Answers to frequently asked questions
Questions & Answers
Processing times vary depending on the type of application you submit. Information on processing times can be found on official website.
The full list can be found on official website.
The most popular job search sites:
Requirements and conditions are currently changing. Some foreign workers may still be able to bring their spouses and children, depending on the program and stream under which they received their work permit.
Yes, there is a possibility of studying while working in Canada. However, you must meet the requirements for both activities and prove to the officer that you can combine study and work.
It is important to note that experience gained while studying in Canada does not count towards the Canadian Experience Class requirements. If you are counting on Canadian experience points, studying and working simultaneously may not be an option for you.
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that a Canadian employer may need before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA confirms the need to hire a foreign worker and indicates that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified to fill the position.
If you meet the requirements, you can apply for restoration of your work permit within 90 days of its expiration. In this case, you are allowed to remain in Canada while your application is being processed, but you must stop working until you receive your restored work permit.
You can stay in Canada until IRCC makes a decision on your application to extend your work permit (provided you applied for an extension before your current Work Permit expires). This is called maintained status. You can also continue to work under the same conditions as your original permit until a decision is made on your application.
Application deadlines may vary by institution. It is recommended to apply 8-12 months before the start of your studies. Canada's main intake streams for international students are fall (September), winter (January/February), and summer (May/June).
Processing times may vary. Once you receive your acceptance letter and provincial letter, you can apply for a Study Permit. You can check the latest processing times at official website.
The full list can be found on official website.
A list of all DLIs can be found on IRCC official website, list of 980 programs that are suitable to receive PGWP upon completion of studies.
You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for the first year in Canada, as well as your travel expenses to return home. The exact amount varies, it is best to check on official website.
Yes, depending on the program, your spouse may be able to obtain an open work permit (SOWP), and children receive a study permit to study in public schools in Canada for free.
From 8 November 2024, full-time students may work up to 24 hours per week during term time and an unlimited number of hours during statutory holidays and official breaks (the program of study must be at least 6 months long and must lead to a diploma, certificate or degree). Work on campus An unlimited number of hours is also allowed.
To maintain your study permit, you must be enrolled and be actively studying at least part-time. However, to obtain PGWP must study full-time each semester, except for officially approved breaks or the last semester, when part-time study is permitted.
Yes, you can change schools. However, the process for transferring from one school to another changed on November 15, 2024. While previously it was sufficient to notify IRCC via the web form, it is now mandatory to obtain a new Study Permit before transferring to a new school.
Yes, but any interruption in your program must not exceed 150 days and must be formally approved by your DLI.
If you are eligible for a PGWP, you can apply for one after completing your studies. PGWP is an open Work Permit and will allow you to work for any employer in Canada. The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the program and its alignment with Canada's economic priorities. The requirements for obtaining a PGWP have changed recently, check IRCC official website or Contact us for more information.
A complete list of government fees can be found on the official website of IRCC.
Processing times vary depending on the type of application you submit. Information on processing times can be found on official website.
Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen and can demonstrate your intention to return to Canada when your sponsored relatives obtain permanent residence. This rule does not apply to permanent residents, who must apply from within Canada.
Your spouse's dependents and their dependents may be included in the application.
A dependent is defined as a person under 22 years of age who is unmarried, or a person over 22 years of age who is financially dependent on a parent due to a physical or mental disability.
Marriages performed by proxy, telephone or internet, where one or both participants were not physically present at the ceremony, are not recognized for immigration purposes.
No, you must be a permanent resident or citizen at the time of applying for sponsorship.
Yes, you can sponsor your spouse even if he or she does not have a valid immigration status in Canada.
There are two types of spousal sponsorship:
- Inland - Sponsorship within Canada - Available to couples who live together in Canada
- Outland - Sponsorship outside of Canada - is for sponsored spouses who are outside of Canada
Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen and can prove your intention to return to Canada when
sponsored relatives will receive permanent residence. This rule does not
apply to permanent residents - they must apply while in Canada.
No, you must wait until you are married to apply for sponsorship. However, you can apply for sponsorship as a common-law partner if you have lived together for at least 12 months. In exceptional cases, you can apply for sponsorship as a conjugal partner.
In some cases it may be possible to sponsor a common-law partner if your marriage has broken down, you have been living separately from your spouse for more than a year and you were living with your common law partner during that time.
Yes, your spouse may be eligible for an Open Work Permit while waiting for a sponsorship decision.
The MNI financial requirement is reviewed annually and applies to all sponsorship programs except sponsorship of:
- spouse or common law partner without family members;
- spouse or common law partner with dependents who do not have their own children;
- a child without children.
If you are sponsoring a spouse or child, there is no minimum income requirement (MNI) (the exception is if your spouse has a dependent who also has a child, or you are sponsoring a child who has a dependent of their own). However, you must prove that you can provide for yourself and your sponsored persons (basic needs: food, shelter, clothing, etc.)
Current MNI amounts can be found at official website.
- For spouse/common-law partner - 3 years from the date of receiving permanent residence
- For children over 22 years old - 3 years
- For children under 22 years old - 10 years or until reaching 25 years old
The commitment remains in effect for the agreed period, even if your situation changes. It is not cancelled even if:
- sponsored person receives citizenship
- you are getting divorced or separated
- you or the sponsored person are moving
- you are experiencing financial difficulties
You will need to notify IRCC of the change and prove that your income meets the updated requirements taking into account your new family size.
All family members who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents are required to undergo a medical examination, even if they are not applying to enter Canada with you. Failure to provide information about family members or to have them undergo a medical examination may impact your application and your ability to sponsor them in the future.
A complete list of government fees can be found on the official website of IRCC.
Processing times vary depending on the type of application you submit. Information on processing times can be found on official website.
No, you must be a permanent resident or citizen at the time of applying for sponsorship.
Yes, if you are a Canadian citizen and can demonstrate your intention to return to Canada when your sponsored relatives obtain permanent residence. This rule does not apply to permanent residents, who must apply from within Canada.
If you receive an invitation to apply, you can sponsor both of your parents and all of your grandparents, along with their spouses and dependent children. To do so, you will need to submit separate applications for each person (or couple) you sponsor.
No, you can only sponsor your parents and grandparents. However, you can co-sponsor if your spouse is invited to apply.
A dependent is defined as a person under 22 years of age who is unmarried, or a person over 22 years of age who is financially dependent on a parent due to a physical or mental disability.
A spouse or common-law partner may act as a co-sponsor. They must also meet all the sponsor requirements.
Undertaking is a sponsor's commitment to support relatives financially for a specified period of time:
- Spouse / Common-law Partner: 3 years
- Child under 22: 10 years or up to 25 years of age
- Child over 22 years old: 3 years
- Parents & grandparents: 20 years
- Other relatives: 10 years
More information on what sources are considered income can be found on official website.
The MNI financial requirement is reviewed annually and applies to all sponsorship programmes, except sponsorship:
- spouse or common law partner without family members;
- spouse or common law partner with dependents who do not have their own children;
- a child without children.
Sponsors must demonstrate that their annual income meets the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) of the selected program. Family size include:
- sponsor, spouse and children
- sponsored family members;
- all people you have sponsored previously, if undertaking is still in effect;
- everyone for whom your spouse has signed an undertaking, if it is still valid and if he/she is a co-sponsor of the current application
You must provide a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for each of the three tax years prior to submitting your application.
You will need to notify IRCC of the change and prove that your income meets the updated requirements taking into account your new family size.
All family members who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents are required to undergo a medical examination, even if they are not applying to enter Canada with you. Failure to provide information about family members or to have them undergo a medical examination may impact your application and your ability to sponsor them in the future.
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a professional who is legally allowed to advise you on immigration to Canada. Zhanna Ni (license R731702) is an active member of the College of Immigration Consultants (CICC). You can check her license of an immigration consultant in online registry of the regulator (CICC).
Licensed Immigration Consultants:
- Explain immigration and citizenship options
- Recommend the best programs that suit your needs best
- Prepare your application for immigration or citizenship
- Prepare a submission letter to IRCC
- Communicate with the government entities on your behalf
- Represent you in immigration or citizenship applications or at hearings at Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
Government fees, language tests, educational assessments, certificates, medical examinations, translation services, transportation and postage costs, online payment fees and any other fees are not included in the price.
Only IRCC officers make a decision regarding your case. If someone "guarantees" your approval, this is a sign of possible fraud.
Payment for our services is divided into 2-5 stages corresponding to the key phases of your immigration process. This approach allows you to distribute costs and clearly see the progress at each stage.
It is important to note that in accordance with the requirements of the CICC regulator, payment for the successful result or refund in case of refusal are strictly prohibited. Payment is made for the work performed by our licensed immigration consultant.
All fees shown are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and do not include GST (5%), PST (depending on your province) for applicants within Canada.
For candidates outside Canada, no taxes apply.
Important: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may change, please check the official resources for up-to-date information.