Canadian Immigration FAQ

General Questions

What is an RCIC and why should I hire one?

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is a professional authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) to provide immigration advice and represent clients before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Hiring an RCIC ensures you receive accurate, up-to-date advice and professional representation, significantly increasing your chances of success.

Official source: IRCC — Use a representative

How much do your services cost?

Your initial consultation is CA$99 — a 45-minute one-on-one video call with our licensed RCIC, Yansi He — and it is credited toward your service fee if you proceed. Full-service fees depend on your case and program; we provide a transparent, personalized quote at your consultation, with flexible payment plans for most services.

How long does the immigration process take?

Processing times vary widely by program and change frequently — Express Entry is often several months, while Provincial Nominee Programs and family sponsorship can take a year or more. We give you a realistic, current estimate for your situation at your consultation, and you can also check IRCC's live processing-times tool.

Official source: IRCC — Check processing times

Can you guarantee my application will be approved?

No immigration consultant can legally guarantee approval, as the final decision rests with IRCC. However, we thoroughly assess your eligibility before taking on your case and only proceed if we believe you have a strong chance of success. That careful, honest assessment is what we stand behind.

Permanent Residency

What is Express Entry and am I eligible?

Express Entry manages three skilled-worker programs — Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades — ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). IRCC also runs category-based draws (such as healthcare, trades, education, and French-speaking candidates) that can invite candidates in priority areas. Eligibility depends on age, education, work experience, and language; we assess your eligibility and CRS during a consultation.

Official source: IRCC — Express Entry

How can I improve my CRS score?

There are several ways to improve your CRS score: raise your language test scores (CELPIP, IELTS, or PTE Core for English; TEF/TCF for French), obtain additional education credentials, gain more Canadian work experience, get a provincial nomination (adds 600 points), or have your spouse improve their language scores and education. (Note: since March 2025, a job offer no longer adds CRS points.) We can develop a personalized strategy to maximize your score.

Official source: IRCC — CRS criteria

What is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

PNPs allow Canadian provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on local labor market needs. Each province has different streams and requirements. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply. We can help you identify the best PNP option for your profile.

Official source: IRCC — Provincial Nominee Program

Do I need a job offer to immigrate to Canada?

Not necessarily. Many immigration programs, including Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker and some PNP streams, do not require a job offer. Note that since March 2025, a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points in Express Entry, though it can still matter for some program eligibility and certain pathways. We can advise on the best strategy for your situation.

Official source: IRCC — CRS criteria

Work Permits

What is an LMIA and when is it required?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It demonstrates that there is a need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian worker is available for the job. LMIA is required for most employer-specific work permits, though many exemptions exist (CUSMA, intra-company transfers, etc.).

Official source: IRCC — Who needs an LMIA

How long does it take to get an LMIA?

LMIA processing times vary by stream: Global Talent Stream (10 business days), High-Wage positions (8-12 weeks), Low-Wage positions (8-12 weeks), and Permanent Residence stream (8-12 weeks). We help employers prepare strong applications to avoid delays and refusals.

Official source: ESDC — Hire a temporary foreign worker

Can I change employers while on a work permit?

It depends on your work permit type. Employer-specific work permits tie you to one employer, and you would need a new work permit to change jobs. Open work permits allow you to work for any employer. Some workers may be eligible for bridging open work permits or spouse open work permits. We can advise on your options.

Official source: IRCC — Work permit types

Can my family come with me on a work permit?

If you hold a work permit, your spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit — but since January 2025 this is generally limited to spouses of workers in higher-skilled (TEER 0 or 1) or select critical-sector jobs, with at least 16 months left on your permit. Your dependent children can generally study in Canada. We can advise on your family's specific options.

Official source: IRCC — Changes to family open work permits

Study Permits

What are the requirements for a study permit?

You need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of sufficient funds, no criminal record, good health (a medical exam may be required), and — since 2024 — a Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL). Master's and doctoral students at public DLIs are exempt from the PAL from January 2026. We help you prepare a strong application addressing all requirements.

Official source: IRCC — Provincial attestation letter

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Yes — eligible full-time students at DLIs can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks. Some programs also include co-op or internship components. After graduation, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Official source: IRCC — Work off campus

What is a PGWP and how long is it valid?

A Post-Graduation Work Permit lets eligible graduates of Canadian institutions gain Canadian work experience, with length tied to your program (up to 3 years). Since November 2024, most applicants need language results of CLB 7 (university) or CLB 5 (college), and graduates of non-degree programs must be in an eligible field of study. This experience can help you qualify for permanent residence.

Official source: IRCC — PGWP eligibility

Can I bring my family on a study permit?

Yes, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if you are studying in certain programs (master's, doctoral, or certain professional programs). Your dependent children can accompany you and attend primary or secondary school without a study permit. We can help with family applications.

Official source: IRCC — Spouse/partner work permit (students)

Family Sponsorship

Who can I sponsor as a family member?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children (under 22 and not married), parents, grandparents (through the PGP lottery), and in some cases, other relatives. Specific requirements apply to each category.

Official source: IRCC — Who you can sponsor

How long does spousal sponsorship take?

Inland spousal sponsorship typically takes 12-18 months, while outland sponsorship takes 12-24 months depending on the visa office. Inland applicants can apply for an open work permit while waiting. We help you choose the best option and prepare a complete application to avoid delays.

Official source: IRCC — Check processing times

What is the difference between inland and outland sponsorship?

Inland sponsorship is for spouses already in Canada with valid status, allows for an open work permit application, but requires the applicant to remain in Canada. Outland sponsorship can be processed while the spouse is in or outside Canada, generally has faster processing, and allows travel during processing. We can help you decide which is best for your situation.

Official source: IRCC — Sponsor your spouse, partner or child

What are the income requirements for family sponsorship?

For spouse and dependent child sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement (except in Quebec). For parent and grandparent sponsorship, you must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the past 3 taxation years. We can assess your eligibility and help you gather the required financial documents.

Official source: IRCC — Income requirements (parents & grandparents)

Process & Timeline

What is the process of working with you?

First, book an initial consultation where we assess your eligibility and discuss your options. If you decide to proceed, we sign a retainer agreement and you pay the initial fee. We then gather documents, prepare your application, review it with you, and submit it to IRCC. We monitor your application and communicate with IRCC on your behalf until a decision is made.

How often will you update me on my application?

We provide regular updates at key milestones (submission, AOR, additional document requests, decision). You can also contact us anytime with questions. We typically respond within 1-2 business days. We believe in transparent, proactive communication throughout the process.

What happens if my application is refused?

If your application is refused, we will review the refusal reasons with you and discuss your options, which may include: addressing the concerns and reapplying, requesting reconsideration, filing an appeal (if available), or exploring alternative immigration pathways. We stand by our clients and work to find solutions.

Do I need to come to your office in person?

No, we serve clients worldwide and can handle everything remotely through video calls, email, and secure document sharing. However, if you are local and prefer in-person meetings, we are happy to accommodate. Our virtual process is efficient and convenient for busy professionals.

Trust & Working With Us

Are you a licensed, regulated RCIC, and how do I verify it?

Yes. Yansi He is a licensed RCIC (R708210), regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). You can verify any consultant on the CICC public register. Paying an unlicensed "ghost" agent is risky — only CICC consultants, Canadian law-society lawyers, or Québec notaries may represent you for a fee.

Official source: CICC — Verify a consultant

Do I need an immigration lawyer instead of a consultant?

Both RCICs and immigration lawyers are government-authorized representatives. An RCIC is a CICC-regulated immigration specialist who can fully prepare and represent your applications at IRCC. You would typically need a lawyer only for Federal Court litigation.

Official source: IRCC — Use a representative

What immigration services do you handle?

We handle the full range of Canadian immigration: Express Entry & PNP (including BC PNP and BC PNP Tech), work permits & LMIA, study permits & PGWP, spousal/family sponsorship, parents & grandparents (PGP) and the Super Visa, business/entrepreneur (C11), visitor visas, and citizenship. For your specific path, book a consultation.

How do I book a consultation?

Book your CA$99 consultation on our Book Consultation page — choose a time, pay securely, and you will receive a video-call link by email. Note: selecting a time does not confirm the booking; it is confirmed only after the CA$99 payment.

Can I reschedule, and what is the cancellation policy?

You can reschedule your CA$99 consultation up to 2 times for free with at least 24 hours' notice, and the new time must be within 2 weeks. With less than 24 hours' notice or a no-show, the $99 is forfeited (it is non-refundable). Genuine emergencies are handled case-by-case. The $99 stays credited toward your service fee if you retain us.

Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Your information is kept strictly confidential under the CICC Code of Professional Conduct and Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA), and is used only to advance your application.

What languages do you serve clients in?

We serve clients in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Written materials are available in English and Chinese; consultations can be held in any of the three.

Getting Started

Which language test and score do I need?

Most economic programs require an approved test: CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, or PTE Core (English), or TEF/TCF (French). Results are valid 2 years. Your target score depends on the program (for example, Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker needs at least CLB 7) — we confirm your target in a consultation. This is general information, not legal advice.

Official source: IRCC — Language tests

How much money do I need (proof of funds)?

Express Entry requires settlement funds based on your family size (applicants under the Canadian Experience Class, or with a valid job offer, may be exempt). IRCC updates the amounts every year — check the current table rather than an old figure.

Official source: IRCC — Proof of funds

Do I need to get my foreign degree assessed (ECA)?

If you studied outside Canada, you generally need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), for example from WES, to use that education in Express Entry. An ECA is valid 5 years.

Official source: IRCC — Educational credential assessment

What is the Super Visa for parents and grandparents?

The Super Visa lets parents and grandparents visit Canada for up to 5 years per entry (a multiple-entry visa valid up to 10 years). You will need a qualifying host income and at least 1 year of private medical insurance. It is the practical alternative to the lottery-based PGP.

Official source: IRCC — Super Visa eligibility