Frequently Asked Questions

We provide a full range of Canadian immigration services including Express Entry applications, Provincial Nominee Programs, Family Sponsorship, Business Immigration (entrepreneur programs and business work permits), Study and Work Permits, Visitor Visas, and 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 multilingual services in English, Persian (Farsi), French, and Arabic. Our consultant Reza Arash is fluent in multiple 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 for age, education, language proficiency and work experience, plus additional points for factors such as French skills, Canadian education, a sibling in Canada or a provincial nomination. From November 3, 2026, IRCC adds a Labour Market Integration factor that gives points for Canadian work experience or for a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation (not both). IRCC invites the highest-ranked candidates in each round of invitations, many of which now target a specific program or category.

After you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit a complete application, IRCC currently estimates about 6 months for the Canadian Experience Class and about 7 months for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Express Entry provincial nominees. The total timeline also depends on how long you wait in the pool for an invitation, which depends on your CRS score and on which programs and categories IRCC invites. These are IRCC estimates as of October 2026 and change often.

Yes, CRS score optimization is one of our core services. We review your profile to identify realistic ways to improve it, such as retaking a language test, adding a French test, completing an Educational Credential Assessment, gaining Canadian education or work experience, or pursuing a provincial nomination. From November 3, 2026, a qualifying job offer or Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation can also earn points. Even small improvements can change your ranking.

Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who meet their specific labour market and economic needs. A nomination through an Express Entry-aligned (enhanced) stream adds 600 points to your CRS score, which puts you well above the cut-offs of most other rounds; nominations through other (base) streams are processed outside Express Entry. 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.

For 2026, IRCC's category-based selection includes French-language proficiency; healthcare and social services; STEM; trades; education; transport occupations; physicians with Canadian work experience; researchers with Canadian work experience; senior managers with Canadian work experience; and skilled military recruits. IRCC has not held a general all-program round since April 2024; in 2026 it has invited candidates through Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program and category rounds. French-language rounds have had the lowest cut-offs (382–435 in 2026). See our Express Entry draws page for every round and its cut-off.

Canada has reduced its 2026 work permit target by 37%, from 367,750 in 2025 to 230,000 in 2026. This reduction increases competition for work permits and may lead to longer processing times. Applicants should prepare thorough applications and consider alternative pathways such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

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. IRCC currently estimates about 18 months for spousal sponsorship when the spouse lives outside Canada and about 26 months when the spouse lives in Canada (outside Quebec; Quebec cases take longer). Sponsored parents and grandparents take about 28 months outside Quebec. These are IRCC estimates as of October 2026; we provide the most current estimate during your consultation.

For spousal and dependent child sponsorship there is generally no minimum income requirement, but sponsors must not be receiving social assistance (other than for a disability) and must sign an undertaking to financially support the sponsored person. (An income test does apply when a sponsored dependent child has children of their own.) For parents and grandparents (PGP), sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI, LICO + 30%) for three consecutive tax years; for the 2024 tax year it is $47,549 (family of 2), $58,456 (family of 3) and $70,972 (family of 4). IRCC paused new PGP applications on July 15, 2026. For the Super Visa, the host must meet the low income cut-off (LICO) — $38,002 (family of 2), $46,720 (family of 3), $56,724 (family of 4). Since March 31, 2026, the host can qualify with the income of either of the two tax years before applying, and the parent's or grandparent's income can be added only if the host meets at least 75% of the requirement.

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 for entrepreneurs with an innovative business supported by a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator). IRCC has paused the program: it no longer accepts new applications, the last window for holders of a 2025 commitment certificate closed on June 30, 2026, and processing of existing files takes more than 10 years. IRCC has said a new entrepreneur pilot is planned. We can review the provincial entrepreneur streams and work-permit routes that remain open.

Requirements vary by program. Provincial entrepreneur streams set their own minimum net worth and investment amounts, which differ widely by province and stream, and several streams have closed or paused recently. The federal Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs are paused. We help you identify the programs that are open and that match 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.

You have the right to represent yourself, but IRB hearings involve complex procedures, evidence rules and immigration law. A qualified representative can help you prepare your evidence, meet the deadlines and present your case clearly. Our RCIC-IRB consultant is licensed to represent clients before all four IRB divisions.

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.

Regulated immigration consultants cannot appear in the Federal Court. For cases that require Federal Court litigation, such as judicial reviews of unfavourable immigration decisions, we work with experienced immigration litigation lawyers, who represent you in court while we continue to support your file.

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, approved language test results (IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French), an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) where required, employment reference letters, proof of funds and police certificates. During your consultation, we provide a personalized checklist for your case.

Timelines vary significantly by program. Express Entry currently takes about 6–7 months after you submit your application, plus time in the pool. Non-Express Entry Provincial Nominee Programs take about 13 months. Spousal sponsorship takes about 18 months (spouse outside Canada) or about 26 months (spouse in Canada), outside Quebec. Parents and grandparents take about 28 months. Start-Up Visa processing is more than 10 years. These are IRCC estimates as of October 2026. We give you a realistic timeline during your consultation and keep you informed throughout.