What are your office hours?
Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 9AM to 5PM. We are closed on weekends and all statutory holidays.
If a person is already a permanent resident, what are the residency requirements to renew this status?
The short answer is that the person can renew his/her status after residing in Canada for two years out of each five-year period. There are exceptions to this rule, but these are dependent on each person’s specific circumstances.
What are the requirements to obtain citizenship after becoming a permanent resident?
If a person has been physically present in Canada for a period of at least three years within the four years prior to submitting the citizenship application, he/she may qualify for Canadian citizenship. However, the rules for calculating a period of residency are complex and there are exceptions to the standard residency requirement.
Can I make a refugee claim?
In order to make a claim for a refugee protection, a person normally has to be in Canada or at a port of entry. However, there are exceptions to this rule, which can be outlined and discussed in a personal consultation.
My cousin has been refused a visitor visa. What can I do?
The refusal of a visitor visa application does not preclude the same person from applying again and receiving a positive reply on that second application. In many cases, better prepared supporting documentation is the key to success on a subsequent application.
What kind of rights will I have when I become permanent resident of Canada?
A person who has arrived in Canada as a permanent resident has all the rights of Canadian citizens, except they cannot vote, be elected, or hold a Canadian passport until they apply for and receive Canadian citizenship. Permanent residents have right to free health care, education, employment, grants, social assistance and other benefits depending on their circumstances.
If I am in Canada on a visitor visa can I work or study?
No, you are not permitted to work or study while in Canada on a visitor’s visa. In order to work, you need to have a work permit and in order to study, a study permit.
Can I sponsor my sister/brother?
Unfortunately, the sponsorship program only permits you to sponsor certain types of relations. You may sponsor your spouse/common-law partner/conjugal partner, your parents/grandparents, children/grandchildren and stepchildren. In some special circumstances you may be eligible to sponsor other relatives, but this can be confirmed only after the assessment of your case.
My visitor/study/work permit is expiring soon or has expired. What can I do?
You will need to apply for an extension or restoration of your status if it has expired.
I came on a visitor/study/work visa and I would like to stay permanently. What are my options?
Typically, to apply for permanent residence, the applicant needs to be outside of Canada. However, in some circumstances you can apply under the Canadian Experience Class or on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds from within Canada.