Canada welcomes individuals seeking new
opportunities and challenges. Immigration has given Canada greater strength through the
attraction of diversely talented people.
Canada selects these individuals for their potential to establish successfully and their ability to contribute to Canada's social and economic well-being.
The Guide for Independent Applicants provides information on how to qualify as an independent immigrant (see Important Words to Know) and contains information regarding our selection criteria, including how to assess your chances of qualifying. I recommend that you refer to the guide before submitting your Immigrant Application Form (Application for Permanent Residence in Canada) (IMM 0008).
While the information in this guide and kit pertain to immigration to any place in Canada, some provinces work in cooperation with the Government of Canada to select their own immigrants. If you wish to reside in the province of Quebec or are nominated by a province under the Provincial Nominee Program by Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan or British Columbia, please refer to our Guide for Independent Applicants: For candidates selected by Québec or candidates nominated by provinces under the Provincial Nominee Program, which is available on the following web site: http://www.cic.gc.ca, or from one of our visa offices.
If you have not been selected by the province of Quebec or nominated by one of the provinces mentioned above, then you should use this kit.
Separate application kits are also available for business and family class immigrants. A business immigrant is an individual who enters Canada as an investor, entrepreneur or self-employed person. Family class immigrants are sponsored to come to Canada by a relative such as a parent, fiancé(e) or spouse.
Applicants in all categories must meet strict definitions and requirements. If you think you may qualify in one of these categories and you wish to apply in that category, you must obtain the appropriate kit, available on the following web site: http://www.cic.gc.ca, or from one of our visa offices.
The time needed to process an independent immigrant application may vary among visa offices and from one applicant to another. Applicants may be interviewed.
Factors That May Delay Processing of Your Application
insufficient postage;
incomplete or unsigned application forms;
incorrect or missing fees;
incorrect, incomplete address or failure to notify the visa office of a change of address;
missing documents;
unclear photocopies of documents;
documents not accompanied by a certified English or French translation;
verification of information and documents provided;
a medical condition that may require additional tests or consultations;
a criminal or security problem;
family situations such as impending divorce, or custody or maintenance issues;
completion of legal adoption;
consultation is required with other offices in Canada and abroad;
inquiring about the
status of your application before the standard processing time has elapsed;
or
you are not a permanent resident of the country in which you currently reside.
It is an offence under the Immigration Act knowingly to make a false or misleading statement in support of an application for permanent residence in Canada. |