Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our Frequently Asked Questions section provides clear, concise answers to common immigration inquiries. While these responses offer general guidance, and do not constitute a legal advice.
As each case is fact-specific, we encourage you to seek professional guidance for an assessment of your individual situation.
For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, we recommend booking a consultation with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.
Q: How can I improve my CRS score?
A: Improving your CRS score under Express Entry requires a strategic approach, focusing on the factors that carry the most points. Here are the most effective ways to increase your score:
- Improve your language test results:
Language ability is one of the highest scoring factors. Retaking IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF to achieve higher CLB levels (especially CLB 9 or above) can significantly boost your score and unlock additional points under skill transferability. - Gain more skilled work experience:
Additional years of work experience—especially in skilled occupations (TEER 0–3)—can increase your CRS score. Canadian work experience is particularly valuable and can add substantial points. - Obtain a Provincial Nomination (PNP):
Receiving a nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). - Secure a valid job offer:
A qualifying job offer supported by an LMIA (or exempt under certain categories) can add 50 to 200 CRS points, depending on the position. - Increase your education level:
Completing a higher level of education (e.g., a master’s degree or additional credentials) or obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education can improve your score. - Leverage spouse or partner factors (if applicable):
If you have a spouse, their language test results, education, and Canadian work experience can also contribute additional points. - Gain Canadian education or experience:
Studying or working in Canada can significantly increase your CRS score and improve eligibility under programs like the Canadian Experience Class. - Learn both official languages:
Having strong proficiency in both English and French can provide additional bonus points.
Overall, the best strategy is to focus on high-impact areas like language scores, provincial nominations, and Canadian experience, as these can lead to the most substantial increases in your CRS score.
Please note, that currently IRCC is revisiting the requirements and soon, some of these points may be potentially removed or no longer adding points, therefore it is important to discuss your circumstances with an immigration consultant to better understand your specific situation.
Q: What are my options if my immigration application is refused?
A: If your application is refused, you may still have several options depending on the reason for refusal and the type of application:
- Review the refusal letter carefully:
The first step is to understand why your application was refused. The refusal letter will outline the specific concerns or missing requirements. - Request detailed notes (GCMS notes):
You can request your application records to gain deeper insight into the officer’s decision and identify weaknesses in your file. - Reapply with stronger documentation:
In many cases, you can submit a new application addressing the previous issues, such as providing additional documents or clarifications. - File an appeal or seek judicial review:
Some applications (like sponsorships or refugee claims) may have a right of appeal at the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within specific time frame. Others can be challenged through judicial review at the Federal Court to challenge the visa officer’s decision for fairness and errors. - Consider alternative immigration pathways:
If one program is not successful, you may qualify under a different program better suited to your profile. - Seek professional advice:
Consulting an immigration professional can help you assess your options and improve your chances of success in future applications.
Each case is different, so the best course of action depends on your specific situation and the reasons for refusal.
Q: What is restoration of status in Canada?
A: Restoration of status is a process that allows a foreign national to regain their legal status in Canada if it has expired. If you have lost your status as a visitor, worker, or student, you may be eligible to apply for restoration and remain in Canada legally while your application is being processed.
To be eligible for restoration, you must:
- Apply within 90 days of losing your status
- Have complied with the conditions of your previous status before it expired
- Meet the requirements of the status you are applying to restore (visitor, worker, or student)
- Pay the required restoration and application fees
It is important to note that you cannot work or study until your status is restored and a new permit is issued. If your restoration application is approved, you will regain your legal status in Canada. If it is refused, you may be required to leave Canada immediately.
Q: What is a removal order in Canada?
A: A removal order is an official directive issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requiring a foreign national or permanent resident to leave Canada. It is typically issued when a person is found to be inadmissible or has violated immigration laws.
There are three main types of removal orders:
- Departure Order:
You must leave Canada within a specified time (usually 30 days) and confirm your departure with CBSA. If you comply, you may return to Canada later with proper authorization. - Exclusion Order:
You are required to leave Canada and may be barred from returning for a specified period (commonly 1 year, or 5 years in cases of misrepresentation or other serious issues), unless you obtain written authorization to return. - Deportation Order:
This is the most serious type of removal order. You are permanently barred from returning to Canada unless you receive special permission to re-enter.
A removal order can be issued for reasons such as:
- Overstaying your authorized period in Canada
- Working or studying without authorization
- Criminal inadmissibility
- Misrepresentation or providing false information
- Failure to comply with immigration conditions
If you receive a removal order, it is important to seek legal advice immediately, as you may have options to appeal or challenge the decision depending on your situation.
Q: What is a PFL (Procedural Fairness Letter)?
A: A Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is a formal notice issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) when an immigration officer has concerns about your application that could lead to a refusal.
The purpose of a PFL is to give you a fair opportunity to respond before a final decision is made. It explains the officer’s concerns and allows you to provide additional documents, explanations, or clarifications.
A PFL may be issued for reasons such as:
- Missing or insufficient documentation
- Inconsistencies or discrepancies in your application
- Concerns about misrepresentation or fraud
- Questions about eligibility or admissibility
When you receive a PFL, you are given a deadline to respond (usually 7 to 30 days). It is critical to address all concerns thoroughly and provide strong supporting evidence.
Failure to respond adequately—or at all—may result in the refusal of your application.
A well-prepared response to a PFL can significantly impact the outcome of your case, so many applicants choose to seek professional assistance when responding.
Q: Is Driving Under the Influence (DUI) grounds for inadmissibility?
A: Yes—an impaired driving offence can result in inadmissibility to Canada. Depending on your circumstances, you may have options such as applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for short-term entry or Criminal Rehabilitationfor a permanent resolution. In certain older cases, deemed rehabilitation may apply if enough time has passed, all sentencing conditions (including payment of fines) have been fully satisfied, and there are no additional offences on record.
Q: What is a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?
A: TRP is a discretionary, time-limited document issued to individuals who are inadmissible to allow them to enter or stay in Canada, often due to criminal, medical, or security reasons.
It acts as a temporary bridge for those with compelling reasons to visit, valid for up to three years but revocable at any time.It can be issued when there are compelling reasons for an individual to enter Canada and those reasons outweigh the risk to Canada. It is discretionary, time-limited, and can be issued for specific purposes such as business or family events. TRPs can be extended.
Q: Do I have to live in the province that nominates me?
A: While Canadian immigration law does not legally bind you to remain in a specific province, when you apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you must demonstrate a genuine intention to live and work in the province that nominated you.
Each province nominates candidates based on its own economic needs, and your application is assessed on your intent to settle there. If you show no intention to reside in the nominating province, your application may be refused or your permanent residence could be questioned.
Once you become a permanent resident, you have the right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to live and work anywhere in Canada. However, it is expected that you initially settle in the province that nominated you and establish your life there in good faith. Moving to a different province after becoming a permanent resident does not automatically affect your eligibility for Canadian citizenship. As a permanent resident, you have the constitutional right to live and work anywhere in Canada.
However, your history and intentions can be reviewed during your citizenship application, especially if you originally immigrated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Immigration authorities may assess whether you:
- Had a genuine intention to live in the province that nominated you
- Fulfilled the conditions of your nomination (if applicable)
- Established yourself in Canada in good faith
If it is determined that you never intended to live in the nominating province, it could raise concerns about misrepresentation or the integrity of your original application. This may affect your citizenship application or, in serious cases, your permanent resident status.
To maintain a strong application, it is important to be able to explain your reasons for moving and demonstrate that your initial intention to settle in the nominating province was genuine, even if your circumstances changed later.
Each case is assessed individually, so documentation and consistency in your immigration history are key.
Q: Wha is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
A: An Educational credential assessment (ECA) is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid and equal to a Canadian one.
There are different types of ECAs. You need to get an ECA for immigration purposes. If you got another type of ECA, you may be able to get it re-issued, depending on the type of ECA and/or issuing organization.
Usually an ECA is valid for 5 years.
The following organizations are accredited to provide ECA services:
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Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies |
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International Credential Evaluation Service – British Columbia Institute of Technology |
Most foreign-educated Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades candidates need an ECA from an approved organization. It verifies your credentials Canadian equivalency and impacts CRS. CEC candidates may not need an ECA unless they want the related points.
Q: What language tests are accepted by IRCC?
A: You must prove your language skills by taking an approved language test.
IRCC accepts specific tests such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General (English), and TEF/TCF Canada (French). Scores are converted to CLB levels for CRS points for the Express Entry. Depending on the program you are applying CLB score requirements differ.
Q: How do I get a police certificate for immigration purposes?
A: In most cases, you must contact the local police station or government to ask for a certificate. If you reside outside country of your citizenship or previous residence, you might be asked to apply at the Embassy or Consulate General of that country
You may have to:
- provide information or documents like:
- photographs
- fingerprints
- the addresses where you lived in the country or territory and the dates that you lived there
- pay a fee
If your certificate is in a language other than English or French, send the original police certificate along with a translation from a certified translator.
Please check the requirements for your country by clicking here.
Q: What translations are accepted by IRCC?
A: When applying for immigration or permanent residence, you may be asked to provide certified translations of your official documents into English or French – Canada’s two official languages.
If your documents are in a language other than English or French, they must be accompanied by an official translation of the original document in English or French. The translation will have to include seals and signatures and all elements appearing on the original document to be considered complete. The translation will also have to bear the name and signature of the translator.
A document translated into English or French by a:
- certified translator who is certified in Canada or
- translator who is not you, your family member or your representative or consultant
- if the translator is not certified, you have to supply an affidavit from the person who completed the translation and a certified photocopy of the original document.
The document being translated must be the original document or a certified photocopy of the original document.
Submitting an application without a certified translation may significantly delay processing time of your application, as you will be asked by IRCC to resubmit.
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