Frequently Asked Questions
Canada’s immigration system is complex. Even a minor oversight can put you and your family’s future in Canada at stake.
Our immigration lawyers have public service experience and an in-depth knowledge of Canada’s immigration rules and policy procedures.
We can help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your chances of success.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify to immigrate to Canada and need advice on how to proceed, contact us to request a consultation.
To become a Canadian citizen, you must:
- be a permanent resident
- have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years
- have filed your taxes, if you need to
- pass a test on your rights, responsibilities and knowledge of Canada
- prove your language skills
Depending on your situation, there may be additional requirements.
Contact us to find out if you’re eligible.
Your application package is complete when you have:
- answered all of the questions on the application form, and
- submitted all the necessary documents along with your application.
If you forget to send a document, your application may be returned to you, the processing of your application may be delayed, or your application may be refused.
We can help you avoid common pitfalls and avoid refusals.
If your application is complex, it may take Citizenship & Immigration longer than normal processing times to process your application.
Your application may be more complex if:
- the contact information on file (address, telephone, email) is outdated and we can’t contact you or a family member
- we requested more documents and they weren’t submitted on time, or at all
- your dependant(s) turned 18 since you applied
- you added dependant(s) to your application since you applied
- your dependant(s) got married and/or had children of their own since you applied
- you provided legal documents to confirm a change to your marital status, or about child custody
- you or your family member were asked to resubmit a medical exam because one expired (exams for every person must all be valid at the same time)
- you or a family member were asked to appear for an interview
- you or a family member might not be eligible
- background checks are still in progress for you or your family members
Contact us for a consultation. We can guide you through your application, no matter how complex.
The Government of Canada has created an online tool called Come to Canada. It will help you figure out whether you can come to Canada as an immigrant, visitor, worker or student.
This tool guides you through some questions and based on your responses and your situation, it then gives you a list of options.
This tool will help you understand the requirements for immigrating to, visiting, studying in or working in Canada.
If you are eligible as a visitor, worker or student contact us to help you through the application process.
Only a doctor we have approved can do the immigration medical exam. This doctor is known as a panel physician.
Use our list of approved panel physicians to find one closest to you. You cannot use your family doctor if his or her name is not on this list.
Other things you should know about panel physicians and the exam:
- You can choose a panel physician anywhere in the world, even in a different country from where you live.
- You must pay for the medical exam. The cost can differ from one doctor to another.
- Find out what you need to bring to your medical exam when you make an appointment with the panel physician.
Find out more about medical exams.
Inside Canada:
- The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General test) can be taken through Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.
- The International English Language Testing System (General test) can be taken through Cambridge Assessment English, IDP Australia and The British Council
- The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) can be taken through The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- The Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada) (in French only) can be taken through le Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP).
Outside Canada:
- The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (General test) can be taken through Paragon Testing Enterprises Inc.
- The International English Language Testing System (General test) can be taken through Cambridge Assessment English, IDP Australia and The British Council.
- The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) can be taken through The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- The Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada) (in French only) can be taken through le Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP).
Check the website of each approved language testing agency for test locations and dates.
Find out the Government of Canada fees for each application here.
Our legal fees vary depending on your immigration status and financial situation.
We’ll provide you with an upfront cost before we start, so you will know exactly how much you need to pay. We also offer flexible payment schedules so the entire fee doesn’t have to be paid upfront.