We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about our services.
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of visa-exempt countries only need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), an electronic authorization linked to your passport. Citizens of non-exempt countries must apply for a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV). Check your eligibility on the official IRCC website: ircc.canada.ca.
Generally up to 6 months (24 weeks) per entry, counted from the immigration officer’s stamp. The officer may shorten this period at their discretion. Visa validity (up to 10 years) and eTA validity (up to 5 years) do not equal length of stay — these documents allow multiple entries, but each stay is limited to 6 months.
Yes, for short-term courses of up to 6 months, such as language classes. To study for longer, at colleges, universities, or primary/secondary schools, a Study Permit is required before studies begin.
No. A visitor visa does not authorize work for Canadian employers. You may continue to work remotely for a company outside Canada while visiting. To work locally, you must obtain a Work Permit.
You must apply for a Visitor Record before your current status expires. It is recommended to apply at least 30 days in advance. If your status has already expired, you may apply to restore it within 90 days, provided you immediately stop any unauthorized activity.
The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic authorization for travellers from visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air. It is valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry. Each entry allows a stay of up to 6 months. Citizens of non-exempt countries must apply for a traditional visitor visa.
Dual intent is a legal concept recognized under the IRPA (Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) that allows an applicant to simultaneously intend to visit temporarily and pursue permanent residence. Having a PR application in progress does not automatically invalidate a visitor visa request, but the applicant must convincingly demonstrate they will comply with visa conditions — i.e., they will leave Canada if permanent residence is not approved within the authorized stay. The officer will evaluate ties to the home country, financial situation, and travel history.
Yes, there is no mandatory waiting period for reapplication. However, reapplying with the same documents typically results in another refusal. It is essential to understand the reason for refusal (stated in the IRCC letter) and specifically address the officer’s concerns: ties to home country, insufficient financial proof, weak travel history, or inconsistencies in the cover letter. In cases of inadmissibility, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may be required.
Even with an approved visa, the border officer (CBSA) conducts an independent assessment. Key criteria include: clear and credible purpose of visit; length of stay consistent with stated plans; sufficient ties to home country (employment, family, property, financial commitments) motivating return; adequate financial resources for the stay; travel history and compliance with previous visas; and absence of inadmissibilities (criminal, medical, or security-related). The officer may deny entry even if the visa was previously approved.
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian permanent residents or citizens to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry (renewable), without needing to leave and re-enter as with a standard visitor visa. Requirements include: an invitation letter from the child or grandchild with minimum income proof; Canadian private health insurance of at least CAD 100,000 coverage for at least 1 year; a medical exam; and a multiple-entry visa application. Processing may take several months.
A Study Permit is the official permit issued by IRCC to study in Canada in programs longer than 6 months, or at institutions such as colleges and universities. It does not replace the entry document — students still need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.
A DLI (Designated Learning Institution) is an educational institution authorized by the Canadian government to accept international students. A Study Permit can only be obtained for programs at recognized DLIs. The full list is available on the IRCC website.
Yes, under specific conditions. Students enrolled at eligible DLIs may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks. Rules may be updated — always check the latest information on IRCC before applying.
In most cases, yes. As long as visitor status is still valid, it is possible to apply to change to student status within Canada. While the application is under review, working for Canadian employers is not permitted. It is advisable to start the process well in advance to avoid gaps in status.
In addition to tuition fees, students must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves throughout their stay. Required amounts vary by province and program duration. IRCC requires proof through recent bank statements. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have a higher cost of living.
Study Permit holders must be enrolled full-time to maintain student status. Withdrawing without enrolling in another institution puts you out of status. The maximum time allowed without studying is 90 days. You must regularize your status before continuing in Canada.
The Student Direct Stream is an accelerated Study Permit processing program with a target of 20 calendar days, available to residents of eligible countries (including India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Senegal, among others). To qualify, applicants must: have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian DLI; present a bank statement or Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of at least CAD 10,000; have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent; and have completed an upfront medical exam. The SDS is not available to all countries — check eligibility on the IRCC website.
The refusal will include an IRCC letter indicating the reasons. The most common ones include: insufficient ties to home country, doubts about intent to return, inadequate financial proof, documentation inconsistencies, weak travel history, or unexplained gaps. You can either appeal (reconsideration) or reapply with revised documentation. When reapplying, it is essential to specifically address each point raised by the officer. For complex cases — especially those involving multiple refusals — consulting a CICC-registered consultant is strongly advised.
Studying in Canada is a common immigration strategy. Upon graduating from an eligible DLI, the student may apply for the PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit), allowing work for up to 3 years. This generates Canadian work experience, which can be used to apply for permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, or through provincial programs (PNPs). Studying in Canada also adds adaptability points under the FSWP and may contribute Canadian education points to the CRS.
Yes, but rules apply. IRCC must be notified of changes to the DLI or study level (e.g., from college to university). Changing to a lower-level program without approval may violate Study Permit conditions. If the new program extends beyond the current permit’s expiry date, an extension must be requested. The new institution must also be a DLI and may require a new letter of acceptance.
You must obtain a Work Permit. There are two main types: a closed (employer-specific) work permit, tied to a specific employer and position; and an open work permit, which allows working for any eligible Canadian employer. The appropriate type depends on your situation and the program you apply through.
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is an assessment conducted by the Canadian government to confirm that no local workers are available for the position. It is required for most closed work permits. Some categories are exempt, such as spouses of students or workers in specific programs, intra-company transfers from multinational companies, and international trade agreements like CUSMA.
The PGWP is an open work permit granted to graduates of eligible Canadian DLIs. It allows working for any employer without being tied to a specific position. Duration varies based on the length of the program — it can be up to 3 years. It is frequently used as a step toward permanent residence.
In many cases, yes. Spouses of open work permit holders, or of students enrolled in eligible programs, may apply for their own Open Work Permit. Specific conditions depend on the type of permit held and may change — always verify current rules on the IRCC website.
An Open Work Permit allows working for any eligible Canadian employer without needing an LMIA or a specific employer. It is granted in situations such as: spouses of qualified workers or students, PGWP holders, PR applicants with pending applications, and other cases specified by IRCC.
An LMIA-based Work Permit requires the employer to prove to the government that no qualified Canadian was found for the position. The process is conducted by the employer with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). LMIA exemptions apply in categories such as: international trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA for Americans and Mexicans); intra-company transfers (code C12); workers bringing significant benefit to Canada (e.g., researchers, artists, athletes); and specific programs like the Francophone Mobility (C16), which exempts employers from obtaining an LMIA when hiring French-speaking workers for positions outside Quebec. Applying with the wrong exemption code can result in refusal or future complications.
If the Work Permit is closed (employer-specific), losing your job means the permit conditions are no longer being met — technically, you are no longer authorized to work for another employer. Options include: finding a new employer who obtains a new LMIA or qualifies for an exemption and applying for a new Work Permit; changing status (e.g., to visitor while seeking new options); or applying for an Open Work Permit if eligible. Working without authorization is never permitted under any circumstance.
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is an accelerated pathway under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for Canadian companies needing to hire highly specialized talent in technology and innovation fields. It offers Work Permit processing in as little as 2 weeks. There are two categories: Category A, for companies referred by government partner organizations hiring unique and specialized workers; and Category B, for occupations listed by ESDC in IT and sciences (such as software developers, data analysts, and machine learning engineers). The employer still needs an LMIA, but the process is much faster. It is a highly relevant option for technology professionals.
With a closed Work Permit, you may only work for the employer listed on the permit. To change employers, the new employer must obtain an LMIA (unless an exemption applies) and a new Work Permit must be applied for. While the new permit is under review, you cannot begin working for the new employer. IRCC has transitional policies that in some cases allow employer changes for low-wage work permits, but eligibility criteria are specific. Always check current IRCC conditions before making any changes.
Express Entry is the Canadian government’s online system for managing permanent residence applications from skilled workers. It uses a points-based ranking (CRS — Comprehensive Ranking System) and encompasses three programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Highest-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
It is not required. The process is 100% online and can be started from any country. The minimum score for an invitation varies depending on the draws held periodically by IRCC.
It is a program in which Canadian provinces and territories nominate candidates with the profile they need. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to the CRS in Express Entry, practically guaranteeing an ITA. Each province has its own criteria and selection streams.
IRCC targets processing applications within 6 months of receiving the ITA. Applications via PNP may take up to 12 months. After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to accept and submit documentation — a strict and non-extendable deadline.
Quebec has its own immigrant selection system, independent of the federal Express Entry. The applicant must first obtain a CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec) from the provincial government and then apply for federal permanent residence. French language proficiency is required for most categories.
After completing 3 years of physical residence in Canada within the last 5 years as a permanent resident. Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your original passport when naturalizing as a Canadian citizen.
The CRS scores candidates out of 1,200 points, distributed across four blocks: (1) Core Human Capital — up to 500 points (individual) or 460 (with spouse): includes age, education, English and/or French proficiency, and Canadian work experience; (2) Spouse Factors — up to 40 points: spouse’s education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience; (3) Skill Transferability — up to 100 points: combinations of education, experience, and language that enhance profile competitiveness; (4) Additional Points — up to 600 points: provincial nomination (600), valid job offer (50–200), Canadian education (15–30), sibling in Canada (15), and French proficiency (25–50). In 2026, general draw cut-offs have ranged between 475 and 530 points; category-based draws (healthcare, STEM, francophone, etc.) have significantly lower cut-offs.
Since 2023, IRCC has conducted themed draws that prioritize candidates with experience in specific occupational categories identified as economically important. Current categories include: healthcare (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists); science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); transportation; agriculture; and skilled trades (electricians, welders, etc.). There are also specific draws for candidates with high French proficiency. Cut-off scores in these draws tend to be substantially lower than in general draws — in some cases below 400 points. No separate registration is required: IRCC automatically selects eligible candidates from the pool based on the NOC code of the declared work experience.
Express Entry profiles are valid for 12 months. After that, without receiving an ITA, the profile is automatically removed from the pool. A new profile can be created immediately with updated information. The period can be used to improve your score: retake language tests for higher scores; accumulate more qualifying work experience; complete a Canadian program; explore PNP applications; or seek an eligible job offer.
In March 2025, IRCC removed job offer points from the CRS to combat LMIA fraud. In 2026, the government is in public consultation about reinstating these points, but only for job offers in high-wage occupations. A valid offer with a positive LMIA can add 50 points (NOC TEER 1–3) or 200 points (NOC TEER 0 or management). Even without adding CRS points currently, a job offer remains relevant for eligibility in some PNP streams and to demonstrate ties to Canada. Candidates with LMIA-exempt work permits (e.g., intra-company transfers) after 1 year with the same employer may also be eligible for points if a formal offer is made.
Yes, in many cases. The Express Entry system awards additional points for French proficiency regardless of destination province: up to 25 points for candidates with CLB 7+ in French and CLB 4+ in English, and up to 50 points for candidates with CLB 7+ in French and basic or no English. Additionally, draws for francophone candidates — including outside Quebec — have historically lower cut-off scores. The Francophone Mobility program also exempts employers from obtaining an LMIA to hire French-speaking workers for positions outside Quebec, facilitating Work Permit access. For candidates who already have English proficiency and can invest in French, this strategy can be decisive for receiving an ITA.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners for permanent residence through Family Sponsorship. The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income (except for spouses and dependent children) and sign a commitment to financially support the sponsored person for 3 years (for spouses) or until the dependent turns 25. The process can be completed with the sponsored person inside or outside Canada, with different timelines. A refusal based on the sponsored person’s inadmissibility may be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD).
Misrepresentation occurs when an applicant provides false information, omits relevant facts, or submits fraudulent documents in any immigration application — whether intentional or through negligence (e.g., failing to declare a previous refusal, an undeclared family member, or a relevant medical condition). Consequences include: immediate rejection of the application; a 5-year ban from entering Canada; and, if already a resident, possible loss of permanent resident status. Misrepresentation is permanently recorded in IRCC’s system and affects all future applications. Cases identified during the process must be addressed in writing through a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL).
A Procedural Fairness Letter is a document issued by IRCC when an officer identifies concerns that may lead to the refusal of an application — such as suspected misrepresentation, medical inadmissibility, insufficient ties, or documentary inconsistencies. The PFL gives the applicant an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. The response deadline is generally 7 to 30 days and is non-extendable in most cases. A well-structured response, with solid evidence and ideally prepared by a licensed lawyer or consultant, can overturn an imminent refusal. Never ignore a PFL.
It depends on the nature and timing of the conviction. Canada assesses the equivalence of the foreign offence to Canadian law. Convictions considered indictable offences (equivalent to serious crimes) may make a candidate criminally inadmissible. There are paths to overcome this: Criminal Rehabilitation — available for offences committed more than 5 years ago, through a formal application to IRCC; deemed rehabilitation — applies automatically in minor offence cases after 10 years; and Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) — for temporary entry in urgent cases before formal rehabilitation. Analysis is done case by case. Offences such as DUI (driving under the influence) are frequently classified as inadmissibility in Canada, even if considered minor in other countries.
Remaining beyond the authorized period puts you out of status. Consequences include: difficulty or impossibility of regularizing status within Canada; a permanent record in the IRCC system; risk of deportation; and complications in future visa or permanent residence applications. In some cases, it is possible to apply for restoration of status within 90 days of the expiry, provided you are still in Canada and immediately cease any unauthorized activities. For those who have already left after an overstay, re-entry may be denied at the border. IRCC and CBSA share information with other countries, which can affect visas to third destinations.
Canada may refuse an application if the applicant’s medical condition is considered a threat to public health or if required treatment costs exceed the ‘excessive demand’ threshold set by the government. In 2026, this threshold is CAD 28,878 per year (or CAD 144,390 over 5 years). Conditions such as active tuberculosis, untreated syphilis, and certain infectious diseases may result in inadmissibility due to public health risk. Chronic conditions requiring expensive treatment may trigger excessive demand inadmissibility. Upon receiving a Procedural Fairness Letter for medical reasons, the applicant may submit a mitigation plan prepared by a specialist. Exception: Family Sponsorship applicants (spouses and dependent children) cannot be refused solely on excessive demand grounds — only for public health or safety risks.
Options depend on the type of application and the reason for refusal: (1) Judicial Review — judicial review by the Federal Court of Canada; available for most IRCC decisions; must be requested within 15 days (for decisions made within Canada) or 60 days (for decisions made abroad). The court does not reopen the merits, but verifies whether the process was lawful and reasonable; (2) Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) — available for family sponsorship refusals and permanent residents facing deportation; (3) Reapplication — the most common option for temporary visas; (4) Reconsideration request — applicable when there is a clear factual or legal error in the analysis. In all cases, having a lawyer or CICC-licensed consultant is strongly recommended.
The IME (Immigration Medical Exam) is required for: all permanent residence applications (including all family members, even those not coming to Canada); Study Permits or visitor visas exceeding 6 months for applicants who have lived in certain countries; and workers in healthcare or childcare fields. The exam is conducted by an IRCC-designated Panel Physician — it cannot be done with a personal doctor. It includes a physical exam, medical history review, and depending on age and situation, a chest X-ray, blood tests, and urine tests. Since August 2025, IRCC has required Express Entry applicants to complete an upfront medical exam before submitting their application, reducing processing delays. IME results are valid for 12 months.
Yes, always. Omitting medical conditions may constitute misrepresentation and result in a 5-year entry ban. The Panel Physician will assess the condition during the exam and report to IRCC. If the condition raises excessive demand concerns, the applicant will receive a Procedural Fairness Letter with an opportunity to respond. A mitigation plan can be prepared demonstrating that treatment costs will not exceed the established threshold — through medical letters, private health insurance plans, and financial commitments. Approximately 40–55% of well-prepared mitigation plans are accepted by IRCC, according to industry data. Applicants with chronic conditions should act preventively with support from an immigration professional experienced in this area.
A TRP is a special authorization issued by IRCC to allow inadmissible individuals (for criminal, medical, or other reasons) to enter or remain in Canada temporarily. It is granted when the benefits of entry outweigh the identified risks. It can be applied for at Canadian consulates (months in advance) or directly at the border (Port of Entry), although border approval is uncertain and not recommended for complex cases. A TRP is not an automatic path to permanent residence — it is a temporary solution while the applicant addresses the underlying inadmissibility (e.g., Criminal Rehabilitation). Validity varies based on the declared purpose.
Biometrics (fingerprints and facial photo) are required for most temporary visa and permanent residence applications. For temporary visas, biometrics are valid for 10 years. For permanent residence, they are required with each new application. Appointments are made at IRCC-authorized Visa Application Centres.
A visa and eTA are documents that authorize entry into Canada. Permits (Study Permit or Work Permit) determine for how long and under what conditions a foreign national may remain. Status is the current legal condition: visitor, student, worker, implied (awaiting analysis), or no status (irregular situation).
Yes. IRCC requires that all documents not in English or French be accompanied by a certified translation. This includes bank statements, diplomas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents.
It is recommended to apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. If your status has already expired, you may apply for restoration within 90 days, immediately ceasing any unauthorized activities.
Implied status occurs when a foreign national applies to renew or change their status before the current one expires and awaits a decision. During this period, they are permitted to continue the activities authorized by their previous status, even if the original document has already expired.
ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) is the legal mechanism through which anyone can request access to government documents held about them — including immigration officer notes (GCMS Notes) that record the detailed rationale behind any decision. For applicants with refusals, GCMS Notes are essential: they reveal the real reasons not included in the official refusal letter, identify specific documentation gaps, and guide a more effective reapplication or appeal. The request is made online (canada.ca/atip) and typically takes 30 to 90 days. The cost is generally free or minimal. It is an underused but frequently decisive tool.
Processing times vary by application volume and case complexity. In 2026, general IRCC benchmarks are: visitor visa (TRV) — 14 to 60 days; eTA — typically approved within minutes or hours; Study Permit — 4 to 16 weeks (SDS: 20 days); Work Permit — 2 to 20 weeks depending on type; Express Entry (after ITA) — 6-month target; PNP + PR — up to 12 months; spousal sponsorship within Canada — 12 months; spousal sponsorship outside Canada — 12 to 24 months. Updated times are available at ircc.canada.ca/processing-times. Incomplete or error-prone applications requiring additional review take longer.
An ECA is an assessment of foreign educational credentials by an IRCC-designated body, verifying that a degree obtained abroad is equivalent to the Canadian standard. It is mandatory for Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) applicants under Express Entry. It is not required for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Designated bodies include WES (World Education Services), ICES, IQAS, and others depending on the field of study. The process takes an average of 4 to 8 weeks and the report is valid for 5 years. An ECA is required to earn education points in the CRS — without it, no education points are awarded to FSWP applicants.
The NOC is Canada’s occupational classification system, used to determine eligibility for immigration programs and scoring in the CRS. Each occupation receives a code and is categorized by TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities), from 0 to 5. For Express Entry, TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 occupations are eligible. Work experience declared in the profile must accurately match the correct NOC code — a mismatch can result in refusal on ineligibility grounds. Verify the exact NOC for your occupation on the government website before creating an Express Entry profile.
The information in this document is for guidance purposes only and is subject to change. Canadian immigration policies change frequently. Always consult official Canadian government websites for current information: ircc.canada.ca. For specific situations — especially those involving inadmissibility, multiple refusals, or complex applications — consulting a licensed immigration consultant registered with the CICC (College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants) or a consultant or lawyer licensed in Canada.
Refer leads to us and together we will make your customers’ Canada Plan a reality.