What Happens Next?

The interview

We may require an interview or additional information and documentation before we can make a decision about your application. If you need to be interviewed, we will notify you in writing in advance of the date, time and location of the interview as well as of the documents to bring with you.

The officer may ask about your relationship with the sponsor, your education, your reasons for emigrating, and your plans and preparations. You may also be asked about your family, health, financial situation, past difficulties with the law. There may be questions to determine your ability to settle successfully in Canada.

Working and studying

As a general practice, we will advise applicants in writing when they are eligible to apply for a work or study permit. However, if you already hold a work or study permit and want to maintain your temporary resident status, you may apply to extend you status before you receive our letter. Whether you apply before or after receiving our letter, refer to the guides for Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada. These guides may be obtained by visiting our Web site or by contacting the Call Centre. If you already have a permit, you may continue to work or study for the duration of the document. It is illegal to work or study without authorization from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Refusals

There are many reasons why an application might be refused. Some examples are:

If your application is refused, we will inform you in writing.

Permanent resident status

If both you and your sponsor meet all requirements, you and your dependent children in Canada will receive permanent resident status. If you have dependent children outside Canada whom you intend to have join you in Canada, they will be issued a visa that will allow them to enter Canada. Once they arrive at a Canadian port of entry, they will receive permanent resident status.You and your dependent children will then have the right to live, study and work in Canada for as long as you remain permanent residents, and will be entitled to most social benefits accorded to Canadian citizens. As permanent residents, you will also have the same legal obligations as citizens, such as paying taxes and respecting other laws. Once you have met citizenship requirements, you may apply for Canadian citizenship and a Canadian passport.

There are a few limitations on permanent residents: