Studying in Canada is an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking quality education and diverse cultural experiences. However, for students who are married or in a common-law relationship, the decision to pursue education in Canada often involves considerations about whether their spouse can accompany them. Understanding Spousal Sponsorship: Spousal sponsorship is permitted under Canadian immigration regulations, enabling citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouses or common-law partners’ to become permanent residents in Canada. However, depending on the immigration stream s ..read more

Canada’s immigration policies recognize and accommodate various relationships, including common-law partnerships, providing a pathway to permanent residency for couples committed to building a life together. If you’re in a common-law relationship and exploring how your partner can obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada, here are some possible options. Understanding Common-Law Partnerships in Canada In Canada, a common-law partnership is defined as a relationship in which two individuals have lived together for at least 12 consecutive months in a marriage-like or conjugal relationship. Thi ..read more

Canada’s spousal sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouses for permanent residency. While the process is designed to be straightforward, many applicants inadvertently make mistakes that can lead to delays or even in the rejection of their application. Here are some common errors made in spousal sponsorship applications, and how to avoid them. 1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation One of the most common errors is submitting incomplete or inaccurate documentation. This can include missing forms, unsigned declarations, or providing outdated ..read more

On January 22, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that the federal government will not be challenging a decision made by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice rendering the “first generation limit” provisions in the Citizenship Act unconstitutional. What is the “First Generation Limit”? The “first generation limit” is a provision of the Citizenship Act that was passed in 2007 by the Harper government. The “first generation limit” provided that children born abroad to Canadian citizens beyond the first generation generally do not acqui ..read more

On December 14, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Minister Marc Miller announced the Federal government’s intention to create a new path for undocumented immigrants who have been living and working in Canada for years to obtain permanent residency and eventually Canadian citizenship. In an interview, Mr. Miller explained that he plans to present a proposal to cabinet in spring of next year that allows many immigrants without valid documents to apply for permanent residency in Canda. Such individuals include those who entered the country as temporary workers or international s ..read more

On December 7, 2023, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that the cost-of-living financial requirement will be raised for those who wish to enter Canada on a study permit. The updated requirement – which aims to better prepare international students for the financial challenges some experience once they have arrived in Canada – will take effect starting January 1, 2024. Moving forward, a single study permit applicant must show that they have $20,635 in funds in addition to their first year of tuition and travel expenses for study permit appl ..read more

Spouse or partner sponsorship applications usually take about one year to process. In the meantime, the foreign spouse or partner would usually like to be able to work so that they can contribute to the family income. Fortunately, the Canadian immigration authorities will issue an open work permit to foreign nationals who have applied under for permanent residence under the spouse or partner sponsorship category. However, before applying for a work permit, it is important to understand that an open work permit can only be issued to a foreign spouse or partner applying under the in-Canada spo ..read more

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program is an immigration program that allows students who have graduated from a Canadian institution to work in Canada after their study programs have ended. This provides graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian employment experience, which can help them qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry Canadian Experience class. In order to be eligible for a PGWP, the applicant must have graduated from an eligible Canadian designated learning institution (DLIs). Once obtained, the PGWP is usually valid for the same len ..read more

Canadian citizens or permanent residents can sponsor their foreign common-law partners for permanent residence in Canada. To qualify as common-law partner for immigration purposes, the couple must have lived together continuously for at least one year. Many foreign partners enter Canada as visitors to stay with their Canadian other half. Visitor visas (aka “Temporary Resident Visas”) are valid for up to six months. The question then becomes, if the foreign partner can only remain in Canada for up to six months, how can they meet the one-year cohabitation requirement necessary to qualify as c ..read more

The Canadian immigration process can have massive amounts of paperwork, regulations, and waiting periods, leading many applicants to wonder if there’s a way to speed up the immigration application process toward their journey to Canadian residency. The answer is yes, and one effective way to navigate this complex path is by hiring the services of an experienced immigration lawyer. We’ll look at how hiring an immigration lawyer can potentially speed up your application process while saving you time and hassle. Understanding the Canadian Immigration Process First, it’s important to acknowledge ..read more