Frequently Asked Canada Immigration General Information Questions (FAQ)

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 Immigroup to represent me?

If you wish to retain the services Immigroup to facilitate your own immigration to Canada, your first step should be to become familiar with Services we are providing. Your second consideration will be the category under which you should apply. We provide a detailed descriptions of Canadian Immigration Categories and Canadian Non-Immigration Categories. Your third step should 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. We will respond to you with an assessment of your eligibility, and details as to how to retain our office (including a schedule of applicable costs) should you wish to do so. For those who just wish to visit Canada on a temporary basis, we provide definitions of applicable categories - Workers, Students and Visitors. If your wish to come to Canada only temporarily, contact our office via eMail to schedule a consultation to discuss details of your case. Finally, you should become familiar with our Retainer FAQ and our billing.