals into Canada to stop the Coronavirus pandemic spread in previous months, spouses and common-law partners may be exempted. 

Travellers and applicants considered and proven as immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents also have been exempted from the aforementioned travel ban. However, it is critical for travellers visiting their family in Canada to identify themselves to airlines and provide supporting documentation that will shed light on: 

  • Their immediate family member or spouse’s status in Canada
  • Their relation to the Canadian permanent resident or citizen

To fulfill the requirements mentioned above, travelling spouses seeking a spousal sponsorship are recommended to provide sufficient supporting documents, such as:

  • Marriage certificate or evidence of standard law status
  • Canadian Passport or Permanent Resident Card
  • Birth Certificate
Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Immigration to Canada

Conclusion

Although COVID-19 may have imposed significant barriers on the application process of those looking to join their spouses in Canada, recent updates show a more hopeful turn for convenient experiences in the coming months. Through this guide and the necessary details in mind, you can make the required adjustments to ensure that your application is processed and accepted!

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

5 Valuable Reasons to Use an RCIC for Canadian Immigration – What to Know

Many individuals aspire to move to Canada and seek permanent residency there. However, it can be quite confusing to apply for immigration, given the different policies, laws, and visa systems set in place. The good thing though is that there are immigration services in Canada, with a handful of immigration consultants available that you can seek help from. That is where the Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) come into the picture.

For the uninitiated, RCICs are legally authorized representatives under the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) who can guide you through the process of your immigration. They are trained, qualified, and well-acquainted with the Canadian immigration policies.

That said, here’s why you need to hire an immigration consultant in Toronto, Canada.

1. License to work and operate

Dealing with anyone to help you in your immigration to Canada can be quite risky. As much as possible, you don’t want to fall prey to individuals who can take advantage of you. Working with an RCIC ensures that he or she has the license to work and operate. By working with an RCIC, you’ll rest assured that your consultant adheres to a high standard of ethics and professionalism and helps you get through the whole process seamlessly.

2. Robust knowledge on the visa system

The whole visa system can be a bit tricky, particularly when it comes to getting approval. What’s good about an RCIC is his or her knowledge of the visa system. You can expect him or her to be updated with the latest policy changes and existing professional licensing requirements. For this reason, you won’t be wasting any time, money, and effort to comply and submit all the needed requirements.

3. Liaison with the Canadian Immigration Authorities and your employer

Another good reason to work with an RCIC is that he or she has connections with the Canadian Immigration Authorities. He or she can also deal with your employer on your behalf. This can be a major advantage on your part. If you’ve ever tried getting in touch with government departments, then you know how time-consuming and exhausting it can be. It’s best to leave these jobs to an RCIC for a favourable outcome.

4. Securing all paperwork and requirements

Planning to immigrate to Canada entails a lot of paperwork to submit and comply with. In fact, it requires hours of paperwork, filing, form submissions, and documents. All these must be compiled and filed correctly and in a timely manner. Your RCIC will take care of all these, which will make the entire process go as smoothly as possible.

6. A personalized immigration strategy

What’s good about an RCIC is how he or she approaches your immigration application using a personalized strategy. This means they understand what your aspirations are and will help you find an effective way to get approved without getting stuck in the labyrinth of Canada’s visa system. He or she will guide you all throughout the journey, meeting both your expectations and your timeline requirements.

Canadian Visa Application
Canadian Immigration

Conclusion

Having an RCIC assist you in applying for your Canadian visa can simplify your application and make the entire process simple and hassle-free. Given the valuable benefits outlined above, there’s no doubt how beneficial it would be to seek help and assistance from an immigration consultant in Toronto, Canada.

We are an immigration consultancy in Toronto, Canada. If you are looking to immigrate to Canada, and need a certified immigration consultant, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

Greener Pastures in Canada with the IMP Code C11: Our Guide

Apart from being the best place for families from third-world countries to seek a better life, same-sex couples to get married, and students to have top-level schooling, Canada is also a safe haven for self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs. 

Whether you’ve got a business that needs the right market and location to grow or are in need of clients that will pay you better, the Great White North is definitely the place to be. Once you know about the benefits that you can enjoy (such as tax exemptions and incentives), you’ll quickly realize that starting your new journey in the country will yield the best chances of success! However, making a move for your new entrepreneurial or self-employment effort can be difficult due to the complicated processes to deal with. 

Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with this complete guide to the Two-Stage Immigration for Self-employed and Entrepreneurs (otherwise known as International Mobility Program (IMP) Code C11):

What you need to know about IMP Code C11 and the Express Entry System process

The main point to know as you embark on the application process is that the IMP enforces a two-stage system, where interested professionals must follow every detail or risk rejection. Let’s go over the specifics of both stages in further detail so that you start the transfer process with the right expectations and key pointers in mind: 

The first stage: Securing a Work Permit under IMP Code C11

When you compare the IMP process with other employment programs, you’ll notice that the main difference is that the former allows you to apply for a Work Permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This development is especially important to take note of because the LMIA process itself is tedious and prone to a refusal to the point where two-thirds of granted Canadian work permits are now attained with the IMP. 

If you’re going to apply for a work permit under the IMP with an LMIA exemption code C11 (which is tailored for entrepreneurs or self-employed professionals), you’ll need to meet the following requirements: 

  • You must have the skills and background to establish a successful business in Canada or purchase an existing one and turn it into a successful business.
  • You must (or be able to) own at least 50% of the business they establish or purchase in Canada.
  • Your activities in Canada must create significant cultural, social, or economic benefits for the country. 
  • You must present a business plan that is meaningful and viable.
  • You must have taken steps to make their plans happen prior to entering Canada.

The second stage: Applying for permanent residence

As a hopeful business owner or professional looking to start a practice, you’ll be bound to an unspoken commitment to running your business at all times—something you can’t do with a work permit alone. 

Given that the IMP Code C11 work permit itself does not grant permanent residency by default, it is critical that you attain such a status by applying for a dual-intention process which is currently available for: 

  • Immigration to Canadian provinces as a business person or entrepreneur (PNP programs)
  • Immigration to Quebec as a self-employed person

If you want to move to a place that isn’t in Quebec or a Canadian province, then you’ll need to take another route that involves manually getting a permanent residence. Available after at least a year of operation with a Canadian work permit, the Federal Skilled Worker programs made available through the Express Entry system will allow entrepreneurs to seek permanent residency much faster. In order to apply for permanent residency, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

  • You must have been able to actively manage your business in Canada for at least 12 consecutive months in Canada with a valid work permit (this option is important as you will receive up to 340 CRS points—although this is subject to change in the future).
  • You must be able to meet the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
  • You must qualify for and enter the Express Entry pool and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
Immigration consultants advise those travelling to Canada for Compassionate Travel purposes not to fear the process.
Permanent Residence

Conclusion

With Canada becoming a far more viable opportunity for anyone to establish their professional career or business, it’s clear that anyone looking for a better environment to thrive in should consider immigration. Through the help of the key pointers mentioned above, you can enter the immigration application process with the right expectations and direction in mind for higher chances of success! 

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