Month: December 2021

Canada has always been accepting and welcoming of immigrants in their country. Many people from other countries take advantage of this, knowing that there are great opportunities in the country compared to where they’re originally from. To keep up with the work demands in the country and the enormous amount of interested individuals, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made it easier for everyone to migrate by opening applications for permanent residence sponsorship.

One of the popular sponsorships in Canada is the spousal sponsorship application, through which Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their spouse or common-law partner to migrate to the country with them. Applying for one is nothing complicated, as long as you both meet the eligibility requirements of the IRCC.

Almost anyone can become eligible, but is it possible for spouses with criminal records outside Canada to migrate to the country?

What are the requirements for a spousal sponsorship application in Canada?

As mentioned, applying for spousal sponsorship is not complicated at all. You only need to submit your application to the CIC office and meet the criteria for eligibility. There are several requirements a sponsor should meet, including:

1. They should be a Canadain citizen or permanent resident
2. They should be the legal spouse or partner of the sponsee
3. They should show proof that they can provide for their sponsee’s basic needs for at least three years after approval

What happens if your partner has a criminal record?

Technically, the Canadian government dismisses the application and pronounces someone who has pending criminal records with a 10-year (or more) prison sentence inadmissible to the country. The application will also be rejected if the sponsor is found to be serving out a sentence in Canada.

However, there is a legal way for them to be allowed migration by applying for rehabilitation. The result of the application will solely depend on their evaluation and review of the IRCC, and the process will take no less than five years after serving their sentence.

However, if your sponsee has a criminal charge in Canada, the record suspension should be handled by the Parole Board of Canada. To be considered, a person should wait for at least five years for summary offences and ten years for indictable offences before they get to obtain a record suspension.

Conclusion

Canada is one of the countries that are very open and welcoming to immigrants. However, they also hold certain limitations and restrictions to ensure balance, safety, and security in their country. Although almost any close relative of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can be eligible for migration, those who have criminal records both inside and outside the country can be declared inadmissible.

Still, there is a legitimate albeit lengthy way their application can be considered. If a sponsee has a criminal charge outside Canada, they need to request rehabilitation with the IRCC. On the other hand, if they have a criminal conviction in Canada, they must apply for a record suspension with the Parole Board of Canada. Both processes will require the sponsee to wait five to ten years before consideration.

If you need assistance with your spousal sponsorship application, get in touch with our team today. Our trusted immigration consultants in Toronto will help ensure that your application requirements are complete and correct and that your application will undergo proper processing.

If you’re 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 welcoming to various nationalities from different parts of the world. As an immigrant, you can take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in this country, such as a robust economy, national security, career options, and attractions. 

One thing that cannot be ignored in this country is its top-quality educational system. Education in this country is arguably one of the best in the world with its strong and well-funded public education system. As a parent, it can be a good idea to send your children to Canada for schooling!

In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about getting your children to study in Canada.

The educational system in Canada

It’s worth knowing that the country doesn’t have a federal department with a centralized education. This means that each province, with its school boards, is responsible for the different schools under their wings. For this reason, the education system varies from one place to another.

Both Canadian children and those of permanent and temporary residents have access to public education. However, keep in mind that temporary residents are subject to specific conditions based on the study type, program duration, and the parents’ work visa. The same is true for children from other countries that must have a visitor record or study permit to be able to study at a Canadian school.

As the education system varies, it’s best to check the province’s system, regulations, and requirements so that you will know how to proceed.

Structure of schooling

Now, let’s take a look at the structure of schooling in Canada, as follows:

• Primary: The elementary school accepts children aged four or five years old (depending on the province) up until twelve years of age.
• Secondary: The high school covers children from 13 to 17 years old, which translates into grade 8 to grade 12. However, some cities also have Middle School from grade six to grade eight.
• Post-secondary: Canadian students who have graduated from high school are given the opportunity to apply to colleges and universities where they can pursue their further studies.

Other types of education

There are also other types of education you must take note of, such as the following:

• Vocational schools: Students are able to learn a trade or vocation at technical schools spread out throughout Canada.
• Private schools: They aren’t funded by the government, which typically comes with a hefty price tag of school fees. However, the quality of education is still guaranteed.
• Religious schools: They teach both the regular school curriculum and religious teachings as well.

Other schooling alternatives

Apart from the traditional forms of education mentioned above, Canada also offers other schooling alternatives, such as:

• Homeschooling: This is authorized in Canada and accepted in all provinces. However, it is necessary to follow all requirements and rules of your place of residence.
• Distributed learning: This allows students to be located in different, non-centralized locations so that instruction and learning can occur independently of time and place.

Languages taught in Canada

There are only two official languages taught in Canada—English and French. For the most part, English is the primary language of school-level education. However, international students are provided with the choice of study in either language. Yet, most schools in the country do offer studies in both languages.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what it takes to have your children study in Canada. Be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above, particularly about its educational system and schooling structure. With all these in mind, you can make the right decision and ultimately prepare to send your children to Canada for schooling! It’s best for a smooth application process to work with an immigration agency and hire an immigration consultant in Toronto!

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

Breaking ground on foreign soil as an entrepreneur or investor can jump-start your career tremendously. Whether a United States native or having trouble navigating a complicated economic landscape elsewhere, Canada’s Startup Visa Program may best suit your interests. As an alternative that many business owners have pursued in the past, the Startup Program is flexible and accommodating. 

The Basics of the Startup Program

The number one country in the world for an enhanced quality of life, Canada is politically stable, boasts an excellent banking system, a clean environment, and provides free healthcare. It’s no wonder business advisors across the globe are consulting with Canadian immigration advisors. 

Among the top five technology talent markets in the world, Canada is welcoming more immigrants each year. To attend to business immigrants, the Startup Program doesn’t entail a minimum investment and requires only a score of five or higher on the English language IELTS test. Applicants must prove settlement funds of $13,000 (10,000 USD) and under $3,000 (2,000 USD) per family member. 

After three years or more of permanent residency, business immigrants can apply for Canadian citizenship or passport. 

The Startup Program Structure

Before collating due diligence requirements, immigrant entrepreneurs must first develop a viable business plan via three options: 

• The immigrant can join a business incubator program, spending some time in Canada to formulate a plan with an appointed mentor. The project may take roughly six months to develop and will cost applicants $100,000 (70,000 USD). 
• The immigrant can get support from a government-designated angel investor group with an investment of under $75,000 (60,000 USD). 
• The immigrant can get support from a government-designated venture capital fund group with an investment of over $200,000 (150,000 USD).

Either way, immigrants must own at least 10% of the voting shares in a chosen Canadian company and become actively involved in the development process. No other participating entity may own more than 50% of voting shares. 

If you meet the requirements, your sponsoring group will mail you a letter of support or commitment certificate. You can then begin processing your permanent residency application and immediately apply for a short-term work permit to start working on your company. Processing your permanent residency can take up to 18 months—be sure to interface regularly with your immigration lawyer in Toronto. 

Once approved, your spouse can also apply for an open work permit, and your children can attend school in Canada at no cost. For three months from entry, you will also receive free healthcare. 

Conclusion

To secure your business in the future, you might decide that foreign investment is best for you and your family. Although supporting local businesses can help your economy recover, a move might be the key to allowing your business to flourish. 

If you’re starting to set up your business in Canada, Bright Immigration can hook you up with the right Canada immigration lawyer. With detailed information on industry market sectors in our back pocket, we’re well-equipped to provide you with the best advice. 

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

Canada is known for having two official languages: English and French. While most immigrants are proficient in them, many consider these languages as not their mother tongue. Because of this, newcomers do their best to learn English before they move to the country. 

Canada is an ideal country for learning the English language because about two-thirds of Canadians consider English their first language. If you are a newcomer to the country and want to improve your English language proficiency, use this article as your guide.

Is There a Free English Language Learning Opportunity for Newcomers?

Newcomers to Canada like you could qualify for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), a free English language learning opportunity. You can take advantage of this program by meeting the following criteria: 

• You have to be at least 18 years old
• You must be a permanent resident of Canada. 
• You can also qualify if the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or convention refugee has approved your application.

If you are not a newcomer to Canada, you can still participate in this English language learning program. You just have to be a Canadian citizen and an international student, visitor, or temporary foreign worker. Qualifying for LINC also means getting free childcare and transportation tickets, depending on the province or territory you are currently residing in. 

What Are My Alternative Options for Learning English in Canada as a Foreign National?

As a foreign national, you have alternative options for learning the English language in Canada if you think LINC may not be quite useful for you. Note that some of these are not free.

• Independent ESL

You have the choice to travel to Canada to learn the English language for several weeks and then return to your home country. For instance, you can opt for English as a Second Language (ESL) training. You also don’t need a study permit if the program’s duration is less than six months. Just take note that you may be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), depending on your nationality.

• Prerequisite ESL

Another option for learning English in Canada as a foreign national is to take a prerequisite course for your post-secondary education. This is especially common if you sign up for a university program and ask for language tests. If your test results are not ready or unsatisfactory, you can attend ESL courses and then move on to your regular classes. 

Remember that this process can be approved depending on your university. Therefore, you might need to apply for a study permit. You can seek help from immigration experts for a hassle-free application process.  Once your permit is approved, you are allowed to travel to Canada to study English. 

Conclusion

As a newcomer to Canada, mastering the English language is important to make the most out of the career and educational opportunities in the country and communicate effectively with your co-workers or schoolmates and friends. Thus, it’s best to follow the information on this guide to improve your language skills. Don’t hesitate to contact experienced immigration consultants to learn more about your language learning opportunities.

Bright Immigration is a trusted immigration agency that can help you study, visit, or work in 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.

Starting a new life in Canada with your family can be very exciting. But there are many things to keep in mind in the process, especially when it comes to bringing your children with you. They will need to fulfil several requirements in order to qualify as your dependent, including being a certain age. 

Yes, age can affect your children’s application to permanently move to Canada. If they surpass the age limit, they may have to file a separate application and prove that they can financially sustain themselves. Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s new increase in the dependent age limit:

The increase in the age limit

In 2017, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) raised the maximum age of a dependent child to under 22 years old in their application to immigrate to Canada. This has been a goal of the department since 2015 in an effort to prioritize family reunification. Prior to this, the age limit was under 19 years old—those 19 and above were ineligible to qualify as dependents except under certain circumstances. 

For example, if your child has a physical or mental condition that inhibits them from supporting themselves financially and they are above the age limit, they may still qualify as dependents. Additionally, if your child has depended on you substantially for financial support since before they exceeded the age limit, they may also qualify. 

How this affects you

While there are other requirements for qualifying as a dependent, this new change is very important to parents who wish to bring their children with them to Canada. The extension of this eligibility limit to older children means that you won’t have to worry about bringing them with you. Individuals aged 19-22 are now free to pursue other opportunities that will help them become self-reliant, such as pursuing further education or seeking gainful employment. This also makes it easier for them to enter the country. 

How this affects Canada

An influx of younger adults entering Canada is highly beneficial to the country, as this can result in many economic and social rewards. College-aged individuals often seek better educational opportunities in Canada, which is also known for its many prestigious universities. They’re also more likely to look for employment in the country after graduation, which will positively contribute to Canada’s growth. It also helps the country become the best place for skilled immigrants.

Other things to keep in mind

In addition to the increase in the dependent age limit, the government has also removed the conditional permanent residence requirement. This can be found under other immigration programs, such as spousal sponsorship. The removal of this requirement reduces the length of the process, making it easier to immigrate to Canada. It also removes the fear of deportation of some individuals.

Conclusion

Canada has been working to reunite families that are seeking a better life in the country. With these new changes, families can now look forward to a smoother and easier process of bringing their dependents into the country and being together all at the same time. As immigration has now become more accessible and less time-consuming, Canada has become the ideal option for families and individuals hoping for a better life.

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

Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident who wishes to bring your foreign parents to the country? Fortunately, you can apply for a sponsorship to bring your parents and/or grandparents to Canada. 

When the application is approved, parents and grandparents will get permanent resident status, which will allow them to live in Canada for as long as they want. They can also work or study in the country if they want to, and they will be given access to social services. 

The application is a two-step process, in which the sponsor will have to apply first and get approved. Once approved, it is the parents’ or grandparents’ turn to apply for permanent residence. 

Sponsor Requirements: 

• Income – the sponsor must have proof of income, which must be at least 30 percent above the Low Income Cut-Off level (LICO). It is based on the total family size, including the sponsor, immediate dependents, and family members being sponsored, including any dependents they may have. Additionally, the sponsor must be able to show that they have met the minimum necessary income requirement for the past three years.
• 20-Year Sponsorship – the sponsor must agree to be financially responsible for the parent or grandparent for the next 20 years. 
• Notice of Assessment (s) – sponsors may use their income tax returns as documentary evidence.

What Happens When the Sponsor Is Approved

Once the Canadian sponsor is approved, the parental sponsorship application will be processed, which will take one year. When the application is approved, the foreign parents will be given permanent resident visas. 

What Happens When the Application is Rejected

When the sponsor application is rejected, it could be for two reasons—the sponsor does not have sufficient income, or the applicant is inadmissible to the country due to misrepresentation, criminal records, or health concerns. 

The sponsor can file an appeal within 30 days to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board. 

Super Visa

A Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit the country for up to two years at a time. Typically, this will be a 10-year multi-entry visa. 

To qualify for a SuperVisa, the child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident must prove that he or she has sufficient income to support the visit, while the visiting parents or grandparents must purchase private medical insurance prior to their arrival.

Conclusion

Bringing your parents or grandparents to live with you in Canada may be quite tedious, as it will take a lot of work and time. That’s why most sponsors often seek the help of an immigration agency to help them out through the process. 

Fortunately, you will find many immigration agencies that can help you sponsor your parents and grandparents. With an immigration consultant, you can leave the difficult tasks to them, and all you’ll need to do is gather the necessary paperwork and answer some essential questions. 

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

Bringing your non-Canadian spouse into Canada to become a permanent resident can be quite complicated due to all the requirements you have to fulfil. Spousal sponsorship applications require you to provide many different kinds of information, some of which must prove that you and your spouse are in a genuine relationship.

Proving your relationship is arguably one of the most difficult requirements for the application, but a great way to do so is with the help of a personal statement. While a personal statement itself is not required in the application, it does help you establish the fact that your relationship is real.

Personal statements will vary, depending on your situation and how you met and got together with your spouse. Nevertheless, here are examples of information you should include in your statement:

Arranged Marriage

There are many reasons for an arranged marriage, some of which may be deemed unreasonable to an immigration officer. For instance, getting married for the sake of getting into Canada will be turned down.

If you are together with your spouse because of an arranged marriage, you will need to show to immigration why that is the case. You can do this in several ways, one of which is to provide the details of every individual who had a role in planning the marriage. You can also include the reasons the wedding took place and why your parents thought you and your spouse would go well together.

Generally, the more details you provide here, the better. This information can go a long way toward proving the authenticity of your relationship.

Online Encounter

If you met your partner over the internet, there are a few pieces of information you can provide.

For example, try and remember the first day you met each other, as you will want to include that detail in your statement. Indicate the online platforms you used to maintain communication, whether through voice chats on Skype or through email correspondence. Additionally, include how often you contacted each other.

Do not forget to include how and why the two of you decided to be in a relationship. You can also recount the first time you both met in person by outlining certain details, such as the date and location.

Conclusion

These are two examples of what you can include in your personal statement. Note that what you add should all be true and relevant to your situation. For example, if you were in an arranged marriage, then include information relating to that.

Of course, other information should be included about how you met your spouse, whether or not you have children, and so on. Remember, the more information you include in your statement, the more genuine your relationship will appear. As a result, your spousal sponsorship application will have a much higher chance of success, allowing you to reunite with your partner at home in Canada.

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

Are you trying to immigrate from a foreign country to Canada as a business manager? Fortunately, for you, since the position is quite a highly-demanded one, especially in Canada, it will be easier for you to become a permanent resident in the country.

That said, here are three ways you can immigrate to Canada as a business manager:

1. Start-Up Visa Program

If you’ve got the money and skills, heading into Canada and starting your business venture is an excellent adventure. You can even invest in an existing venture as well if you meet the requirements of business immigration.

Keep in mind that you will need to fund the venture all by yourself. If you do have support, you will need a letter from the organization that’s investing in your venture as well. The great thing about going down this route is that once you earn your PR, you already have an excellent source of income. However, keep in mind that this can take up to a year and a half to achieve. In the meantime, you can apply for a temporary work permit to allow for temporary residence while working in the country as you wait to get your PR.

2. Express Entry System

The Express Entry System will process you as fast as six months, making it the fastest option of the three here in this article. The program is meant to allow highly skilled workers to migrate to Canada easily.

How does the Express Entry System judge how good you are? Well, you will need to go through the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) that will factor in your work experience, language skills, and qualifications. With that, you will have an Express Entry profile made that shows your score and, twice a week, individuals with the highest score will be given an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

3. Provincial Nomination Program

If you fail to receive an ITA through the Express Entry system, you can still receive a provincial nomination (PN) from the many programs in Canada. To quality for PN, you will need a job offer inside Canada that’s at least a year long. Keep in mind that it cannot be part-time either––only full-time.

Before all of that, though, you will need to show that you’re interested in working in a territory in Canada. Once that territory (or province) knows of your interest, you will have a chance at getting a PN. As for processing time, that’ll depend entirely on the territory you’re applying at. If you do, however, apply for PN through the Express Entry System, the federal and territorial processing time won’t be the same nor shared.

Conclusion

Getting to Canada as a business manager is a great way to not only have access to an easier solution to gain PR, but also an excellent solution when it comes to having a steady income to ensure comfortable living. If you’re having trouble with all these immigration processes and need help to get it done right the first time, we highly recommend that you seek help from an immigration service that specializes in Canada. They’ll make sure you get what you want and ensure that the process is done smoothly so that you can spend more time being relaxed than stressed out.

If you’re looking for immigration consultants in Toronto, then get in touch with us through our website and find out exactly how we can help you gain your PR.

Canada has become an ideal place for many immigrants, especially Mexicans. While Canada offers many benefits to Mexican immigrants, including a safe and productive life, it also requires significant requirements in order to become a citizen. Working with a lawyer can help you understand what is necessary and help you through the process.

Immigrating to Canada from Mexico: How Is It Done?

Step 1: Decide Where You Want to Live in Canada

In order to determine the best region to live in, you need to first determine your future career path. This is important because each area has very different work opportunities. For example, if you like to ski, you may want to look into living in the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia. If you like to fish, Labrador is a great area. The best way to find out where there are job opportunities is to find out what kind of work you would like to do in Canada, then find out where those types of jobs are available.

Step 2: Find the Right Visa Program for You!

Once you’ve decided where you want to live, then you must determine which visa program you want to go through in order to live there. You’ll want to find out what each visa program offers, as well as any requirements for each program.

Step 3: Find a Job!

Once you’ve decided on a program, you will need to find a job in Canada. If you haven’t found a job before you apply for your visa, then you may want to speak to a lawyer about how to go about finding a job in Canada before you apply for the visa.

Step 4: Apply for Your Visa

Once you have a job, you can now apply for your Canadian visa. You’ll need to go through the immigration process, which can be long and tedious, but if you stick with it, you’ll be able to live and work in Canada.

Step 5: Apply for Immigration

Once you have your visa, you can move to Canada, but you will still not be a citizen. In order to become a citizen, you will need to apply and go through the immigration process. This will grant you Citizenship.

Step 6: Apply for Citizenship

Once you have your permanent residency, it doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to become a citizen. Citizenship is a separate process that you will need to go through. You will have to speak with the Canadian government about their requirements to become a citizen. Once you have fulfilled those requirements, your request will be reviewed.

Conclusion

It is reasonable to say that it is not easy to immigrate to Canada. You’ll need to fulfill requirements, such as a job, as well as prove to the Canadian government that you will be a valuable member of the community. If you are a Mexican immigrant and you want to live in Canada, you will need to go through many steps. However, it’s important to remember that Canada is a very nice country. If you want to live in a safe place with a good economy, Canada is a great place to go.

The best way to immigrate to Canada is to work with a skilled Canadian consultancy. At Bright Immigration, our representatives are recognized by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council and Law Society of Upper Canada. We are guided by our commitment to professionalism, ethics, and belief in providing our clients with access to quality legal care and immigration help. You can rest assured that you are well represented and protected when you choose Bright.

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

Bringing your loved ones into Canada to gain PR (permanent residence) status can be daunting. That is because there are just so many requirements to fulfill, and missing one document can cost you your chances. One of the most important yet hardest to do for the application is to prove that your relationship is genuine. Fortunately, there is one thing you can do and present to confirm that your relationship is real, and that is with a personal statement.

How do you make a compelling personal statement? Generally, you would want to fill it with as much relevant information as possible. We say relevant because what is in your personal statement will depend entirely on your situation. Here are a few examples of that.

The encounter

How you met your partner will dictate what you will include in your personal statement. For example, if you met each other online, then you will need to provide specific information and proof to support that. This will include the platform on which you communicated as well as the frequency at which you were in contact. Other things you can include to establish that you are indeed together is to write clearly just why you two decided to get together in the first place.

You probably have already met the other person in real life and have spent considerable time together. As such, you should include evidence to support this, most notably the day you first met face-to-face. Do this by recounting the date as well as the location where you met. Include photos, if any, to provide further proof.

The marriage

With so many ways one can get married to their partner, you must be clear about how exactly the two of you got married and the reason behind the decision. For instance, if you went through an arranged marriage, you would need to state why it happened and why your parents think you and your spouse were a good match. Note that some reasons are unacceptable for immigration applications. A great example of this is to have gotten married for the sole purpose of getting into a particular country such as Canada.

That said, you should include as many details of the wedding day as possible. Write down the names of those responsible for making the ceremony happen, detailing each individual’s role. You can also include the date, location, and photos of the event.

Conclusion

The above are just examples of what you should include in your personal statement. Remember, your personal statement will be different from anyone else’s, so there might be other requirements that you will need to submit.

Nevertheless, the key takeaway is that you should include as much information as possible regarding your relationship with your partner in your personal statement. From the first day you met your love to the day you married them, include as much accurate information as possible. By doing so, you give yourself a much higher chance of proving your relationship to be authentic and finally bring your partner, or yourself, into Canada.

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