How to immigrate to Canada legally
- 1). First thing is first. This is a little lengthy so be prepared to read this and then come back and read it again throughout your immigrations process. I will be covering two of the main ways to immigrate to Canada legally. Marriage and Skilled Worker Permit. Grab a cup or tea or coffee and let's begin.
- 2
Planning
Assuming you have not already started the process, I would like to state that it takes about 4 months minimum after you have sent the forms to 12 months maximum to get everything done and you landed in Canada as a PR (permanent resident). You need to do some planning first. It's not as simple as sending in some forms with some writing on them. You are dealing with people that need to be convinced. Move on. - 3). You need to have lots of pictures of you and your girlfriend or boyfriend prior to marriage to show that you are truly in love and not just faking to get into the country. They want it legitimate. Have pictures of you guys camping, family events, and other things like that. I would have at least 15 of them spread out over a period of time. They can't all be just from one day. If you are doing skilled worker, you don't need these pictures.
- 4
Wedding
This step is where you start getting into the mix of things. If you are doing the spousal sponsorship, then it's time to get married if you haven't already. Just make sure you love each other. So go get married. If you are doing the skilled worker, obviously this is not required.
Make sure you take pictures of the wedding if that wasn't already a given. - 5). Once you are married, it's not time to get together all of your documentation. First you need all your wedding legal stuff like your marriage certificate. Next, you need to get together all of your pictures, passports (yours and spouses), CIC immigration forms (link at bottom of page), and everything else that your immigration forms tell you to have. They change it from time to time so I won't list it all here.
- 6). Once you have all the forms and evidence together, start filling them out correctly. Take your time with it and follow the directions on the forms to a T. They can be picky. Then send it to the address the forms tell you. It's different for inside Canada and outside Canada. Most of the time, you will be doing it from outside Canada which means the person without status in Canada must go back to their home country and wait. I know it's hard but if I can do it, you can too!
- 7). Once all the forms are sent, that being if you are doing either spousal or worker, you just wait. They will send you letters in the mail or emails if they need anything else. Usually after about 6 weeks, your spouse will get a letter in the mail of approval. Then about another 4-6 months later they request your passport and background checks and medical if you didn't do that already. Then you go when they send you your immigration confirmation. Mainly, it's just following directions good on the forms. And that's it. Read the tips and warning for further information.
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