APPLYING FOR A VISA

Having established that you are in with a chance, you now need to start the actual process. Remember, though, there is no point in even making the application if it does not look like you will tot up 67 points per the allocations outlined above. That is not to say that you should give up on the whole thing, simply that you will have to do whatever is necessary to increase your points (another year’s experience in your job, perhaps, or some additional education). If you think your application is borderline you may decide to get assistance from an immigration consultant or attorney.

Assuming that you are going ahead on your own, here is your step-by-step guide to getting a visa. The following applies if you fall into the first category of skilled worker requesting permanent status. Granting of a temporary visa is usually dependent on a job offer in Canada, and the Business Immigrant Scheme follows a different set of guidelines which are outlined above.

Getting the ball rolling

First write, telephone or visit the Immigration Division of the Canadian High Commission in London. They will send you a full set of application forms, including a guide to completing your application. You can also download all the necessary forms from the Canadian government website www.canada.org.uk or www.cic.gc.ca. Just make sure you have plenty of black ink in your printer!

Completing the forms

You will receive:

• Application for Permanent Residence in Canada.
• Schedule 1 – Background/Declaration.
• Additional Family Information.
• Authorisation to Release Information to Designated Individuals.

Now you can start the mammoth task of completing the forms for everybody in your family who is over 18 years of age at the time of the application, regardless of whether they will accompany you to Canada.

The Application Form

Figure 7 shows the Application Form which will give your visa officer the basic information he needs to assess your points. Note that you will need to include photocopies of all your educational, trade and professional qualifications along with evidence of your employment experience. Personal documents such as passports and birth certificates are also required.

Additional Forms

The Additional Family Information form requires even more detailed family information and the Authorisation to Release Information to Designated Individuals confirms that you are agreeable to information regarding your case being made available to your sponsor and/or Canadian representative (if applicable).

Plus, if you are applying under one of the Immigration Programmes, there are even more forms to fill in:

• Schedule 3 – Federal Skilled Workers
• Schedule 4 – Provincial Nominees
• Schedule 5 – Quebec Skilled Workers

And there’s more! You must apply to the Visa Office of your country of residence or nationality. For most people reading this, that will probably be The Canadian High Commission in London. If not, they will be able to advise you of the correct office to apply to, or your can check it out yourself on www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/skilled-mission.html Each office has what they call ‘visa office specific forms’ which you will also need to complete. The most important one of these is the Request for Police Certificates/Clearances (see Figure 8). It is your responsibility to get this completed by the police or relevant authorities in any country in which you lived for six months or longer. This applies to your spouse and any dependent children planning to accompany you to Canada.

Submitting the forms

It is very important to follow the instructions given by Canadian Immigration to the letter. Applications that are incomplete or inaccurate in any way are not given consideration. Use the following checklist to make sure you have included absolutely everything required. Note that in some cases there may be even more that you need to include, but this list should suffice for most applications. Send photocopies only of official documents such as passport, certificates, etc., but be sure to enclose originals of police certificates and language test results (if applicable).

In all cases

• Application for permanent residence
  • make sure it’s signed!
  • include photographs as instructed for self and all family members.
• Schedule 1 Background declaration
  • for principal applicant, spouse or partner and each dependent child aged over 18.
• Schedule 3 Economic Classes
  • passports or travel documents for self, spouse or partner and dependent children.
• Proof of language proficiency
  • immigrant summary and supplementary information form in duplicate by all persons over 18
  • birth certificate for self, spouse and dependent children
  • work experience documentation for self and spouse or partner
  • CVs
  • pay slips and bank statements
  • organisational chart
  • notarised employment contracts
  • letters of reference.
• Proof of settlement funds.
• Police certificates and clearances for self, spouse or partner and everyone in the family aged 18 and over.
• Bank draft in Canadian dollars to cover full immigration fee.

Where applicable

• Schedule 3: Economic Classes B Federal Skilled Workers
  • completed by principal applicant.
• Additional family information
  • completed by self, spouse or partner and dependent children over 18.
• Authority to release information to designated individuals
  • only if you wish CIC to give information re your application to another person.
• Photocopy and translation of visa for country where you currently live.
• Marriage, final divorce, annulment or separation certificates
  • for self and spouse.
• Proof of common law relationship.
• Death certificate for spouse.
• Adoption papers for adopted children.
• Proof of custody for children aged under 18.
• Proof you have fulfilled custody obligations.
  • if children are not to accompany you.
• Proof of continuous full-time studies of all dependent children aged 22 and over.
• Post-secondary education documents for self and spouse or partner
  • certificates
  • degrees
  • diplomas.
• Professional qualifications certifications for self and spouse or partner.
• Proof of relationship in Canada.
• Arranged employment
  • if currently working in Canada provide photocopy of work permit.

All this is bundled up and sent to the Canadian High Commission. Next you stagger back from the post office and wait to hear. You will receive an acknowledgement and immigration file number within three months. Later in the process you will be required to provide satisfactory medical reports for you, your spouse and children.

Checking and double-checking

Make sure your paperwork is complete. This is sound advice frequently offered by immigration officials. An incomplete application will seriously slow things down, while one containing all the information and documentation required will ensure the fastest processing time. Here are some slips to avoid:

• leaving gaps in dates – account for everything
• failing to describe your occupation fully – an ‘administrative officer’ could be almost anything, whereas ‘database design and maintenance’ indicates a precise occupation
• not clearly indicating the occupation you intend to pursue in Canada – points are awarded from the Occupations List, so you must be specific
• sending blurred or unclear photocopies
• not providing reference letters and/or including letters which fail to describe the job performed
• forgetting to include forms for spouse and/or children
• sending old photographs – perhaps more flattering, but likely to be rejected.

The Immigration Visa Processing Fee

At the time of writing the fee schedule is:

For skilled workers

	Immigrant Visa Processing Fee	Right of Permanent Residence Fee
	C$	C$
Principal applicant	550	975
Spouse or partner	550	975
Each dependant 22 years and over	550	n/a
Each dependant under 22 years	150	n/a

For entrepreneurs, investors and self-employed

	Immigrant Visa Processing Fee	Right of Permanent Residence Fee
	C$	C$
Principal applicant	1050	975
Spouse or partner	550	975
Each dependant 22 years and over	550	n/a
Each dependant under 22 years	150	n/a
Temporary Residence Permits
Work permit	150	n/a
Study permit	125	n/a

The Immigrant Visa Processing Fee is not refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee is refundable if you are not issued a visa or if you withdraw your application. Fees must be paid by bankers’ draft. Personal cheques are not acceptable.