frequently Asked questions

How long will it take to go through the entire process?

Processing times are the entire responsibility of IRCC. They vary depending on the type of application and the number of applications currently under process.  Processing times vary in each country as well.  

Can my process take less time if I hire an immigration consultant?

Unfortunately not. Hiring an immigration consultant won’t affect the processing time of your application as it depends entirely on the immigration authorities, however time can be saved by hiring a immigration consultant to ensure your applications are done correctly so that there are no delays when applications are submitted incorrectly..

Why use an authorized immigration consultant?

Because your immigration application should be considered important and that requires the knowledge and experience of an immigration professional. Potential mistakes in your application could result in a delay or rejection costing you time and money.

How can I be sure an immigration consultant is authorized to work as such?

Before hiring an immigration consultant, make sure your selected consultant has the required Government accreditation to represent you before the Canadian immigration authorities. You can search the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. 

How do I retain the services of North Trek Immigration?

1. Your first step is to fill out the Assessment Form on the Home page of the website so that we can assess your information and determine if you are eligible under any immigration program. 
2. After assessing your profile, we will contact you to set up a time to talk over the phone, in person or on a video platform that works for you. (Skype,Teams,Google meet)
3. Our initial consultation will include talking about your immigration options and the cost of our services.
4. If you want to use North Trek Immigration for your immigration work we will then proceed to sign a retainer agreement to start working on your application.
5. Alternatively, we also offer one-time consultations if you are uncertain about something and need clarification. 

Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if I want to visit Canada?

If you are from a visa-exempt country, you do not need a TRV. For all other countries, you must apply for a TRV before coming to Canada.

How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?

You are allowed to remain in Canada up to six months, however it depends what immigration authorities indicated on your travel document/passport if you must leave at a certain date.

What is the difference between a visitor's visa and a parent/grandparent Super Visa?

A Super Visa allows parents/grandparents to visit family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status.  For those on a visitor visa who wish to stay longer than six months must apply for an extension.

Can I study in Canada while I am visiting?

Generally, international students need a student permit to study on Canada. However, if you are on a visitor's visa and the duration of your academic program is six months or less, you are allowed to attend school without a study permit. 

Can I work in Canada while I am visiting?

Foreign nationals who want to work in Canada must obtain a work permit. However, there are some exceptions.

Do I need a visa for a short business trip to Canada?

If you are from a country that requires a visa to visit Canada, you will need to apply for a TRV like any other visitor.

Do I need a permit to study in Canada?

In general, foreign nationals need a study permit to pursue studies in Canada if their study program is 6 months or longer. If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you will need to apply for a TRV as well.

Can I work while I'm studying?

Yes, you can. Your study permit allows you to work on or off-campus under certain conditions without a work permit.

Being an international student, can I travel outside Canada during my studies?

Yes, you can, as long as you have a valid travel document/passport, a valid study permit, and a valid temporary resident visa (if applicable)  to re-enter Canada.

If I get sick while I am studying in Canada, will the government or school cover the medical fees?

No, it is mandatory for you to be covered by a medical insurance during the entire duration of your studies.

If I am already studying in Canada and I want to change my school/academic program, do I need to apply for a new study permit?

If you are a post-secondary student you may change school/academic program without applying for a new study permit as long as your current one is still valid.

Can I stay in Canada after my graduation?

If your academic program was full-time and at least 8 months in duration, you can apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and stay in Canada up to three years after your graduation.

TEMPORARY WORKER  

What do I need to work in Canada?

The general requirements includes:

• A valid job offer from a Canadian employer,
• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), 
• A temporary resident visa (depending on the country you are from),
• A work permit.

 In some cases, you will also need a certification and licensing to work in a specific occupation.

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is an authorization that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. There are some exceptions to the LMIA, depending on the country and the type of work permit.

How long can I stay in Canada as a temporary foreign worker (TFW)?

It depends on the job offer you received and the category you are applying under. However, there is a maximum duration for certain types of work permits.

Does my work permit allow me to work for any employer in Canada?

It depends on the type of permit you have. Work permits are usually tied to a specific employer and if you decide to change jobs you will need to go through the entire LMIA process again and change the conditions on your work permit. In some cases, a foreign national can get an open work permit which allows you to work for any employer.

Who will cover my medical expenses if I get sick while working in Canada?

As an approved temporary foreign worker, you will be covered by the provincial/territory health care plan.

I am working in Canada under a work permit and my spouse came with me. Does she need a work permit in order to work as well?

Yes, she must apply for her own work permit. However, if you are allowed to work in Canada for at least six months in an eligible job, your spouse may obtain an open work permit which will be valid for the same period as yours.

Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilot

Caregivers who wants to work in Canada have two options to apply for Work Permits: Home Child Care Provider Pilot or through the Home Support Worker Pilot.

These five-year-long programs are designed for caregivers and their families to come to Canada, work as Temporary Foreign Workers, and then obtain permanent residency, but only if they work in this field for the duration of their stay in Canada. These programs are occupation-restricted.

Not everyone can be a caregiver. Caregivers must meet the requirements to become a professional caregiver in Canada.  They need to complete a program in this field, accumulating the right amount of working hours, and showing certificates.

As of June 18th, 2019, both programs are available for foreign workers if they meet the following criteria:

• Comply with IRCC’s requirements.
• Have a job offer for an occupation in the field. 

 What is an LMIA? 

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a report issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that outlines the impact of hiring a foreign worker on Canada’s labour market. 

Employers need to obtain this approval to hire foreign workers. If the assessment is positive, a report outlining the conditions of the employer’s job is offered. It must include the employees’ names and the expiry date of the LMIA that will be listed in the document issued by ESDC.

Once a positive LMIA has been issued, it must be forwarded to the employees abroad to obtain a work permit that will allow them entry to the country with any other worker’s rights and obligations.

ESDC receives thousands of applications per year and accepts or refuses them depending on different circumstances. They will check several things as:

• Whether the number of foreign workers in your company are within the cap established by the government.
• If the job offer and the company are genuine.
• If the wages and working conditions are in line with those offered to Canadians (National Occupational Classification -NOC- wages).
• If the employer conducted reasonable efforts to hire or train Canadians for the job.
• If the foreign worker is filling a labour shortage or, hiring a foreign worker will directly create new job opportunities or help retain Canadians’ jobs or transfer new skills and knowledge to Canadians.
• If the hiring will not affect a labour dispute or the employment of any Canadian worker involved in such a conflict.

Employers must meet the advertising requirements to ensure they give Canadians the opportunity to apply to the position.

Completing the LMIA application is strongly recommended to be done through an immigration expert to ensure optimal outcome and not refusal of an LMIA.  We recommend contacting North Trek Immigration to assist you with your LMIA application.

Skilled worker:

What do I need to apply as a skilled worker?

• You must have at least one year of continuous full-time paid work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 10 years;
• proof of advanced intermediate language proficiency in English or French;
• provide either Canadian educational credentials or a foreign educational credential assessment conducted by a designated institution;
• show proof of sufficient settlement funds.

How can I prove my language proficiency?

You must take the English/French language test and submit your results.  Ensure your test was taken by an authorized language test agency (CELPIP/IELTS/TEF) taken in the last two years.

Can I apply as a skilled worker if I have a Canadian job offer?

Yes, but be sure it is for a full-time job and not seasonal work. Notice that some job offers may require a LMIA as well.

Can I apply as a skilled worker if I am currently studying in Canada?

Yes, you can.  PhD students who have completed 2 years of their program are eligible as well as those who graduated from a PhD program within the last 12 months. However, if your studies are part of a scholarship or award requiring you to go back home after graduation, you won’t be eligible.

If I apply as a skilled worker, can my family accompany me when I come to Canada?

Yes, your family can be part of your application.

Skilled Trades Program:

What are the requirements to apply under the Skilled Trades Program?

• You must have a valid job offer or a provincial certificate of qualification;
• 2 years of work experience in that specific trade in the last five years;
• Intermediate language proficiency in English or French;
• Plan to live outside the province of Quebec.

How do I get a provincial certificate of qualification?

To obtain a certificate of qualification, the trades’ regulatory body in a province or territory must assess your training, experience and skills to determine if you are eligible to take the exam to get certified.

Which trades are eligible under this program?

• Industrial, electrical, construction.
• Maintenance and equipment operation.
• Supervisor and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production.
• Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators.
• Chefs, cooks, butchers, bakers.

Canadian Experience Class:

How do I know if I can qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)?

• You must have worked full-time or the equivalent in Canada for 12 months in the last three years in a high skilled eligible occupation on a work permit,
• Plan to live outside the province of Quebec,
• Submit the results of a language test to prove your proficiency (intermediate or advanced intermediate depending on the occupation).

Can I apply under the CEC if my work experience was gained in the province of Quebec?

Yes, all Canadian experience is admissible as long as you plan to live outside the province of Quebec.

Do I have to be in Canada to apply under the CEC?

Not necessarily, as long as you meet the requirements. Ultimately, you can still apply if you return to your country.

I am a student in Canada and I work at the same time, does this work experience count?

No, not for students.  The work experience must be gained after graduation.

Provincial Nominee Programs:

What do I need to apply under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

You must obtain a nomination certificate from a specific province or territory and then apply for your permanent resident visa. Notice that each province and territory has its own nomination guidelines.

Do all provinces and territories participate in the PNP?

No, not the province of Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration selection criteria.

What categories exist under the PNP?

Most provinces and territories will accept certain workers, students and business people.

Sponsorship:

Which family member can I sponsor to come to live in Canada?

• Spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner;
• Parents; grandparents;
• Dependent children;
• Orphaned, unmarried and under 18 years old brother, sister, niece, nephew, grandchildren;
• Intended adopted children under 18 years old;
• Any other relative if you have no living family member as those listed and no relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Can I sponsor my spouse’s child?

Yes, as long as the child qualifies as dependent, they can be included in your spouse’s application.

Who can be considered a dependent child?

A child under the age of 22 who is not married and depends financially on his parents. However, those children suffering from a mental or physical condition and unable to self-support will be considered dependent regardless the age.

How can I prove that my partner and I have a common-law relationship?

You must have been living together for at least 12 consecutives months and submit proof of it. Example: shared bank accounts, shared property, mail, bills, etc.

Can a same-sex partner be sponsored?

Yes, as long as the marriage was valid in the place where it took place, it will be valid in Canada. Same-sex common-law partners and conjugal relationships are admissible as well.

A sponsorship application should be submitted only if the sponsored person is outside Canada?

No, there are certain circumstances when a sponsored person can apply within Canada.

Can a sponsored person work or study while the application is being processed in Canada?

Sponsored persons are allowed to work or study only after the sponsorship application has been approved in principle by IRCC. However, if the sponsored person was already in Canada under a work or study permit, may continue to do so.

Business People:

What is the Start-up Visa Program?

This is a program that links immigrant entrepreneurs with experienced Canadian private sector organizations who are experts in working with start-ups. If your business idea gets funded you can immigrate to Canada permanently.

What do I need to obtain a start-up visa?

• You will need a letter of support from a designated angel investor group, a venture capital fund or a business incubator;
• Proof of intermediate language proficiency (English or French);
• One year of post-secondary education and sufficient settlement funds.

How do I get a letter of support from a designated organization?

You must contact a designated organization and propose to them your business idea and convince them that is worth supporting. Once you reach an agreement with the organization you will receive a letter of support.

Will I have to invest my own money to get a start-up visa?

No. The minimum investment required should come from the venture capital fund or angel investor group that supports you.

Self-Employed:

What do I need to be eligible under the Self-employed Program?

• You must have two years of relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics or farm managing;
• Show that you intend to become self-employed in Canada.

As a self-employed person, can I do any job I want?

No. Only cultural activities, athletics and farm management are admissible under this program.

If I want to become self-employed under this program do I have to own a farm in Canada?

Yes, you must prove you will buy a farm in Canada and that you will be actively involved in the management of it.

Is there a net worth requirement to apply under the Self-employed Program?

No, there is no minimum net worth required. However, you must prove you have enough money to settle in Canada and finance the work you intend to do.

What do I need to become a Canadian citizen?

• You must be a permanent resident,
• Be 18 years of age or older,
• Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the four past years,
• Have an adequate knowledge of English or French
• Pass a test to prove your knowledge of Canada.

If I become a Canadian citizen, will I lose my original citizenship?

That depends on your country of origin. Canada allow dual citizenship while others do not.

If I marry a Canadian citizen, will I become a citizen as well?

No. Marriage to a Canadian citizen does not automatically give you citizenship, but can potentially will allow you to be sponsored as a spouse.

Does the time I previously spent in Canada as a worker/student count towards my citizenship?

Time spent in Canada before becoming a permanent resident counts only as half, up to a maximum of one year.

Does the time I spent outside Canada with my spouse who is a Canadian citizen count?

Only if your spouse is working for a federal or provincial public service or is in the Canadian armed forces.

How can I prove I have sufficient knowledge of English/French language?

• If you can prove you have achieved intermediate level of English or French with the results of an authorized testing agency,
• with the completion of secondary or post-secondary studies in English or French (in Canada or abroad),
• or with the completion of certain government-funded language training programs.

Can I submit the results from the language test I took when applied for my permanent residence?

Yes. There is no expiration date for language test results for citizenship purposes.

For most federal economic immigration streams, including Express Entry, you will require an ECA,

What is an Educational Credentials Assessment?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one. There are different types of ECAs. You need to get an ECA for immigration purposes. If you got another type of ECA, you should contact the designated organization to see if they will re-issue it.”

Why do I need this?

If you’re eligible for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you’ll need an ECA before you can submit to the pool. If you’re eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Program or Canadian Experience Class, you don’t need an ECA to submit to the pool, but you will need one if you want to claim any Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for your education.

Which credentials do I need to get assessed?

In most cases, you only need an assessment for your highest level of education. For example, if you have a Master’s degree, you only need an assessment for that degree. You don’t need one for your Bachelor’s degree.

Where do I get my ECA done?  Designated Organizations:

• World Education Services
• Comparative Education Service –  University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
• International Credential Assessment - Service of Canada
• International Qualifications -  Assessment Service
• International Credential Evaluation
• Medical Council of Canada (professional Council for Doctors)
• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (professional Board for Pharmacists)

Unless they’re Doctors or Pharmacists, we usually recommend our clients use World Education Services (WES) for their ECA as they have the most efficient processing time. If you’re a Doctor, the Medical Council of Canada must evaluate your primary medical diploma. If you’re a Pharmacist and need a license to practice, you need to get your ECA from the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. For nurses you need your assessment done through NNAS (National Nurse Assessment Services) - whichever organization you choose, the evaluation process can only begin once they receive the necessary documents from you or your school. They’ll need your official transcripts, and usually a copy of your diploma or degree.

Choosing a designated organization based on your occupation

If you plan to work for a large employer or in a regulated occupation, you may need to have your assessment done by a specific designated organization.

What is a transcript?

A transcript, sometimes called a academic record, is an official record of the program you studied, courses you took, and marks your received. You can get your transcript by contacting your school/university directly.

Do I need an ECA for my high school degree?

You do not usually need an ECA for your high school degree if you have an ECA for at least one post-secondary degree.

Does my spouse need an ECA?

If you are applying to Express Entry as a skilled worked, only the principal applicant needs an ECA. Accompanying family members do not need to have an ECA, but if your spouse has a post-secondary degree, you may be able to claim additional CRS points if they get an ECA.

What is a reference Letter?

To be clear, a letter of reference for Canadian immigration purposes is different from the kind of reference letter you might use when you’re applying for a job. Your letter of reference needs to verify that you worked for an employer for the amount of time you claimed you did, and that your position matches the NOC code you’ve chosen.  This will allow the visa officer to calculate how much work experience you have, and at what skill level.

As you work experience is such an important factor for most economic immigration programs, the quality of your letter of reference can have a huge impact on the success of your application. If the visa officer isn’t convinced that your letter of reference is genuine, or if it’s missing some information the officer needs to assess the validity of your work experience, they may reject or refuse your application.

Here is a tip:

Let's say you've held different positions within the same organization/company, ask the company to issue separate letters for each position. If you cover multiple positions in one letter, make sure the person writing it breaks up each period of employment.

What should a reference letter include?

 Ideally, each letter of reference should:

• Be written on company letterhead;
• Be signed by the responsible officer/supervisor;
• Have the responsible officer/supervisor’s name and job title printed beneath the signature;
• Include the company’s contact information, and;
• If possible, have the business card of the person signing it attached.

. There are also specific things that an ideal letter of reference should include:

• Your official job title
• The dates of your employment
• Your salary per week
• Your average hours per week
• A detailed list of your employment duties

The most important part of your letter of reference is the detailed list of your employment duties. It has to include your daily tasks and responsibilities, and should make up most of the content of the letter.

It's important to remember, the visa officer is not necessarily familiar with your industry, so make sure you avoid industry related abbreviations or terms. Your duties should be listed clearly and concisely. The list of employment duties is how the visa office confirms that you’ve chosen an appropriate NOC code. 

Every NOC code has an associated lead statement and list of duties. 

Tip

We recommend your letter of reference does not matches the NOC description exactly. The visa officer might believe that your letter of reference was created for the purposes of matching the NOC, and can be considered “self-serving ”and not eligible for processing.

What if I can’t get a reference letter?

A letter of reference is the best way to prove your work experience. If it's impossible to get , then you can try to convince the visa officer with supplementary documentation. Some examples include:

• Employment contracts
• Promotion letters
• Paystubs
• Sworn declarations from colleagues

You should also include a signed letter of explanation describing why you’re not able to provide a letter of reference. 

What is a NOC number?

National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to classify jobs (occupations). Jobs are grouped into training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) categories based on the type of. job duties. work a person does.