Immigrate to Canada. Nick Noorani

is important to ensure that all the information is correct before validating and printing a copy of your application for your records and before you submit it electronically. Be sure to print a copy of your application before you hit the send button as you will be unable to get a copy of it once it is submitted.

      If the application is incomplete, unsigned, illegible, or does not meet the criteria, it will be returned to you. Many people opt to get help from immigration lawyers or consultants in completing their application forms to ensure no errors are made (see Chapter 4).

      If you’re completing your application forms online, take note of a new addition to CIC’s application procedure — the introduction of barcode-generating application forms. This means that after completing the application form, you will have to press the “validate” button on the form and print a page with barcodes on it. The validate button will capture electronically all the information you have typed onto the form and submit it to CIC. Should you need to change any information in the form, you would need to validate the form again to ensure that the accurate information is submitted. You will need to have the latest version of Adobe Reader installed on your computer and your JavaScript settings turned on.

      4.2 Review your application before sending

      Be sure that all the information in your application is true and correct. If you provide inaccurate information in the application, you may be found to have committed misrepresentation and your application will not only be refused, but you will be unable to submit any kind of application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for a period of two years. (Note: New legislation will increase this to five years.)

      People often make the mistake of deleting or not including information that they think is not relevant to the type of application they are making. This can be found to be misrepresentation. It is better to disclose all the circumstances you may be concerned about and let the officer determine the significance of the information. Examples of such irrelevant information may relate to driving infractions (potential criminality), incomplete education, and non-marital relationships.

      Failing to disclose the existence of family members can be even more serious and may result in a permanent prohibition in being able to bring your family members to Canada. Be sure to disclose all family members, spouses, and children — including those born out of wedlock or persons that you have lived with outside of marriage — as they will be considered to be your relatives under Canada’s Immigration laws.

      If you are using the services of an immigration lawyer or consultant, be sure to disclose everything to your representative so that he or she can advise you on how to present any difficult information. Always tell the whole truth. If your representative advises you to conceal information or provide false information, you should stop working with that person immediately. It is an offence for lawyers or consultants to counsel or advise people to put false information in their immigration applications. However, CIC will hold you accountable for the information provided in your application. It is not an acceptable explanation to say that you relied on a paid representative. You are responsible for the information contained in your application so make sure it is accurate. Insist that you see a final draft of your application prior to it being submitted. Your lawyer or consultant should also give you a complete copy of your application for your records.

      The following are some quick reminders about the application process:

      • Sign and date your application. Unsigned applications will be returned. Ensure you have read it first. Never sign any documents that you haven’t read.

      • Validate your forms. Save and print a copy of all the forms. If you make any changes you will need to re-validate the forms.

      • Make sure that all the documentation and information requested are provided with your application and are clear and legible.

      • Notify the visa office handling your application of any changes in your information (e.g., address, telephone number, marital status) and birth of any children. If your marital status changes, or you welcome another child after receiving your visas, you must advise CIC before coming to Canada. Bringing a family member to Canada who has not been included in your application may result in a loss of your permanent resident visa.

      • Do not make any unnecessary inquiries to the visa office. The progress of your application can be checked online on CIC’s website once you receive your file number. Go to the “Check My Application Status” webpage (www.cic.gc.ca/english/my_application/status.asp).

      • Have your documents translated into English or French by a certified translator.

      • Keep a copy of all forms and documents submitted with your application.

      4.3 What happens when the application is approved?

      If the application is approved, you will be asked to send your passport to the Canadian visa office where you applied, in order to receive the permanent resident visa. You will also get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document that you must have with you when you enter Canada, along with a valid passport.

      When you arrive at the point of entry to Canada, you will have to present your COPR document and visa to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. Make sure to pack your documents in your hand luggage and have them easily accessible.

      If you are bringing more than $10,000 with you in whatever form, you must disclose this to the officer. Failure to disclose your funds may result in a fine, confiscation of the funds, or even imprisonment.

      If the CBSA officer decides that all your papers are in order, he or she will authorize you to enter Canada as a permanent resident. You will also receive a useful guide with important information for newcomers. Your Permanent Resident Card will be mailed to you (usually after four to six weeks) at the Canadian address written on the COPR, so make sure that the address is correct. You will be given a copy of your COPR document. Make sure you keep your COPR in a safe place as you will require this to renew your permanent residence status and/or apply for citizenship.