O, Canada!
Applying to immigrate permanently, study, work or just to visit Canada can be a daunting task, and although there are many different ways to immigrate to Canada, it is most important that you apply under the correct category and that you ensure you are a suitable candidate before you apply.
10Five Immigration Consulting values integrity and honesty and we will only agree to represent you if we believe that your application has a reasonable chance of success. We will identify the appropriate immigration stream and assist you in preparing and submitting the required paperwork and documentation. We pride ourselves in providing personal service, always being available to answer your questions and updating you on the progress of your case.
Temporary Residence
Temporary Residency applies to those who are not Canadian citizens but are legally in Canada for a temporary purpose, including international students, foreign workers and tourists.
While "Permanent Residence" (PR) is a requirement for Citizenship, Temporary residency has little to do with Citizenship. One cannot get from Temporary Resident to Citizen without first going through another program.
More specifically, the classes of Temporary Residence are:
- Temporary Student - holder of a study permit
- Temporary Worker - holder of a work permit
- Temporary Visitor - holder of a visitor record
- Temporary Resident Permit
Some foreign nationals require a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada. For more information, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/tourist.asp
Permanent Residence
Permanent residents in Canada are those who are not Canadian citizens but who have been granted permission to live and work in Canada without any time limit on their stay. A permanent resident must live in Canada for two years out of every five, or risk losing that status.
A Permanent Resident holds many of the same rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen, among others the right to work for any enterprise as well as in restricted positions for the federal or provincial government . The main differences are that Permanent Residents cannot:
- vote in elections in Canada;
- run for elected office;
- hold Canadian passports;
- hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance.
Permanent Residents also risk deportation for serious crimes committed while residing in Canada. Permanent residents may apply for Canadian citizenship after four years in Canada; however, this is not mandatory.
Citizenship
There are two ways to obtain Canadian citizenship:
- Through an application for Canadian citizenship, or
- Through a confirmation of Canadian citizenship.
We can help you with your application for Canadian citizenship and will explain the Canadian citizenship requirements to you.
Applications for Canadian Citizenship
You may qualify for Canadian Citizenship, once you have been in Canada the equivalent of four years in the past six years (4/6 Rule).
Processing time for the Citizenship application is at least one year, and proof of language and a citizenship test may be required (there are few exceptions).
Once you are granted Canadian citizenship, the residency requirements are no longer applicable and you are eligible for a Canadian passport.
Confirmation of Canadian Citizenship
Someone who is born abroad with at least one Canadian citizen parent may be eligible for a Confirmation of Citizenship Certificate, which will enable them to get a Canadian passport.