Services for Individuals and Families

1. Temporary Resident Permits

A visitor visa, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.

The requirements for a visitor visa application include completing the necessary application forms, providing supporting documents such as a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, and invitation letters if applicable. Our law firm can assist you in compiling a strong application package that meets all requirements and increases your chances of obtaining a visitor visa.

Generally, visitors are allowed to stay for up to six months from their date of entry. The actual length of stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry based on the purpose of the visit and other factors.

To apply for a work permit, you generally need a job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or is exempt from the LMIA requirement. Our firm can help you understand the specific requirements, based on your situation, assist in preparing the necessary documents, and ensure that your application meets all the requirements.

In most cases, you need a valid work permit to work in Canada. However, there are certain exemptions where individuals may work without a work permit, such as certain types of business visitors, foreign representatives, and certain international agreements. It’s crucial to determine if your situation falls under one of these exemptions or if you need to apply for a work permit.

To apply for a study permit, you need to have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. Complete the study permit application forms, provide supporting documents (such as proof of acceptance, proof of financial support, and a valid passport), and pay the required fees. Submit the application online or at the nearest Canadian visa office.

The financial requirements for a study permit include demonstrating that you have enough money to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. You may need to provide bank statements, scholarship letters, or proof of funding from a sponsor to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies. We ensure that all necessary forms are completed accurately, assist in gathering supporting documents, and provide advice to increase your chances of a successful application.

Yes, most study permit holders are eligible to work part-time on or off-campus while studying in Canada. However, there may be certain restrictions and conditions, such as obtaining a work permit or meeting specific eligibility criteria. It’s important to check the regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with the work authorization rules.

2. Permanent Residence

Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It’s designed to fast-track the immigration process, generally processing applications in six months or less.

The CRS is a points-based system that is used to assess and score a candidate’s profile to rank them in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded for several factors, including skills, education, language proficiency, and work experience. The highest-ranked candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class. (See Comprehensive Ranking System below for more information on these three classes.)

Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. This involves providing documentation, including language test results, educational credential assessments, police certificates, and others to support the information you provided in your Express Entry profile.

Ontario (Express Entry)

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), is a program designed to attract and retain individuals who can contribute to Ontario’s economy.

The program has a variety of streams, each targeting different groups such as skilled workers, international students, and business people.

The specific eligibility criteria will depend on which stream you’re applying under. However, common criteria across most streams include: relevant work experience, language skills (English or French), and the intention to live and work in Ontario.

To apply, you’ll first need to make an expression of interest in the OINP. If Ontario nominates you, you’ll then submit an application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Even though Ontario can nominate individuals for permanent residency, the final decision on immigration applications is made by the federal government.

Nova Scotia (Express Entry)

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) is a program designed to attract and retain individuals who can contribute to Nova Scotia’s economy.

The program has several streams, each designed to target specific groups including skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs, among others.

The specific eligibility criteria will depend on which stream you’re applying under. Typically, criteria include: relevant work experience, education, language skills (English or French), and the ability to establish economically in Nova Scotia.

To apply, you first apply to NSPNP. If you’re nominated, you then submit an application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Even though the province can nominate individuals for permanent residency, the final decision on immigration applications rests with the federal government.

Express Entry Programs

A Federal Skilled Worker is someone who has at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a managerial, professional, or technical job listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). They must also meet minimum language proficiency standards and demonstrate financial stability to support themselves and their dependents.

The FSWP uses a 100-point grid to assess applicants. Points are awarded for factors such as education, language skills, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability factors. As of July 2023, applicants need a minimum of 67 points to be eligible for the FSWP.

A Federal Skilled Trades worker is someone who has at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the five years before applying. They must meet minimum language requirements and have either a job offer for a full-time position for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

The FSTP covers various skilled trades under major groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), such as Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades, Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades, Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production, and others. It’s essential to check the NOC list for the most updated categories.

You apply through the Express Entry system, which involves creating an online profile where you provide information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details. You’ll be entered into a pool of candidates, and those who meet the criteria will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application.

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), is a program designed to attract and retain individuals who can contribute to Ontario’s economy.

The program has a variety of streams, each targeting different groups such as skilled workers, international students, and business people.

The specific eligibility criteria will depend on which stream you’re applying under. However, common criteria across most streams include: relevant work experience, language skills (English or French), and the intention to live and work in Ontario.

To apply, you’ll first need to make an expression of interest in the OINP. If Ontario nominates you, you’ll then submit an application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Even though Ontario can nominate individuals for permanent residency, the final decision on immigration applications is made by the federal government.