Frequently Asked Questions: Permanent Residence Visas

Q. How can I know the status of my application?
A. You can consult the average time of processing. Do not call or write us if your application is being processed within the normal processing times.

Q. I sent documents to add to my file to the Embassy. How can I know if you received them?
A. The Embassy cannot send a confirmation for documents received. If your documents were sent through a reliable mail courier or left in person, we should have received them and they will be added to your file.

Q. I am Canadian and my wife is Colombian, can I sponsor her from outside Canada?
A. Normally, a Canadian must reside in Canada in order to be able to sponsor his wife. You can sponsor your wife from outside Canada if you are residing in Canada at the time your wife becomes permanent resident. You must provide evidence that you intend to reside in Canada once your wife obtains her permanent residence.

Q. I am permanent resident of Canada and my wife is Colombian, can I sponsor her from outside Canada?
A. No, you must reside in Canada in order to be able to sponsor your wife.

Q. Do I have to translate all my application and supporting documents from Spanish to English?
A. Your application for permanent residence must be filled out in one of Canada's official languages, English or French. You are not required to translate all the supporting documents (for example, copy of your national identification card, letters of reference, etc.), unless an official requires it.

Q. Do I have to obtain an authentication or notarization for all supporting documents included in my application?
A. It depends on which documents. In the case of a birth certificate and authorization from a parent allowing his/her child to leave Colombia, it is required. It is not required for other documents such as copies of passport, national identification card or letters of reference. An official can required an authentication of other documents if necessary.

Q. I sent my application for permanent residence in the province of Québec to Mexico, how can I know if my application was received?
A. You can contact the Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles du Québec

Q. Do minor children have to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee?
A. No, only the principal applicant and his/her spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner must pay this fee. Minor children do not have to pay this fee.

Q. I want to marry a Canadian citizen, what kind of visa can I obtain in order to immigrate to live with him in Canada?
A. A Canadian citizen could sponsor you in the family class (family reunification) category once you are married. This sponsorship process must start in Canada and your husband must first qualify as sponsor.

Q. I studied several years in an English-speaking country, do I still have to present the IELTS test with my skilled worker application?
A. The fact that you studied several years in an English-speaking country does not mean that you have high proficiency in English in the four (4) linguistic components that are writing, reading, speaking and understanding. This is particularly relevant if you left that country many years ago. We recommend that all skilled worker applicants (except the ones destined to a French-speaking destination or to the province of Québec) present an IELTS test with their application.

Q. I am permanent resident of Canada, can I sponsor my brother?
A. It depends; the family class category allows you to sponsor your brother only if he is orphan, single and a minor.

Q. My friend and I applied for permanent residence on the same day. He has already received the forms for the medical examination, but not me. Why?
A. Each application has its particularities. A complete application in the first place can usually be processed faster than an incomplete one. The applications are also processed within a team of various officials and assistants, so it is possible that applications received on a same day at the Embassy do not receive an answer on the same day.