Frequently Asked Canada Immigration General Information Questions (FAQ)
> Immigration Categories > FAQ > General Information
General Information
1.1 What is a Permanent Resident visa?
A Permanent Resident Visa is a document which allows a person lawfully reside and work in any province across Canada. Permanent Resident visa gives a holder most rights, privileges and social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens. A person who is a Canadian Permanent Resident may apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years.
1.2 What are the basic requirements for a Permanent Resident visa?
You and your dependants must satisfy the visa officer that you meet the requirements of the Canadian Immigration Act and Regulations. You must: meet the health requirements; be law abiding; not be a risk to the security of Canada; have a valid passport or travel document; have enough money to look after yourself and your dependants in Canada until you become self supporting; produce all documents requested by the visa officer to establish your admissibility; and pay the processing fee to Immigration and Citizenship Canada. in addition, you must score sufficient points under the selection system. 1.3 What is the difference between a Permanent Resident visa and an Employment Authorization? An Employment Authorization is a non immigrant visa authorizing a person other than a Canadian or Permanent Resident to engage or continue employment in Canada, generally for a specific employer, and always for a limited time usually one year or less (a job offer from a Canadian employer is required). An Employment Authorization does not lead to permanent resident status, nor does it give rights and privileges of Permanent Resident visa, such as to live and work in any province across Canada, be entitle to most social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens, and when Citizenship requirements are met, apply for Canadian Citizenship. 1.4 Can I apply for a Permanent Resident and a Visitor visa concurrently? Traditionally, concurrent applications for permanent residence and temporary entry have been viewed by visa officers as being incompatible with each other because an impression that an applicant does not intend to leave Canada upon the expiration of Non immigrant visa (dual intent). While the applicants are not require to visit Canada as part of the application process, under current immigration policy, they are encouraged to become familiar with Canada, which assumed will help successfully integrate into Canadian society. However, the applicants who wish to apply for the temporary entry into Canada and who have an application for permanent residence pending, will be required to demonstrate sufficient ties to their current country of residence prior to the issuing of a temporary visitor's visa by the Canadian visa office. 1.5 For how long is a Permanent Resident visa valid? The validity date is based upon the earlier of: your or your dependents' passport validity date(s); or the medical validity date(s). Medical examination results are valid for 12 months after the initial medical examination. Immigrant visas cannot be extended once issued. If applicants do not use the visas within their validity, they must reapply for immigration to Canada. 1.6 What if I want to settle in the province of Quebec? The Government of the Province of Quebec selects its own immigrants in co operation with the Government of Canada. If you wish to settle in Quebec you should submit your application to the nearest office of the Quebec Immigration Service. The Canada Quebec Accord recognizes that the province of Quebec is solely responsible for the selection of independent applicants destined to the province of Quebec. However, it should be understood that federal immigration authorities are solely responsible for assessing an applicant's admissibility and are those who can issue immigrant visas. The situation, therefore, possible when applicants may be refused even if they have already been accepted by Quebec. At the same time, federal immigration authorities will not issue an immigrant visa to an immigrant destined to the province of Quebec, who has not met Quebec's selection criteria. 1.7 How can I retain Ambrose, Pinsky to represent me? Your first step would be to complete an assessment form and let us to determine your eligibility. You have an option do so as a Skilled Worker applicant, a Business Class applicant or a Family Class applicant.
Canada Immigration Law | Who We Are | Services | Immigration | Employment | Retain Us | Archive | Links | Navigation
Business Profile | Professional Credentials | Client References | Contact Information | Index of Topics | Search