A Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa is a document which allows a person to live and work anywhere in Canada, and confers upon that person Permanent Resident status. It comes with certain responsibilities and may be revoked if the holder does not meet Canadian residency obligations, or is found guilty of serious criminal activity. A person who is a Canadian Permanent Resident may apply for Canadian citizenship after three years.

A Work Permit allows an eligible individual to reside and work in Canada for a limited period of time, and restrictions are sometimes placed on the type of employment which can be pursued. It will not, by itself, lead to Canadian Permanent Residency, but can be a stepping stone to achieving this status. By contrast, a Canada Immigration Visa entitles its holder to live and work anywhere in Canada, enjoy many of the privileges of Canadian citizenship, apply for Canadian citizenship after three years and sponsor family members for Canadian Permanent Resident status.

Yes, you can apply for Permanent Resident status and Temporary status at the same time. Canadian Immigration policy recognizes the concept of dual intent.

Yes, and no. As a general rule, you must submit your Canada Immigration Visa Application (Application for Permanent Residence in Canada) to the Canadian Immigration Visa Office responsible for the country of your citizenship or to the visa office responsible for the country you are currently residing in if you have been legally admitted to that country for at least one year. Applicants to the federal economic immigration programs must first create an online profile in the Express Entry immigration selection system.

Canada immigration regulations, laws and policies are constantly subject to change. To remain continuously informed on changes being made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), please visit CIC News.

Yes, there is. Immigrating to Canada has become more and more complicated over time. There are currently more than 60 different federal and provincial immigration programs under which an applicant may qualify and it is very difficult for an individual to know which program is most suitable for his or her circumstances. Even though Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) permits you to submit a Canadian Immigration Visa Application on your own, statistically, your chances of succeeding are increased if a qualified Canadian immigration attorney represents you. Moreover, a perfected application will, in many cases, avoid unnecessary delays, allowing you to obtain your Canada Immigration Visa faster.