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Frequently Asked Questions

This section provides answers to the questions that applicants most often ask us. We will update this section periodically in response to new trends and questions that may emerge. We have divided the information into three categories:

If you have a question which is not answered here or elsewhere on this website, please contact us.

Click on the question below to see the answer:

General Questions

Visiting or Studying/Working in Canada

Immigrating to Canada

General Questions

1. I am a professional translator. Can I translate my documents myself?

No, you cannot translate your own documents. All translations are to be done by a third party who must be an official translator. All translations must be notarized by a notary. The notary must also be a third person, and not one of the people included in the application.

2. My representative filled out all of my application forms for me and sent them in. I went in for an interview and you asked me questions about some of the things written in my forms, but since the information there wasn't right you said I misrepresented myself and refused my application and said I can't apply again for two years. Why should I be in trouble about this? Someone else filled out the forms, not me.

You are responsible for all of the information in your application. If you choose to have a representative, such as a lawyer, consultant or anyone else, help you with your application, you should remember that you are responsible for everything written in the forms and documents, not your representative. You should read and check carefully every form and document in your application kit before it is submitted to the Embassy. By signing the forms, you confirm that you agree with all of the information provided. Note that a third person cannot sign your forms for you. You must sign the forms yourself.
There are serious penalties for misrepresentation. If an applicant misrepresents or withholds information related to an application, they will be declared inadmissible and will not be allowed to re-apply for a period of two years. If the offence occurs in Canada, the offender can be deported from the country or imprisoned for a term up to 14 years. Records will be kept of any prior incidents of misrepresentation or fraud.

3. I want to go to Canada and I heard that it would be easier to get a visa if I am married. I know someone that I could marry, and then we could just get divorced after I get the visa. Will the High Commission have any problems with this?

Entering into a marriage of convenience with the purpose of gaining admission to Canada is considered fraud, and will result in your application being refused and you will not be allowed to reapply for two years. In addition, an person can be deported from Canada and have their status revoked if it is discovered that they have obtained status or used a visa obtained status through fradulent means.

4. I want to bring my baby with me to Canada. She is on my passport. Will she be included on my visa?

No, she needs a separate visa, which would be attached to your passport with your visa. If she had her own passport, her visa would be attached there.
Please note that persons under the age of sixteen (16) not travelling with a parent, or if travelling alone, must provide the notarized consent of both parents allowing travel to Canada. If the minor is subject to a custody order, evidence of custody and the other parent's consent must also be provided. If only one parent is travelling with a minor child, a letter of consent from the other parent allowing the child to travel is required.

5. I have faxed information to you and you have not replied. Can you confirm that you received my fax?

No, our volumes are too high. If we need a document or more information, we will contact you. Every fax we receive is read and any necessary action is taken. We will not reply to enquiries regarding case status when processing falls within established service standards.

6. Why did your office return my application?

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protections Act, 2002, (IRPA), we must return all incomplete application packages. In order for the application to be considered complete, you must include the correct application form and the appropriate fee (see: Skilled Worker, Provincial Nominee, Business Class or Family Class forms).

You should be sure to include the following:

Duly signed and completed separate application form, Supplementary Information form PDF ^* (39 KB) (also referred to as the Family Composition form) and fee for each applicant 22 years old and above. Answers to each question - leave no blanks on your application form(s);
Information about all family members or dependants whether accompanying or not;
Indication as to who is the principal applicant;
Your signature and the date on which you completed the application form;
Results of your language evaluation or a language ability statement (if applicable to the category in which you are applying);
The correct number of current photographs for you and all dependants with the names and dates of birth indicated on the back of each photograph.

Please visit Immigrating to Canada for more information.

7. How do I find out more about seeking protection or asylum in Canada?

The Canadian High Commission in Islamabad does not provide refugee protection services in Pakistan or Afghanistan and cannot address direct requests for refugee resettlement.

Please note that a person is not eligible to make a claim for protection against a country of residence while he or she is still in that country. This is because Canadian immigration regulations state that a person who makes permanent resident visa application under the Convention Refugees Abroad and Humanitarian-Protected Persons Abroad classes must be residing outside the country against which he or she is making a claim. An application in one of these classes must be made via a recognized referral organization such as UNHCR or as part of a sponsorship undertaking submitted in Canada. Please note that the Source Country Class is not applicable in Pakistan or Afghanistan.

We recommend that you attempt to seek protection from your current government, if this is appropriate. However, if you have already tried this, or it is not applicable in your situation, we recommend that you address your concerns to the offices of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in your area. The UNHCR deals with both refugees outside of their country of nationality and internally-displaced persons within a country. Information about the UNHCR can be found on their website: The UN refugee Agency.

For more information on the Government of Canada's immigration programs, please visit the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Specifically, more information about our refugee system can be found on the following page: Refugees.

Visiting Canada

1. I heard that the High Commission will refuse an application if something is not clear or if anything is missing. Is this true?

Failure to submit a properly completed form or the necessary supporting documents may result in the refusal of your application. Missing or unclear information will result in a longer processing time. Please try to ensure that your application is fully and correctly filled out and that all necessary documents are included. If any question in your application is not applicable to you, write "N/A" in that section. Please read the Instructions for Temporary Resident Visa Applications, which includes a list of documents which should be included with your application.

2. What is a Temporary Resident Visa? For how long is a visa valid?

A temporary resident visa is an official document issued by a visa office abroad that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, student, or worker).

A valid temporary resident visa is not a guarantee of entry into Canada; an officer at the port of entry will decide if you still meet the requirements for admission when you arrive. If there has been a change in circumstances between the date of your application and your arrival in Canada or if subsequent information is given which was not originally available to the visa office, you may be refused entry.

For more information on Temporary Resident Visas, please go to Applying to Visit Canada.

3. Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa?

Persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may require a visa to enter Canada. The requirement for a visa also applies to temporary residents who are in transit through Canada.

If you are travelling on a passport of a country whose citizens need a temporary resident visa to enter Canada, you must apply for a visa at the Visa Office during the office hours indicated.

If you are a citizen and passport holder of a country that does not appear on this list, you do not require a visitor visa to enter Canada, and you may travel to Canada with only a valid passport. All visitors are interviewed at a Canadian port of entry by a Canadian Immigration Officer, who will determine their admissibility to Canada.

4. How long in advance should I apply for a visitor visa?

Applications should be made at least one month before your intended departure date.
Please see Processing Times for more information.

5. Where and how should I submit my application?

The Canadian High Commission in Islamabad provides non-immigrant client services to residents of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
We strongly suggest that applicants submit their applications and passports using the courier services of Gerry's/FedEx or TCS. For a list of locations, please visit the following websites:

It is not possible to submit applications in person as only persons who have an interview letter are admitted inside the High Commission in Islamabad.

6. Do my spouse or common-law partner and dependent children need to apply separately?

Your family members who also wish to visit Canada must apply by filling out their own application form. However, you may send all family member application forms in the same envelope with only one payment receipt for the total amount.

7. Will I or my family members need a medical examination?

In some cases you will require a medical examination. If a medical examination is required, you will be informed by an officer who will send you instructions on how to proceed. A medical examination may add over three months to the processing of your application.

8. Can I work or study while I am in Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa?

Temporary residents are not allowed to work or study in Canada unless they are authorized to do so under the regulations. In many cases, a work or study permit will be required. However, there are categories of workers who do not require work permits. You may obtain further details on persons exempt from obtaining a work permit by visiting the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

A temporary resident may also take a program of study up to six months duration without having to obtain a study permit.

If you intend to study or work in Canada during your visit, you must include full details of the proposed work or study in your application.

9. I live in Canada. How do I invite a friend or relative to visit me?

To invite a relative or friend, you should provide that person with the following documents to be submitted with their application:

A letter of invitation that includes your full name, date of birth, address, contact telephone and fax numbers, the name and relationship of the person(s) you are inviting, the intended duration of the visit, and a statement concerning who will pay for the trip expenses;
A copy of your citizenship or immigration status document (in order to prove that you are legally in Canada;
If you will be paying for the trip from Canada, financial supporting documents to prove that you can afford to support this visit including:
- A copy of the summary page of your most recent Notice of Assessment form from Revenue Canada;
- A letter from your employer stating the length of your employment and salary, if applicable;
- Proof of self-employment letter, if applicable;
- A bank or other savings statement copy certified by your branch manager (optional).

Please note that a host’s assurances of their willingness and ability to support the applicant are always weighed in a given case but ultimately, it is in consideration of all matters related to a given case that a decision is rendered.

Please read the Instructions for Temporary Resident Visa Applications for more information.

10. I live in Canada. How do I invite a Pakistani businessperson to visit?

Business between Canada and Pakistan grows every year, and with it the number of applications for visas made by Pakistani businesspeople. Unfortunately, this increase in applications includes not only bona fide visitors who have legitimate business reasons for making temporary visits, but also applicants who submit fraudulent or misleading documents. As a result, our office may check with you to ensure that the extended invitation is genuine.

The verification process may take time. It is intended, however, to protect the reputation and business interests of Canadian companies.
Before contacting the High Commission about the case of a businessperson that you have invited, please remember that it is the Visa Section of the High Commission, not the Commercial Section, that is charged with the responsibility of issuing visas and that the Visa Section has the final say. Also note that the Visa Section cannot provide information about a visa application without the written consent of the applicant.

If you intend to invite a businessperson to Canada, you should provide that person with the following documents:

A formal letter of invitation that includes your full name and title, business address, contact telephone and fax numbers, the name and title of the person you are inviting, the intended duration of the visit, a brief summary of the reasons for extending the invitation, including the reasons for inviting the specific business people, and a statement concerning who will pay the trip expenses.
Copies of any additional documents that outline the business, which will be conducted during the visit. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Business correspondence, proof of previous business conducted (contracts, shipments, orders, invoices, etc.)
- Contact names, titles, addresses, phone and fax numbers for third parties with whom you have arranged meetings.
- A copy of your citizenship or immigration status document (in order to demonstrate that you are legally in Canada).
- In addition, please provide a copy of your Canadian business registration document, and a copy of the summary of your most recent corporate Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada.

11. My application for a Temporary Resident Visa was refused. What can I do about it?

Written reasons for the refusal are given to unsuccessful visa applicants. Once you are in possession of the written reasons, there are limited avenues for appeal. There is no formal appeal mechanism for visa refusals of visitor applicants.
If your circumstances have changed appreciably and you believe that it would result in a different decision, you may wish to reapply. If, however, there is no change in your situation, then it is unlikely that the new application would result in the issuance of a visa.
For more information on what you can do if your application is refused, please review the CIC publication "Temporary Resident Visa: What to do if an application is refused".

12. What can I do to support the application of my friend, relative or business contact who was refused a Temporary Resident Visa? Can I find out what the reasons were?

Please remember that although you may provide documentation in support of an application of a friend, relative or business contact, the decision of the visa officer is ultimately based on the applicant's circumstances. It is not founded on any personal or financial guarantees that you or others may be prepared to offer on that person's behalf.

As a federal government department, we are bound by the Privacy Act not to discuss any case with anyone except the applicant and certain authorised persons. Before we can release information to you, the applicant must provide us with a specific permission to do so.

13. Do I need a Work Permit to work in Canada?

Every year over 90,000 foreign workers enter Canada to work temporarily to help Canadian employers address skill shortages in Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD) ensure that these workers will support economic growth in Canada and create more opportunities for all Canadian job seekers.

In almost all cases you must have a valid Work Permit to work in Canada.

Visit the CIC website to find out if you need a Work Permit and learn about the requirements for working in Canada.

14. Should I be paying a recruitment fee to work in Canada?

Please be aware that workers destined to Canada under the “Pilot Project for Occupations Requiring Lower Levels of Formal Training (NOC C and D)" are prohibited from paying a recruitment fee, a placement fee or for their transportation costs to Canada. Such payments are solely the responsibility of the employer. Payment of these fees by employees contravenes conditions outlined on the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) rendering it invalid. This may lead to refusal of the application for a Work Permit.

Payment of recruitment fees and placement fees by employees are also illegal according to some provincial laws in Canada, such as the Alberta Fair Trading Act and the British Columbia Employment Standards Act.

If you have paid a fee to a recruiter located in Pakistan or in Canada, it is your responsibility to inform your Canadian employer. You and your employer must ensure the conditions of the Labour Market Opinion and all provincial laws have been respected.

15. How long will my visa be valid for?

The visa validity is determined by a visa officer. Single-entry visas are normally valid for six months, and multiple-entry visas may be valid for longer periods. The validity date is the day by which you must enter, not leave, Canada. The officer at the Port of Entry will determine the length of stay allowed.

We cannot issue visitor visas with a validity that exceeds the passport validity. So if your passport will expire soon, you may want to renew it before you apply for your Canadian visa.

16. I applied for a multiple-entry visa, but was issued only a single-entry visa. Can I get a refund for the difference in processing fees?

Please note that the decision on the validity of the visa is made by the Visa Officer. On occasion, the Visa Officer may issue a single entry visa when a multiple entry visa has been requested. As in the case of refused applications, there are no refunds in this type of case, as the fees charged are for the processing of the application and are not based on the outcome of the application.

Immigrating to Canada

1. Why is the size of immigration photos so specific?

Because the photos submitted with your application are used on your Permanent Resident card, which is a small plastic card the size of a credit or bank card. Large photos do not fit in the limited space. Photos that are too small are not clearly visible. Please check the guide for your immigration category on Citizenship and Immigration Canada for exact dimensions and other requirements for the photo.

2. How detailed should I get when I fill out the list of residential addresses?

You should account for where you lived for more than 6 months since the age of 18. If additional space is required, the list of residential adresses can be included on an attached sheet.

3. Do I need an agent or consultant to get my visa?

You don't need an agent to apply for any visa for entry into Canada
If you want someone to help you, paid or unpaid, you may do so. For a complete discussion see Who May Represent You, at the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) web site.

4. How long will it take for me to get my immigration visa?

Service depends on the volume of applications received at our office; but we do have service standards. The latest Immigrant Visa Service Standards.

5. I am a citizen of Pakistan currently working in the UAE. Can I apply for immigration in Islamabad and have my interview in Abu Dhabi?

As a Pakistani citizen, you can apply to the Islamabad office no matter where you live. If you have been lawfully admitted to the UAE as a foreign worker on a work permit, and you have been living there for at least one year, you can also apply to the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. However, you cannot apply at one office and ask for an interview in another one. You should decide which of the two offices is more convenient for you and has better expertise to assess your education and work experience. Files are not transferred from one office to another.

6. Do I have to bring my spouse and children to my interview?

Children under 18 years of age are not required to attend interviews. You must bring any accompanying adult, that is any dependent who is 18 or over, and your spouse.

7. I am pregnant and was told that I shouldn't have an x-ray at this time. Can I be exempt from my medical x-ray requirement?

X-rays are a mandatory part of the medical examination. Some women, at their own discretion and in consultation with their own physician, choose to undergo the x-ray with the use of a lead apron. We recommend that you discuss your situation with your physician before deciding whether or not to undergo an x-ray while pregnant.

While we do not require you to undergo x-rays during pregnancy, you must do so as soon as possible following the birth of your child. We therefore recommend that the whole family undertakes medical examinations only after the birth of the child. Following the birth, you must send a notarized photocopy of the birth certificate (with translation) together with the appropriate processing fee and two passport-sized photographs. We will issue a medical form for the newborn child.

The whole family should then undergo medical exams together. If one of the baby's parents is already a Canadian Citizen, no fee and no medical examination will be required but you must provide proof of the Canadian parent's citizenship (passport or birth certificate) and a copy of the baby's Canadian passport as soon as it is available.If you are being sponsored by your spouse to immigrate to Canada, it is important that you notify the visa office as early as possible regarding your pregnancy and your expected date of delivery, as there are several additonal steps that are required in order to add your new dependant to your application.

8. My wife had a baby last week and we have just received our Permanent Resident Visas. Can we land in Canada with our new daughter even though she wasn't included on the visa?

No, none of your family can go to Canada until your newborn child is medically examined and is issued an immigrant visa. The newborn child will also need her own passport.

Your visa is valid only if all family members (spouse, common-law partner, dependent son or daughter) have been declared and examined. You must therefore inform us of any change in your marital status or in your family composition (marriage, common-law relationship, separation, divorce, birth of a child, adoption, death, etc.) BEFORE you leave for Canada and not more than fifteen (15) days after the change occurred. We will let you know what further procedures are required.

Presenting a visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence form (IMM5292) which does not correspond to the reality of your situation could result in the refusal of your admission to Canada. Any current family member not examined now can never be sponsored by you in the future.

9. I was married last month. How do I add my spouse to my file?

You must fax or write us about this change in your application and provide us with your spouse's complete application form, photos and correct processing fee. We also need notarized photocopies (with translations) of your spouse's birth certificate, marriage certificate, as well as valid police certificates for each city/district in which he or she has resided for more than 6 months since turning 18 years old. Your spouse will also need a medical exam. Failure to inform us of your new family member(s) may result in your removal from Canada.
Your visa is valid only if all family members (spouse, common-law partner, dependent son or daughter) have been declared and examined. You must therefore inform us of any change in your marital status or in your family composition (marriage, common-law relationship, separation, divorce, birth of a child, adoption, death, etc.) BEFORE you leave for Canada and not more than fifteen (15) days after the change occurred. We will let you know what further procedures are required.

10. Can I come back to Pakistan once I've landed in Canada?

Yes, but you should wait until you receive your Permanent Resident Card otherwise you will need a Canadian Facilitation Travel Document to allow you to re-enter Canada. You should also be aware that there are certain requirements that must be met in order to maintain your status as a Permanent Resident.

Please see our Permanent Residency and Citizenship page for more information about the terms and conditions of your stay outside Canada.

11. I have a large family, but not all of my children will be immigrating to Canada with me. The forms say I have to list all of my children, even if they are not coming with me. Some of my children are adults, and others are still minors. Can you explain exactly which ones I need to include as my dependent children on my application form?

There are two forms where you will have to list your children, and each one is a bit different:
a. On the Supplementary Information Form PDF ^* (39 KB), you should list all of your children regardless of age and status;

b. On the Application for permanent residence PDF ^* (243 KB) you should list all of your dependent children as per the definition below:
Your child or a child of your spouse or common-law partner will be considered a dependent child if that child:

is under the age of 22 and not married or in a common-law relationship; or
married or entered into a common-law relationship before the age 22 and, since becoming a spouse or a common-law partner, has

(i) been continuously enrolled and in attendance as a full-time student in a post secondary institution accredited by the relevant government authority and
(ii) depended substantially on the financial support of a parent; or

is 22 years of age or older and, since before the age of 22, has

is 22 years of age or older, has depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22 and is unable to provide for him/herself due to a medical condition.

Dependent children must meet the above requirements both on the day a complete application for a permanent resident visa is submitted and, without taking into account whether they have attained 22 years of age, on the day a visa is issued to them.

12. I am a Canadian but currently I'm living outside of Canada, and I just got married. Can we start the immigration process while I am away, or do we have to wait until I go back to Canada?

Canadian citizens not residing in Canada may sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner and/or dependent children who have no dependent children of their own. Canadians travelling abroad as tourists are not considered to be residing outside Canada.

Sponsors not residing in Canada must provide evidence that they will reside in Canada at the time their sponsored spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner and/or children become permanent residents of Canada. See the Sponsorship section of the Family Class Sponsor's Guide for details.

13. I'm trying to do the self-assessment to immigrate as a Skilled Worker. How are points calculated for Education?

You can earn selection points for your degrees or diplomas and the number of years you spent in full-time or full-time equivalent study.
To earn points in a category, you must meet all the conditions.

Credential and number of years of education	Points
Secondary school has not been completed (i.e., no diploma obtained) and the applicant has no trade or apprenticeship educational credentials	0
Secondary school educational credential	5
One year post-secondary educational credential, other than a university credential, and at least 12 years of completed full-time or full-time equivalent studies	12
One year post-secondary educational credential, other than a university educational credential, and at least 13 years of completed full-time or full-time equivalent studies	15
One year university educational credential at the bachelor’s level, and at least 13 years of completed full-time or full-time equivalent studies	15
Two year post-secondary educational credential, other than a university educational credential, and at least 14 years of completed full-time or full-time equivalent studies	20
A university educational credential of two years or more at the bachelor’s level, and at least 14 years of completed full-time or full-time equivalent studies	20
Three year post-secondary educational credential, other than a university educational credential, and at least 15 years of completed full-time or full-time equivalent studies	22
Two or more university educational credentials at the bachelor’s level and at least 15 years of completed full-time or full-time equivalent studies	22
University educational credential at the master’s or doctoral level and at least 17 years of completed full-time or full-time equivalent studies	25

Please note that points can only be awarded for studies which are completed on a full-time or full-time equivalent basis (ie: classes were attended), at an institution which is recognized by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan (HEC).

Definitions

Full-time studies — At least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year, including any period of training in the workplace that is part of your studies.
Full-time equivalent studies — The length of time that it would have taken to complete a program of study on a full-time basis, but was actually completed on a part-time or accelerated basis.

If you studied less than the number of years listed with your highest degree or diploma, you must award yourself the points that match your years of study.

Example 1: If you have a master’s degree but have completed only 15 years of full-time study, award yourself 22 points.
Example 2: If you have a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree, and at least 14 years of education, award yourself 20 points.

14. My family and I have received our visas and Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CPR) documents but I’d like to stay in Pakistan a little longer to wrap up some of my affairs. Can the validity of my visas be extended?

Your visa(s) have been given the maximum validity and cannot be extended. If you do not use your visa before it expires, you must reapply for immigration to Canada. You will have to go through all processing steps again. This will include the assessment of your eligibility to receive a visa, the payment of the processing fee(s), background inquiries and new medical examination(s). Applications for permanent residence in Canada are assessed according to the laws and regulations in force at the time of their assessment. The fact that a visa was previously issued to you does not mean that a subsequent application will also be approved.
If, for any reason, you or any of your family members are not able to travel within the validity of the visa, please return the unused visa(s) to this office for further instructions. You must also return the visa if you have decided not to immigrate to Canada.

15. Can I land in Canada before my family members who have also been issued visas?

Dependents may accompany or follow the principal applicant, but cannot arrive in Canada before the principal applicant. If dependents do not join the principal applicant before the expiry date on their visas, they must reapply for immigration to Canada. They may not join their family until they have been accepted again for immigration, either independently or through a sponsorship agreement between those dependents and the sponsor in Canada.

16. My immigration application has been approved and I will be going to Canada soon. What can I do to prepare myself for living and working in Canada?

Now that you are on your way to Canada, you will need to plan for your arrival using accurate and realistic information about the opportunities, challenges and difficulties that you might face.

You will need to know how to find a place to live, schools for your children, and medical services. You will also need an understanding of Canadian customs and culture. The following pages on the Web site of Citizenship and Immigration Canada can help you:

After you arrive
A Newcomer’s Introduction to Canada

To prepare your move to Canada, one of your first steps should be to begin researching potential employment in Canada. Most occupations in Canada are not regulated. For those occupations, the employer is responsible for assessing and recognizing your qualifications.

For more information, we encourage you to visit the Going to Canada Internet site at Going to Canada where you will find important information about living and working in Canada. On this site, you will also find the “Working in Canada Tool” which will tell you what the current prospects are for your occupation across Canada. It offers information on essential skills, job descriptions, work conditions and opportunities. It will also tell you whether your occupation is a regulated profession in Canada.

17. Can the Embassy help me find a job, for instance by telling me what types of occupations are in demand, in what sectors, and by giving me advice about looking for work before I submit an application?

It is not in the mandate of the Canadian High Commission to provide assistance in finding a job; it is up to you to obtain information by your own means. For information on credentials for employment in Canada, and whether your occupation is regulated in Canada, the names and addresses of the bodies to contact, please visit the website of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

18. Is it possible to change the principal applicant in an application already in process for permanent residence in the economic class (Skilled Worker or Business applicant)?

No, it is not possible to change the principal applicant. If your spouse wishes to submit an application as principal applicant, a new application must be submitted, with new processing fees.

19. Is it possible to change category? For example, from Skilled Worker to Business?

No, it is not possible to change category. If you wish to be examined in a different category, you must submit a new application with new processing fees. Please note however that if you are selected in the Skilled Worker category, once you are in Canada you may purchase or create your own business.

20. I want to apply to immigrate as a Skilled Worker. Someone offered to arrange a job offer for me, which would give me more points on my assessment. They said the job offer will cost $6000, and that it is the best way to get my application accepted. Will it help?

Arranged job offers for immigration purposes, if they are not genuine, are considered fraudulent. If you submit such an offer it will result in your application being refused and you will be banned from reapplying for two years. We verify job offers as part of the visa process.

Some private immigration services offer to arrange this type of job offer for prospective immigrants for a substantial fee. Please note that a genuine job offer cannot be sold in this way. If anyone offers to arrange a job for you for a fee, there is a high risk that the offer is not genuine.

If you think you have been victim of a fraud, you may want to warn other web users. To do so, go to: Fraud Watchers

* If you require a plug-in or a third-party software to view this file, please visit the alternative formats section of our help page.

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Date Modified:: 2010-10-14

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