Welcome to the “How to immigrate to Canada” series, ten articles covering the basics—immigration categories, rights and duties as a permanent resident, first steps as a newcomer and more.
Browse these articles for more info on immigrating to Canada.
(Last updated No. 2020)
Here are the answers to the ten most common immigration questions.
Help me, I’ll do anything to come to Canada!
I often get emails from people desperate to leave their country and settle in Canada for a better life. I can certainly sympathize with the situation, which ranges from “I’ve been living in a war zone for ten years” to “I think my current head of state is an idiot”.
You can always see if you’re eligible in one of the immigration categories.
However, you may not be able to qualify under the refugees category.
The Canadian refugee system has two main parts:
- the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program, for people who need protection from outside Canada and
- the In-Canada Asylum Program for people making refugee protection claims from within Canada
You may want to see the Refugee claims statistics to see claims that are typically accepted. Hint—98 applications were sent from Americans in 2020 and only 1 was accepted.
I don’t have enough points for the skilled worker category, what can I do?
The skilled worker category used a point-based system and you need to score at least 67 points to be eligible to apply. So first, you should check your eligibility to apply as a Federal Skilled Worker.
Don’t submit your application if you score lower than 67 points. Instead, find areas where you can score higher to improve your chances of being selected.
You can’t change your age but you may get more points in selection factors such as education, language abilities, experience, arranged employment or adaptability. Take French or English language classes, network to find a potential employer in Canada or get more work experience in your field.
Am I too old to immigrate to Canada?
This is a touchy question. Skilled workers get the most point from 18-35 years old. At 45, you only get 2 points and from 47, zero. This is because Canada needs immigrants who will work a long career, pay taxes, have children and won’t retire too early. Studies probably shown as well that younger immigrants are more adaptable overall.
Cynical? Well, skilled workers are supposed to fill a labour gap in Canada.
If you’re 45 and over you could still be eligible under other immigration categories but it’s going to be difficult to qualify as a skilled worker.
What’s fastest way to immigrate to Canada?
It takes time to get permanent residence status in Canada. Depending on the category—economic immigration or family sponsorship—and current backlog, you can expect to wait from six months, a year, sometimes several years.
You can check current and average processing times for each immigration category for a better idea.
Hiring an immigration lawyer or consultant will not speed up the process. Submitting a complete and accurate application can help, though.
Will I get permanent residence faster if I apply to live in Quebec?
Many French-speakers think their application will be accepted more easily or processed faster if they go through the Quebec selection process.
It might have bee true decades ago but nowadays, it often means an extra (long) step since applicants must get a Certificat de Sélection du Québec and there’s quite a backlog, plus immigration quotas are lower than they used to be.
If you plan to settle in Quebec, go through the Quebec immigration process. If you plan to settle anywhere in Canada, don’t bother with this so-called “shortcut” and submit your application directly at the federal level.
Do I get a Canadian passport when I marry a Canadian citizen?
Nope. This is a common immigration myth.
First of all, it takes at least three years of permanent residence in Canada to be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Second, your relationship with a Canadian citizen doesn’t give you any special right except being able to apply for permanent residence under the sponsorship category.
I was told to come for an interview, is it normal?
It’s fairly common to be required to meet with a Government of Canada officer as part of the immigration process.
During the interview, the officer will typically check your credentials, test your language abilities and evaluate your chances to establish yourself successfully in Canada. This may be a chance for you to present a strong immigration project, as the officer may possess wide discretionary authority to accept you even if you lack a few points to qualify.
If you applied in the family class (i.e. sponsored by a spouse or partner), the officer will focus on evaluating whether the union is genuine or is a marriage or convenience. Questions will be about your relationship with your spouse—where you met, how the relationship developed, etc.
How do I apply for Canadian citizenship?
You have to be a permanent resident living in Canada for at least three years (or more exactly 1095 days) before being eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
The citizenship process is relatively straightforward compared to the permanent residence process. However, it does involve paperwork and fees and requires some patience.
My application was refused, what do I do now?
If your application in an economic immigration category is denied, you will be given a reason—not enough points because of a lack of work experience, work experience not on the Canadian National Occupational Classification, insufficient language skills, etc. Basically, you will be given something to work on in most cases.
In the spouse category, applicants are typically denied permanent residence status when officials believe the relationship isn’t genuine.
You could also be found inadmissible to Canada for a number of reasons, including security, financial or medical reasons. This is the only time where I’d recommend seeking legal help if you want to fight the decision.
You can file an immigration appeal in some situation. You can also improve your chance of being selected (such as getting more work experience) and submit a new application later.
Will my life be better in Canada?
I don’t know. Regardless of your background, you’re taking a chance and hoping for the best but it’s impossible to predict how positive your experience will be and whether you’ll get the life you wanted.
I’ve been living in Canada for almost twenty years. Most of my immigrant friends have been here for years as well, yet once in a while, we still wonder whether we made the right choice. Some years are tougher than others and you will never erase your past life “back home.”
You should be aware of basic challenges most immigrants face before considering applying for permanent residence. Will you be able to find a job easily in your field? Will you need Canadian credentials? Have you been to Canada before? Is the entire family okay with the idea to move? What are your goals? Do you know anyone in Canada?
Making friends, fitting in, raising a child in a foreign culture and adapting to a new way of life isn’t as easy as you think. But it’s also a fun and rewarding challenge if you don’t mind cultural differences and keep an open mind.
Good luck!
Good one. 🙂
To add to your last paragraph about adapting, I know many Indian families who couldn’t take the snow and 8 months of cold weather. Also, unless you are living in a closed neighborhood like Chinatown, you’ll need to speak English – thats different from scoring X points in the IELTS exam.
If its any consolation its equally difficult to migrate to Norway. I have gone through the process myself. I was lucky enough to take the easy way in, married a Norwegian. But then again I wasn’t desperate to immigrate…it was love!
I would love to visit Canada again, but I can’t imagine permanently leaving my crazy hometown. 🙂
My son is in Canada on work permit. We have applied for his PR under ‘Arranged Employment’ Category. Can he change his employer during the process of his PR application? Thanks.
@Final_Transit – A lot of immigrants can’t take the cold actually… and I assume it is much harder when you come from a tropical country!
Your absolutely right concerning language abilities. You do need to speak English or French to get out of Chinatown, Indiatown etc.
@DianeCA – Oh, I know European immigrant is difficult too! In France, it’s the same.
@Scarlet – Well, we do welcome visitors too 😉
@Harbans Dhaliwal – I have no idea. You’d better communicate with CIC!
“I have living in my country” <== You might be saying I hate living in my country?
At least Canada isn’t building walls around itself. But be careful, or one day you’ll see millions of Americans sneaking across the border in order to work or get healthcare…
@Seraphine – Ooops, typo. We don’t mind Americans. Really. As long as you do snowball fights with us!
I had applied for permanent residence in Sept last year, and only in Feb 09 I received a letter about the acknowledgement of the forms sent. Again recently I approached the UK Office, as there was no information on the status of my application.
they say that have sent me a post in Mar09, but till now neither my office nor me have received any correspondence.
Please advice how can I know what is mentioned in that letter thay have sent in Mar09.
Can you please guide me, as my IMM receipt Number was different from waht they have provided me now. Both start with the alphabet B, but now I can see the application status online which only mentions that they have received my application.
Please help, as I have no clue where I stand right now.
Warm Regards.
We already have a tourist visa in the USA & we applied a permanent resident in canada. If our visas be approved & we can live in canada could we still our USA visa and enter the US as tourist even if we applied it from our country?
I have no idea actually. I don’t know US visa policy. I guess if your visa are multiple-entries, it could work.
Better ask a US official!
Hi,
My boyfriend migrated to Canada, but before he left we had a son.
So,he was not able to declare our son as his dependent.
Now, we are planning to get married and migrate to Canada as well to be with him for good.Can you advise, which would be a better route to apply for sponsorship? or for me to apply as a skilled worker and apply our son as my dependent? Thanks!
Jeanca
I am curious to find out if during the medical examination they test for weed, pot? I am an occassional smoker but I do not want to loose my chance of becoming a permanent residence here in Canada because of weed when drinkers are just fine.
I hope to hear back soon.
I doubt they specifically test for it but the safest way would be to abstain before your medical exam. And FYI, heavy drinkers may not be fine either…
Hi,
I am planning to immigrate to canada via tha quebec route. I am concerned about the racist nature of the people there and difficulty in finding jobs in my field. I read a lot of article saying quebec is racist and blah blah…..can you please paint a picture for me?
I’m not sure I’m the right person to answer the question, as I live in Ontario. I know some immigrants who love Quebec and are very happy there and other who report issues… it’s hard to say and it mostly depends on the timing, where you live, your attitude, whether you speak French or no. There are a lot of immigrants in Montreal and Quebec. In smaller towns, not so many, Quebec’s culture is different than most other provinces. The cultural exception and the language matter a lot to people and if you don’t embrace that, you may feel left out.
Hello, I just had a quick question that you may or may not be able to answer… I’m 19, a Canadian citizen, and about to get married to an American (who I’ve been with for 2 years, one of those years being long-distance). Do you think the immigration officers (or whomever processes our app, not sure the real title) won’t take us as seriously because I’m so young, or is that not even a factor?
Also, is Buffalo the only Canadian visa office in the US? Should we apply outland or inland?
SO confusing!
Thanks for all your help in your posts! Cheers!
I send you an email directly 🙂
Hi,
I’m currently living in the U.S but originally from Venezuela. I do not have an U.S citizenship and I’m in the process of waiting for my residency, which is one of the many reasons i want to move to Canada. The process takes too long, almost 5 years and in which you cannot study or work, or even drive so as you can see I’m just stuck doing nothing. It has always been my dream to move to Canada so I want to take the chance and start all over again and be able to being my life and study. I’m 22 years old, have an associates degree and attempting to get a bachelors until I had to stop studying. I have little work experience do to the fact that i cant work here, I speak perfect English. My question is: What do you think my chances are in getting a visa? which visa should i apply for? ( I don’t want a student visa because i would have to pay as an international student and i simply cannot afford that) Thank you for your help!
( I didnt know where else to post this, sorry )
There are many different ways to immigrate to Canada. One of the most common immigration categories is the skilled worker one. You can find a lot of information on cic.gc.ca, or here: .
However, you do need to have some relevant work experience in certain fields to qualify. You can take the test online for free on the website mentioned above to see if you would be eligible.
Okay so my fiance and I have been together for almost 2 years. He lives in the U.S and I in Canada. He would like to move here (after a heavy debate over what would be better for us, our future and future family), and I just want to know a few things. First, after we get married next June, Is he able to live with me while his application for Immigration is being processed? Is he able to work here? Or do I have to support him? I have my own place, and a full time job so it’s not a problem if I need to take care of him for a while. I’ve done a lot of research but everyone seems to have different answers. I have all the forms filled out of ready to be signed now it’s just gathering the rest of the pictures and small stuff. I would like to be able to finally live with him, and am not sure if that’s possible until his application is accepted.
Thank you greatly, in advance, for any information you have!
Take care,
Stephanie.
First, after we get married next June, Is he able to live with me while his application for Immigration is being processed?
In theory, yes, provided he can enter Canada as a tourist (won’t be hard as a US citizen) and apply for sponsorship from within Canada. Not sure I would recommend it though, processing times are typically longer than if you apply from outside Canada.
Is he able to work here? Or do I have to support him?
He will eventually be eligible to get a work permit some time into the process, but it will take time (i.e. months). Before that, he won’t be able to work and won’t be covered by the provincial health insurance.
Hi
I am almost sending my skilled worker application but I am concerned that it can be refused.
We are a family of four (45,43,13 and 2 years old)and we have enough points. I am the main applicant and I am graduated. The problem is my husband he has only the secondary school. I don’t know how the immigration officer would evaluate the process. Do you think this would be a problem?
Thank you for your time
Regards
Helena
I’m sorry but without knowing much about your application, I have no idea. An immigration specialist would know best, I can only give advice based on my experience. Best of luck!
OK. Thank you Zhu.
You are welcome, sorry I can’t help much. Good luck!
Soo, I am Canadian, and my spouse is American…we live in the USA currently. He is about to be granted Perm Residence. …Trouble is..we don’t think we want to move there…yet.
We now want to wait another 5 years.
Do we have to physically move there in a certain space of time…or is “landing” open ended?
You must land in Canada by the date stated on his permanent resident visa. Landing isn’t open forever.
I am a US citizen and very much want to move to Nova Scotia. I have strong community ties there and many friends and have visited there numerous times over the past 25 years. I am a college professor. I am 62, a female, and plan on working for at least 10 more years. I am in excellent health. I am quite confident that I could get a job there — if I can get landed. Is immigration possible for me? Am I too old?
You should have a look at the official website, http://www.cic.gc.ca. I do believe you are over the age limit for the skilled worker category (Canada typically tries to attract young professionals who will have kids in Canada…) but you can have a look. I’m not going to lie though, it will be a challenge even if you have ties in NS.
Hi Zhu!
Thank you for the helpful site! I am applying for PR but I’m stuck if I need to apply a Study Permit for my 2 year old son or not. Do I need to apply this for him?
Thanks for the help!
Roy
I don’t believe so, he is a dependant and will get his PR if you get yours.
My husband and I lived in the US. After my husband was laid off, he moved to Canada since he is a Canadian citizen and I moved to India for I am an Indian citizen. We are married since 4 years and have a 3 yr old child sho is a US citizen. An application for me and our daughter’s immigration to Cananda has been sent. Is it a probem that we’d been living apart since 5 mths. Is it a very long process for us? My police clearance expires 15 days after the application reaches the office? do I have to send a new
police clearance certificate?
It’s not really a problem that you’ve been living apart because there is a reason for it. If you applied for PR under the sponsorship category, yes, it is a long process… but define long. You can check average processing time on http://www.cic.gc.ca. No idea about the police clearance certificate.
Hi zhu
my husband has pr in canada and i am indian citizen.we are married since last nov.and my husband applied for me from canada in march 2014.now its been 5 mnths.my medical had been done before applying my application.now i check out my status in cic it shows:
File has been recieved on 18th marsh 2014.
medical results have been recieved.
thats it…..its been 5mnths no update is made.pls tell me what should i do….?
That’s normal. It takes a while (i.e. months) for application to be processed. You may want to check your visa office’s average processing times.
Hi, my husband is lebanese and I’m canadian/italian citizen. I can’t sponsor him cause I’m not living in Canada we are both in lebanon but want to move to montreal. Which is the best way for him to enter? As immigrant since being married doesn’t make him canadian!
It depends if he needs a visa to visit Canada. If not, as a tourist I guess. You can’t enter as an immigrant before actually immigrating, i.e. applying for PR.
Hi ZHU,
I am an Indian Citizen and recently received my PR and i will be flying in from India. In my COPR form it is mentioned ‘City of Destination: Halifax’ but can I land in any other city like Toronto?
That’s fine! Welcome to Canada 🙂
Hi Zhu,
Right now am working in oman and looking to move to Canada, keep appliying to suitable openings, will the company sponsor my visa if i get selected or i have spend on my own.
It depends on your skills, but it’s usually very very difficult to be hired by a Canadian employer if you don’t already have a work visa.
Hi Zhu,
I found your posts to be extremely helpful. I just a few questions I hope you can answer (note I am a United States Citizen):
1) You noted above that if you wanted to get through the process quicker you recommended not applying for a permanent visa. With that being said, and i was originally intending on applying through a skilled worker application, what might be a faster route (e.g., Work Visa, Temp Resident, etc.,)
2) Will my fiance be required to submit a separate application or will she be included on any of my initial applications?
3) Are there additional costs for animals (other than transportation)? We have two dogs and a cat
4) As a US Citizen, what route can I take in order to live in Canada but work in the US (my firm has an office in Buffalo – 10 min from Canadian border.)
Thank you very much in advance for any information that you can provide.
1) I’m not really up do date with the latest visa options (although they haven’t changed that much since I wrote this article), but most immigrants come through the skilled worker program. There is no temporary resident permit (although you can come as a tourist for a certain period if time, but you won’t be able to work) and work visa can be very difficult to get because most employers don’t want to go through the red tape unless you have very rare and specific skills.
2) Your fiancee can be included on your application where you will be the main applicant: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=343&top=14
3) I have no idea, I don’t have pets. This would be something to check with CBSA (border services) I guess.
4) I’m not sure about the practical matters of going back and forth between the US and Canada. But even if you don’t work in Canada for a Canadian employer, you will still need to be a permanent resident in order to open a bank account, be covered by our provincial healthcare system, etc.
Thank you!