FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CANADA - General

 (Q) What is the cost to get into Canada?

(A) Your expenses to secure permanent residence in Canada are comprised of a number of different "costs". These would include fees to GlobalRelocate.com, government application fees, fees to complete medicals, possibly the cost of attending an interview at a Canadian Embassy. As these fees vary from case to case (government fees in particular) a more exact quotation can only be given once a person has provided the preliminary information. After the information has been provided, but prior to the person being obligated to pay any fees, a more personalized expense quotation will be provided.

(Q) I am honestly interested in obtaining the Canadian citizenship through naturalization, what is the shortest time possible for completion?

(A) The normal naturalization period (the amount of time one must be a permanent resident prior to being eligible to secure Canadian citizenship) is three years. However, this time may be reduced in particular circumstances such as the person having already been in Canada on a Student or Employment Authorization.

(Q) I’m interested in Canadian Immigration, as a retirement destination. What are the advantages to Canadian citizenship? My time line is 7-8 years from now.

(A) People who are permanent residents of Canada are entitled to universal medical care and have a right to reside and work full time in Canada. People who have this status for three years can then apply to become Canadian citizens. Along with the normal advantages of citizenship, such as a passport and voting rights, there may also be some tax advantages in your home country.

(Q) What kind of questions are asked on an interview in Canadian Embassies?

(A) This information will be provided to you should you decide to use Global Relocate.Com to assist you in securing permanent residence.

(Q) How much time will it take to get the decision from Canada, six months, one year or more?

(A) The time to process Canadian permanent residence applications varies greatly from file to file. A more specific time estimate will be provided once further information is secured.

(Q) Can I permanently stay in Canada and have US citizenship as well?

(A) Yes, you can remain a permanent resident and even acquire Canadian citizenship while also remaining your US citizenship. In certain circumstances, acquisition of Canadian citizenship can be used for long-term US tax planning. As this area is very complex, specific advice should be secured in each situation.

(Q) I plan on remarrying before I complete the citizenship program, should I wait or remarry now?

(A) If you were to remarry prior to completing your permanent residence application you would be able to add your new spouse onto your application by simply paying her/his additional government fee and providing the necessary paperwork. Should you remarry after securing permanent residence in Canada it would be necessary for your new spouse to start a new application. It is therefore usually recommended that you remarry prior to the completion of the application process and add your spouse to your existing application.

(Q) Is dual citizenship allowed by all countries?

(A) Although Canada allows dual citizenship some other countries do not. It is therefore necessary for you to determine if acquisition of Canadian citizenship will have a negative effect on your existing citizenship.

(Q) I want to bring my girlfriend with me to Canada; does this complicate thing?

(A) Only legally married spouses are allowed to be included on an application for permanent residence. If you have a girlfriend/boyfriend or common law spouse, they need to process their own application independent of yours.

(Q) I have a relative in Canada, will this help me immigrate to Canada?

(A) The relative must be 19 years of age. In addition, they must be either a Canada permanent resident or citizen. Only certain close relatives (siblings, uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews) will increase your point score under Canada's selection system.

(Q) Do I qualify as an independent immigrant?

(A) If you have skills that are needed in Canada coupled with experience and skill you just may qualify as an independent immigrant.

(Q) I have a relative in Canada, does this help?

(A) If you have a close relative as defined by the government living in Canada it will increase your points in the selection process. You will be required to supply documentation to prove you are a close relative. They must be 19 and over, a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

(Q) Besides myself, who else must be included in my application?

(A) All dependent children, coming to Canada with you or not must be included in your application along with your spouse if you are married as a dependent. All dependents including you must pass medical examinations and background checks. If dependents are 18 years of age or over they must complete their own individual application forms.

(Q) Having children from a previous relationship even if they are not accompanying me or live with me, should they be on my application?

(A) All children must be listed in your application. You will be required to complete IMM 5406 (Information Form) to provide details including adopted children or stepchildren along with all of your daughters and sons. You should supply copies of any custody papers when custody arrangements have
occurred.

(Q) What information/action is required about my dependents who will not accompany me to Canada?

(A) Your Immigration Application form (IMM 0008) must be included in Part A, whether they accompany you to Canada or not. You should be aware that all dependents must pass background checks and medical examinations even if they do not accompany you to Canada.

(Q) Will I need a passport or travel document?

(A) You and dependents accompanying with you must have documents (valid passports or travel documents) that will not be expiring soon or if they are they should be renewed. The validity of your passport or travel documents may affect your visa. It should be noted that service, public affairs passports diplomatic or official passports cannot be used to immigrate to Canada.

(Q) Will I or other members of my family attend an interview?

(A) If an interview is required, it will be after a visa officer has reviewed your application and decided that an interview is required. If one is required you will be informed of the place and time. The request may require your spouse and dependent children 18 and over to attend the interview with you. The visa officer may ask about your education, reasons for migration, about your job, work experience, your plans and preparation. The visa officer may ask about past difficulties with the law, your health, and financial situation, including questions about your family, spouse and/or dependents.

The visa officer may also have various questions to try and determine your ability to settle successfully in Canada.

(Q) Will I need any type of medical requirement for immigrating to Canada?

(A) Both you and all your dependents must undergo and pass a medical examination whether your dependents accompany you or not. To pass the medical examination you or your dependents must not have a condition that is a danger to public health or safety or would cause excessive demand on health or social services in Canada.

(Q) If I obtain a medical examination, how long is it valid?

(A) Your medical examination is valid for 12 months from the date of the first medical examination. You must have another complete medical examination if your visa is not processed with 12 months.

(Q) Is everyone in my family required to have a medical examination?

(A) All of your dependents must undergo a medical examination, which are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, whether they will accompany you to Canada or not.

(Q) Will I be able to have my own doctor do the medical examination?

(A) A physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners must do the examination.

(Q) What happens when I arrive in Canada?

(A) When you arrive, you must present your Immigrant Visa to a Canadian customs or immigration officer at your first port of entry. The officer will check your visa and travel document and ask you questions similar to those on the Immigrant Application Form (IMM 0008) to verify that you are of good character and in good health. You may also be required to show proof of your funds. If there are no difficulties, the officer will authorize your admission to Canada as a permanent resident.

(Q) After I obtain permanent resident status in Canada, what if I need to return to my country to settle my affairs?

(A) All permanent residents may leave and re-enter Canada as often as they wish as long as they spend less than six months in any 12-month period outside Canada. If permanent residents are out of Canada for more than six months in any 12-month period, they will require a Returning Resident Permit to re-enter Canada. While such permits can be applied for either in Canada or overseas, they can only be applied for after you have become a permanent resident.

 

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