Embarking on a journey to live and work in Canada is an exciting and life-changing decision. Whether you’re considering Canada as your new home, exploring better career opportunities, or seeking a fresh start, navigating the Canadian immigration process can be both challenging and rewarding. In this guide, we’ll provide you with valuable tips and insights to help you successfully navigate the complexities of Canada’s immigration system, ensuring a smoother transition to your new life.
Immigration Tip #1: Figure Out What Immigration Category You Fall Under
If you want to immigrate to Canada, you will want to know where you stand before getting on board the train. Are you a member of the Family Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Category, or a Business Immigrant? Knowing who you are as a potential immigrant to Canada will provide the proper road map for where you are going and how to get there. Choose the wrong category and end up in “legal limbo”.
Immigration Tip #2: Figure Out If You Qualify
Once you have figured out what immigration category best suits you, you now have to figure out whether you qualify for this category. There are now online tools that you can use to get an idea of your eligibility for immigration to Canada, but that is only the first step. You can consult a lawyer or immigration consultant to perform an immigration assessment as to whether you qualify. However, it is important to find a good immigration lawyer. One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a lawyer who really doesn’t do a proper job of assessing your case.
On the other hand, there is no substitute for a good immigration lawyer who is able to give you a clear idea of whether it is worth submitting the application.
Assuming you do qualify, then the next step in your journey is:
Immigration Tip #3: Determining What Is Involved in the Immigration Process
If you find out you qualify, congratulations! It is one thing to know that you can apply for immigration to Canada; it’s entirely another thing to know how to apply. Knowing how to fill out the forms, where to file, what information and documents are required, how to reach the government if something goes wrong, whether you will have an interview or not, what fees to pay etc., is what the immigration process is all about.
Most applicants fail not because they don’t qualify but because they just get it wrong in the “how-to” part, that is, during the actual immigration process. So knowing how to apply is as much or more important than knowing if you can apply.
Immigration Tip #4: How to Get Help with Your Canadian Immigration Application
This is a very important step. You will want to be sure to get a professional immigration lawyer’s help. Don’t go it alone. Moving to another country is life-changing and you will want to be sure you get all of the help you can get. I say this despite what they tell you on the government websites about not needing a lawyer to do your paperwork. If you follow the guide, they say, you can “do it yourself”. If it were only that easy. If about half of our cases didn’t come from failed, albeit well-meaning, attempts to go it alone.
Immigration Tip #5: Keep yourself informed.
While it is true that you should seek professional help with your immigration application, it is equally true that you should not be passive. You should ask questions, make sure you understand what you are in for, when certain events in the application process will take place, etc. Being well-informed will keep your lawyer on his or her toes.
Immigration Tip #6: Be Patient
Immigration cases can generally take a long time. No lawyer nor immigration consultant can wave a magic wand and make your case go faster. If they tell you this, that is a red flag, and seek help elsewhere. What lawyers certainly can do is reduce errors and make sure your application is processed properly which will save time. However, once your file is in the system, it is a waiting game and sometimes it’s a long one.
Immigration Tip #7: Report Any Changes to Your Lawyer
Since the immigration process does take time, it is important that you keep your lawyer up to date on any changes in your life that may impact the outcome of your case. Changes include marriage, kids, divorce, change of employment, etc. Life happens and does not stand still once your application is filed.
Immigration Tip #8: Be Realistic
While you may have a good case and a good lawyer, there are no guarantees in immigration. The reality is that your application, however well prepared, can get refused. If this happens, you still have options such as appealing the decision. Like in life, when it comes to immigration, you hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Immigration Tip #9: Learn About Your New Home Before You Arrive
This seems obvious but you would be surprised how many clients have no idea where to go for housing, banking, food, schools, etc. once they land in Canada Do not be left holding your new immigrant visa with no place to go. Do your research well in advance before you come. This way, you will be prepared to handle the transition of moving to Canada.
Immigration Tip #10: Expect the Unexpected
Get excited about the choice you made in relocating to Canada. Just know that whatever the plan, it will have to change somewhat in terms of the immigration process and settlement. There just are too many variables involved that are out of our control to perfectly plan out what will happen and when. The best advice you can take is to be flexible and adapt to whatever comes your way. Whether your lawyer tells you new forms are needed, new documents are required, there has been a delay at the Embassy, etc., just try to roll with it the best you can. This approach will save you a lot of stress and even money in the end.
Are You Interested in Immigrating to Canada?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
