Frequently Asked Questions

We provide a full range of Canadian immigration services including Express Entry applications, Provincial Nominee Programs, Family Sponsorship, Business Immigration (Start-Up Visa, Entrepreneur programs), Study and Work Permits, Visitor Visas, and legal representation before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Our licensed RCIC-IRB consultant handles everything from initial assessment to final application submission.

Getting started is simple. You can book a consultation through our website, call us at +1 613-699-2305, or fill out our free online assessment form. During your initial consultation, we will review your profile, discuss your immigration goals, and recommend the best pathway for your situation.

RCIC stands for Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. RCICs are licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and are authorized to represent clients in immigration matters. Working with a licensed RCIC ensures you receive professional, ethical advice and that your representative is accountable to regulatory standards. Our consultant, Reza Arash, holds the RCIC-IRB designation (R 533281), which also authorizes representation before the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Yes, we proudly offer fully bilingual services in both English and Persian (Farsi). Our consultant Reza Arash is fluent in both languages, ensuring clear communication and comfort throughout the entire immigration process regardless of your language preference.

Absolutely. We encourage all prospective clients to verify our credentials directly with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Our member number is R 533281. You can verify this on the CICC website. Transparency and accountability are core values of our practice.

Yes, we offer both in-person and virtual consultations. Virtual meetings are available via video call, making our services accessible to clients anywhere in the world. In-person consultations are held at our Kanata office in Ottawa.

The CRS is a points-based system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to rank Express Entry candidates. Points are awarded based on factors including age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and additional criteria such as Canadian education, job offers, or provincial nominations. The highest-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in regular draws.

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), IRCC aims to process Express Entry applications within six months. However, the total timeline depends on how long it takes to receive an ITA, which varies based on your CRS score and the frequency and size of draws. Our team helps optimize your CRS score to improve your chances of receiving an ITA sooner.

Yes, CRS score optimization is one of our core services. We analyze your profile to identify opportunities for improvement, such as obtaining additional language test results, pursuing Canadian education or work experience, securing a provincial nomination, or obtaining a valid job offer. Even small improvements can make a significant difference in your ranking.

Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific labor market and economic needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA. Each province has different streams and eligibility criteria, and we help you identify which programs best match your profile.

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is for skilled professionals with foreign work experience. The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is for qualified tradespeople. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for individuals who already have skilled work experience in Canada. All three are managed through Express Entry, and eligibility depends on your specific background and qualifications.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, and grandparents. In some cases, you may also be able to sponsor other eligible relatives. Each category has specific eligibility requirements for both the sponsor and the sponsored person.

Processing times vary by category. Spousal sponsorship (inland or outland) typically takes 12 to 18 months. Parents and Grandparents sponsorship can take 20 to 24 months or longer. Processing times can change, and we provide the most current estimates during your consultation.

For spousal and dependent child sponsorship, there is no minimum income requirement, but sponsors must demonstrate they are not receiving social assistance (other than disability) and must sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person. For parents and grandparents, sponsors must meet a minimum necessary income threshold based on family size for the applicable tax years.

Yes, you can apply for inland spousal sponsorship if your spouse or common-law partner is already living in Canada with valid status. This allows your spouse to remain in Canada while the application is processed and may include an open work permit. We also handle outland sponsorship for spouses living outside Canada.

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is designed for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who want to establish their companies in Canada. To qualify, you need a letter of support from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator), meet language requirements, and have sufficient settlement funds. Successful applicants receive permanent residency.

Investment requirements vary by program. The federal Start-Up Visa program does not have a fixed personal investment requirement, but you need support from a designated organization. Provincial entrepreneur programs typically require investment amounts ranging from $100,000 to $600,000 depending on the province. We help you identify the program that best matches your financial capacity and business goals.

Yes, most business immigration programs allow you to include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application. They receive the same immigration status as the principal applicant, meaning your whole family can settle in Canada together.

While we do not write business plans, we review and advise on your business plan to ensure it meets program requirements and presents your venture compellingly. We also help connect you with designated organizations, prepare your immigration application, and guide you through each stage of the process from initial pitch to permanent residency.

An IRB hearing is a formal proceeding before the Immigration and Refugee Board where your case is presented to a decision-maker. Depending on the division (RPD, IAD, or ID), hearings may involve presenting evidence, calling witnesses, and making legal arguments. As your authorized IRB representative, we prepare your case thoroughly, guide you through what to expect, and advocate on your behalf during the hearing.

While you have the right to self-represent, IRB hearings involve complex legal procedures, evidentiary requirements, and immigration law. Having a qualified representative significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome. Our RCIC-IRB consultant has extensive experience with IRB proceedings and can navigate the process effectively on your behalf.

An admissibility hearing is held when there are grounds to believe that a person is inadmissible to Canada. Reasons for inadmissibility include criminal convictions, security concerns, health grounds, or misrepresentation. We provide expert representation at admissibility hearings, building strong cases to protect your right to enter or remain in Canada.

For cases that require Federal Court litigation, such as judicial reviews of unfavorable immigration decisions, we work in partnership with experienced immigration litigation lawyers. This collaborative approach ensures our clients have access to the highest level of legal representation while maintaining the personalized service they expect from us.

Our fees vary based on the type of service and the complexity of your case. We provide a detailed fee breakdown during your initial consultation so there are no surprises. We believe in transparent pricing and never charge hidden fees. Visit our pricing page for general fee ranges for each service category.

We understand that immigration is a significant investment. We offer flexible payment arrangements to help make our services accessible. Payment plan options are discussed during your consultation and can be tailored to your situation.

Document requirements vary by program. Common documents include valid passports, language test results (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French), educational credential assessments (ECA), employment references, proof of funds, and police clearance certificates. During your consultation, we provide a comprehensive personalized checklist for your specific case.

Timelines vary significantly by program. Express Entry can take 6 to 12 months from profile creation to landing. Provincial Nominee Programs may take 12 to 18 months. Family Sponsorship ranges from 12 to 24 months. Business immigration programs typically take 12 to 36 months. We provide realistic timelines during your consultation and keep you informed of progress throughout.