Sedav - Frequently Asked Questions

1.1 What is a Permanent Residence Visa in Canada?

A permanent residence visa is a document allowing the holder to reside, acquire rights and responsibilities just like a Canadian citizen, except for the right to vote.

1.2 Who can apply for a Permanent Residence Visa?

The selection system is based on a series of criteria based on established points by the Government of Canada and the Province of Quebec. The factors that are taken into account are those linked to education, age, work experience, job title, knowledge of the French and English languages, and the presence of relatives and/or friends in Canada.

1.3 Are there special procedures for each Canadian province?

The Government of Canada is responsible for the selection and issuing of the visa for candidates that are applying to all Canadian provinces, except for Quebec. This province has a special agreement with the Government of Canada and has the right to select its own immigrants. However, the Government of Canada reserves the responsibility for the medical exam and proof of no criminal record and the granting of the visa.

1.4 What is easier to obtain, a Permanent Residence Visa through the Federal system or through the Quebec system?

The criteria for selection are different. Depending on the candidate's background, work experience and education we decide the more favorable of the two systems. SEDAV does an evaluation of the candidate and determines which of the two systems applies.

1.5 What is the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)?

It is an official document from the Minister of Relations and the Immigration Office of the Quebec Government which confirms your acceptance as an immigrant to the province of Quebec. Each member of the family which accompanies the candidate will also be given the certificate. After the selection process of Quebec, the Canadian Embassy and Visa Service will be informed of the selection and then the Federal Government will proceed with the medical examination and the background check for any criminal record for the issuing of the visa.
Those people applying for immigration to the province of Quebec must always obtain the Quebec selection certificate in order to obtain the permanent residence visa.

1.6 Is this certificate automatically renewable?

Yes, this certificate of selection is automatically renewed by the Ministry of Immigration of Quebec.

1.7 Once having obtained the visa, either though the Quebec selection or Federal government can I settle in any city or province of Canada?

Yes, the candidates that choose the Quebec system, once they have entered Canada, can choose the province where they want to work and reside. The same applies for those that chose to immigrate by way of the Federal Government.

1.8 Can we apply for two visas at the same time, a temporary one and a permanent residence visa?

Yes, it is possible. A person holding a student or work visa can apply at the same time for the Residence Visa.
However, a person that applies for a permanent residence visa and then asks for a tourist visa, will be judged individually by the embassy and this could result in more difficulties in obtaining the tourist visa and proving good faith and intention in returning to the country of origin, once the temporary visa has expired.

2. Canadian Permanent Residence Visa

2.1 Who is eligible to apply? Which are the categories under which one can apply for a resident visa?

Eligible persons must possess the following background in the following categories:

Worker

Age between 21- 44 years.

Possess a trade's certificate or university diploma.

Speak French or English.

One (1) year minimum work experience for Canada or six (6) months for Quebec.

Business Immigrants

Three (3) years experience in business management as an owner or manager.

Possess a net worth of CAN$ 300,000 (Real estate, investment shares, vehicles, etc.)These must be demonstrated and don't have to be used as investment.

Has the ability to do a prospecting visit to Canada, organized by Sedav, in order to assess the business market, make professional contacts in tax, legal, financial and accounting areas and most importantly establish contacts for future negotiations and the interview with the Quebec Government.

Create or buy a company, within a maximum period of 3 years from the date of issue of the permanent residence visa, based on your professional experience and possessing capital, equal to or greater than 33%, to setup or buy the said Canadian company.

Generate employment for at least one (1) Canadian citizen.

Participate actively in the administration of the company.

Investor

Experience of three (3) years in the management of a business as owner or manager.

Possess a net worth of CAN$ 800,000
(Real estate, shares, vehicles, etc.)
These must be demonstrated and don't have to be used as investment.

Invest the sum of CAN$ 400,000 during a five (5) year period in a financial institution recognized by the Government of Canada, this sum is guaranteed and has the backing of the government.

2.2 Are the members of my family included in my visa application?

Included in the family unit are husband, wife and dependent children*

*Definition of dependent child

Biological child of either parent which was not adopted by a person other than the spouse or common law spouse, of one of the parents, or adopted child by either parent.

Is younger than 22 years old and is not married (single, widowed or divorced) nor is in a common law couple situation;
has been, without interruption, under the financial responsibility, be it partial or total, of his parents, and:
- is at least 22 years old, studies full time, is not married, nor is he in a common law situation; or
- is married or in a common law couple situation before his 22nd birthday and studies full time; or
- is 22 years old and cannot sustain himself by reason of physical or mental handicap.

The son of a dependent child is included in this definition.

2.3 What does it mean to sponsor a family member?

This system allows the Canadian citizen or permanent resident to bring over close relatives to live in Canada as permanent residents, and these in turn can become Canadian citizens.
To this end, they must meet a number of requisites and pay a number of fees to the Canadian government.

The person who wants to sponsor a close relative must sign a guarantee by which he becomes economically responsible for the person for a period between three (3) and ten (10) years, depending on the family kinship.

For this reason the person that applies for sponsorship, must demonstrate that during the last 12 months has had sufficient income and will continue having them during the whole duration of the sponsorship. These sums vary depending on the family kinship, age and number of persons that will be sponsored.

The guarantee of sponsorship cannot be broken, even if the sponsored person has obtained the Canadian citizenship.
Only upon completion of the established time period does the sponsorship guarantee end.

Relatives that may be sponsored are the following:

Your spouse, your common law spouse or conjugal partner older than 16 years of age.
Your dependent child.
A child you want to eventually adopt.
Your father, mother, grandmother or grandfather.
Your sister, brother, nephew, niece, or grandchild if they are orphans, younger than 18 years of age, single and not in a common law situation.

2.4 How long is the immigration process in order to obtain a Permanent Residence Visa?

The process of immigration might take approximately 9 to 12 months to those that apply under the category of independent workers. However, each case is unique.
For business immigrants and investors, the process for obtaining a residence visa might take 12 to 18 months

2.5 Having received the visa, how much time do I have to move to Canada?

The Permanent Residence Visa is valid for a year from the time of your medical examination.

2.6 When can my spouse and my children move to Canada?

They can settle at the same time as you, but is not mandatory. If they arrive later they must do so within the valid dates of the visas.

2.7 Must I stay in Canada once I enter as an immigrant?

If the candidate wants to obtain citizenship he must reside in Canada three (3) years, however, he must remain at least two (2) years within a period of five (5) years (these two years can be interrupted or continuous). That means that he can leave the country as many times as he wishes.

2.8 Does my Canadian Residence Visa allow me to enter or work in the USA?

While your status is Permanent Resident of Canada you must always obtain a visa to enter the United States, either as a tourist or a worker.

2.9 How can I obtain my Canadian citizenship and passport? Is it mandatory to apply for them?

You have no obligation to ask for the Canadian citizenship. But if you decide to obtain citizenship you must do so after the third year of residence in Canada. At present, Canada recognizes multi-citizenship (several passports from different countries).

3. Preliminary Immigration Process

3.1 Can I apply for the Permanent Resident Visa if I don't have the minimum required work experience?

In order to apply through the Canadian Federal Laws, the minimum experience necessary is one year while for Quebec is 6 months. If you apply through Quebec it is not necessary to have the minimum work experience if you are currently studying in the province.

3.2 Which employment is considered part of the work experience?

In order to consider a job as part of you work experience the weekly hourly amount must be at least 20 hours.
Training courses or internships can be added to the work experience as long as they fulfill the previous condition, university professors do not have to comply with this condition.

3.3 What type of documentation must I have in order to apply?

In general, the required documents are the following:
(Depending on the country of origin it might be necessary to have certified photocopies of the original, translated to either French or English)

Birth Certificate.
Photocopy of Passport.
Marriage Certificate.
Divorce Papers.
Criminal records certificate, only for Canada. ok
Work Certificate.
Education certificates.
Bank statements.

3.4 When must I present this documentation?

At the same time when presenting the application for the Permanent Residence Visa.

3.5 How many funds must I possess in order to apply for the Residence Visa?

The Government of Quebec establishes that the candidates that apply for residence visa possess an available sum of money for their living expenses, and this must be demonstrated through financial statements and assets when making the application.

	1 adult	2 adults
No children	Can$ 2 575	Can$ 3 776
1 child (under 18 years old)	Can$ 3 460	Can$ 4 230
2 children (under 18 years old)	Can$ 3 905	Can$ 4 565
3 children (under 18 years old)	Can$ 4 351	Can$ 4 900

The Government of Canada establishes that the candidates that apply for residence visa possess an available sum of money for their living expenses, and this must be demonstrated through financial statements and assets when making the application.

Family Members	Required Funds (Canadian Dolars)
1	$10,168
2	$12,659
3	$15,563
4	$18,895
5	$21,431
6	$24,170
7 or more	$26,910

3.6 Is it important to show that I have relatives or friends in Canada or Quebec?

Of course, this is very important as it earns you more points in the selection process.

3.7 If I have a job offer before obtaining my visa, does it have to be approved by the government?

It is not necessary to obtain a job offer, but in the event that you do, you must receive the approval and authorization of the government.

4. Fees to be paid to the Government of Canada/Quebec

4.1 What are the costs or government fees that I must pay during the immigration process?

Independent Worker:

Québec (non refundable)
Principal Applicant: CAN$ 390
Spouse: CAN$ 150
*Dependent Children CAN$ 150 each
*(Children younger than 22 years of age or older than 22 years of age who are studying)

Canada
Fee for filing application (non refundable)

Principal Applicant CAN$ 550
Spouse CAN$ 550
Children younger than 22 years of age CAN$ 150 each
Children older than 22 years of age CAN$ 550 each

Right to a permanent residence visa in Canada: (refundable in case of rejection or annulment of visa)
Principal Applicant CAN$ 490
Spouse CAN$ 490

Business Immigrant:

Québec (non refundable)
Principal Applicant: CAN$ 950
Spouse: CAN$ 150$
*Dependent Children CAN$ 150 each
*(Children younger than 22 years of age or older than 22 years of age who are studying)

Canada
Fee for filing application (non refundable)

Principal Applicant CAN$ 1050
Spouse CAN$ 550
Children younger than 22 years of age CAN$ 150 each
Children older than 22 years of age CAN$ 550 each

Right to a permanent residence visa in Canada: (refundable in case of rejection or annulment of visa)
Principal Applicant CAN$ 490
Spouse CAN$ 490

Investor:

Québec (non refundable)
Principal Applicant: CAN$ 3850
Spouse: CAN$ 150
*Dependent Children CAN$ 150 each
* (Children younger than 22 years of age or older than 22 years of age who are studying)

Right to a permanent residence visa in Canada: (refundable in case of rejection or annulment of visa)
Principal Applicant CAN$ 490
Spouse CAN$ 490

4.2 At what time must I pay the government fees if my destination is Quebec?

If your destination is Quebec you must add to the check or money transfer, the fees of the government of Quebec along with Sedav's fees at the moment the documents are sent.

The fees for the Government of Canada must be paid days after having gone through the selection interview in order to file your application with the Embassy of Canada with the corresponding Certificate of Selection of Quebec.

4.3 At what time must I pay the government fees if my destination is Canada?

If your destination is Canada, you must add the Canadian Government fees along with the Sedav fees at the moment the documents are sent.

The landing fees must be paid once the medical exams are completed and can be paid at the Canadian Embassy of your country of residence.

4.4 In what currency must I pay these fees?

If your destination is Quebec, you can pay these fees in Canadian or American dollars to the order of the General Delegation of Quebec.
The Government of Canada fees and landing fees can be paid in the local currency directly at the Canadian Embassy of your country of residence.

If your destination is Canada, you must contact Sedav before making the respective payment.
The Government of Canada fees and landing fees can be paid in the local currency directly at the Canadian Embassy of your country of residence.

4.5 What are the landing fees?

The landing fees, as its name indicates, are those fees that the new immigrant must pay the Canadian government for the purpose of obtaining the residence visa and enter Canadian territory.

4.6 Once having landed, must I continue paying this fee?

No, these fees are only paid at the moment the visa is issued so as to enter as an immigrant

4.7 Are there other costs?

There are no other costs for immigration. However, people that want to certify and validate their diplomas and certificates must pay fees to the corresponding organizations.

5. Selection Interview

5.1 Do we always have an interview with an immigration official?

Yes, the interview is part of the immigration process and it is a step that all visa applicants must take.

5.2 What is the interview with the Immigration Official all about?

The interview is divided in the following
- Verification of education and work backgrounds of the applicant.
- Evaluation of Canada/Quebec general knowledge.
- Applicant motivation to immigrate to Canada/Quebec.
- Personal qualities of the applicant and adaptation to Canadian life.

5.3 Where will the interview take place?

The interview will take place at the Canadian Embassy or at the Government of Quebec representation place of your country of residence.

5.4In what language will the interview be given?

If your destination is Quebec, the immigration officer will conduct most of the interview in French and also in the languages you indicated as knowing, eg. English, French and Spanish

If your destination is Canada, the immigration officer will conduct most of the interview in English and also in the languages you indicated as knowing, eg. English, French and Spanish

5.5 What is the next step after the interview?

Once you have had the interview, Sedav will send the applicant's file to the Government of Canada where they will inform you of the medical exams and where to obtain the proof of no criminal records from the countries you have resided in for a period of more than 6 months in the last 10 years.

6. Medical Exam

6.1 Who must take the medical exam?

The principal applicant as well as his dependents must take the medical exam. The exam is performed in the country of origin of the applicant by a doctor registered in the Canadian Embassy of that country.

6.2 Where do I take the medical exam, and by whom?

The Canadian Embassy will send you, along with a request for a medical examination, a list of medical specialists authorized by the Canadian Government. You can choose from this list the specialist of your convenience.

6.3 If I suffer from an illness, will they turn down my application?

Illnesses are evaluated individually, case by case. However, there is a general criteria for non admissibility due to health reasons in accordance to the severity of the illness. The illnesses that are inadmissible are those of a contagious nature that put at risk the health of a resident or Canadian citizen (example: tuberculosis, HIV, etc…) and those illnesses that tax the free Canadian health care system due to their high cost of treatment (example: cancer).

6.4 My wife is pregnant; must she take the medical exam?

She must wait until the birth of the baby before taking the medical examination. Once she has given birth, she too will have to take the medical exam.

6.5 My spouse and/or my children do not live in the same country as I; can they take the medical exam in the country where they live?

Yes, it is possible. The Canadian Embassy of the country where the spouse and children reside will provide you with a list of designated doctors.

6.6 What happens if one of the children or spouse does not accompany the principal applicant; must they still take the medical exam?

Yes, all dependents must undergo a medical exam, even though they might not accompany the permanent resident.

6.7 What happens if I have already taken a medical exam for a work or study visa; must I take another medical for the permanent resident visa?

The medical exam is valid for one year. It is highly probable that the Embassy will ask you to take another medical exam.

7. Criminal Records

7.1 Who must give proof of no criminal record?

The principal applicant, as well as his dependents older than 18 years of age, must provide proof of no criminal record. The background check will be conducted in each country where the person resided for a period of more than 6 months.

7.2 What happens if a person has lived several years ago in a country and is not able to obtain proof of no criminal record?

You have the burden to prove that this documentation is impossible to obtain

8. Arrival to Canada

8.1 How is the job market in Quebec?

The labor market is in full growth. The tertiary sector represents 75% of the economy, the secondary sector 20% and the primary sector 5%. The main available employment is found in the service sectors, be they engineering and technical (aeronautics, chemistry, electronics, electricity, computers, mechanics), fabrication and manufacture, health (nose and throat specialist, dentists, nutritionists, occupational therapists) and agronomy. The unemployment rate is very low.

8.2 As an immigrant how can I go about finding housing?

Once the client lands in Canada, Sedav helps in the search for housing. We might suggest to temporarily staying in an apartment or furnished room, rented by the week or month and centrally located, to facilitate obtaining more suitable accommodation according to your needs.

Before renting, take sufficient time to explore the surrounding areas and city neighborhoods where you might settle. Take into consideration your special needs and availability of funds. A place that is too far from your children's school or your work may cause you undue expense.

When talking about housing in Canada:

1 ½, 2 ½, 3 ½, 4 ½ etc. ( number of bedrooms, where the bathroom is valued as ½)

Equipped or semi-furnished includes household appliances (kitchen and refrigerator)

Heated or not heated, in some cases hea