Starting April 30, 2024, fees to apply for Canada PR will increase!

 The immigration department of Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the fees to apply for Canada PR will increase. The fee hike will apply to candidates applying for Canada PR on or after April 30, 2024, at 9:00:00 AM. 

The hike is being introduced according to Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which is calculated “in accordance with the cumulative percentage increase to the Consumer Price Index for Canada, published by Statistics Canada.”

Updated Canada PR Fees List

The current fees to apply for Canada PR and the fees updated as of April 30, 2024, are listed below.

Program	Applicants	Current Fees (April 2022 – March 2024)	New Fees (April 2024 – March 2026)
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$515	$575
Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food)	Principal applicant	$850	$950
	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$850	$950
	Accompanying dependent child	$230	$260
Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot)	Principal applicant	$570	$635
	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$570	$635
	Accompanying dependent child	$155	$175
Business (federal and Quebec)	Principal applicant	$1,625	$1,810
	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$850	$950
	Accompanying dependent child	$230	$260
Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives)	Sponsorship fee	$75	$85
	Sponsored principal applicant	$490	$545
	Sponsored child (principal applicant under 22 years old and not a spouse/partner)	$75	$85
	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$570	$635
	Accompanying dependent child	$155	$175
Protected persons	Principal applicant	$570	$635
	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$570	$635
	Accompanying dependent child	$155	$175
Humanitarian and compassionate consideration / Public policy	Principal applicant	$570	$635
	Accompanying spouse or common-law partner	$570	$635
	Accompanying dependent child	$155	$175
Permit holders	Principal applicant	$335	$375

Notes from IRCC

IRCC also stated that in addition to dependent children and protected persons - the following groups of applicants are exempt from paying the department’s Right of Permanent Residence (RPR) fee:

• Sponsored child under 22 years old who does not have a spouse/partner.

• Principal applicants under the humanitarian and compassionate consideration and public policy classes.

Furthermore, IRCC states that “Permit Holders” class Canada PR applicants are not eligible to include family members as part of their Canada Immigration process. Instead, such individuals must submit their own application for permanent residence as the principal applicant. 

The fees to apply for Canada PR increase every 2 years to manage growing program and service delivery costs and to keep up with inflation.

How long does it take to immigrate to Canada from India in 2024?

Do you have thoughts about beginning a fresh life in Canada, coming from India? Prepare yourself, we are going to navigate through the immigration processing times. Before you begin to pack your bags and learn more about hockey, let us examine closely what different immigration programs in Canada may offer you.

Express Entry

We can start by discussing Express Entry, which is a fast route for skilled workers who want to apply for Canada PR from India. The time it takes to process this can change based on several things like the program you chose, where you're from, and the current workload of the immigration office. On average, most applications are processed in around 6 months. Not bad, right?

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Next, we have the Provincial Nominee Program, also known as PNP. This program lets Canadian provinces and territories select people who are interested in living specifically within their region. The time it takes to process PNP applications can be different for each province or territory you apply to. Some places might work through the applications faster, so checking the processing times for your chosen province is wise. The average processing time is 12-16 months.

Family Sponsorship

Got family in the Great White North? Lucky you! Family sponsorship might be the way you get permanent residency in Canada. It lets qualified sponsors invite their family members to come and stay with them in Canada. The time it takes to process applications for family sponsorship may change due to things such as the kind of relationship between the person sponsoring and the one applying, and if the sponsor stays in Canada or lives outside. Usually, this processing might last from 12 months up to 24 months.

Study Permits

Are you preparing to study in Canada? You must get a study permit. The time it takes to process applications for a Canada Study Visa can be different based on your home country and if you must submit biometric information. Usually, processing these applications might take from 2 to 4 weeks. You should apply early to make sure everything is ready before your program begins.

Work Permits

Looking to gain some Canadian work experience? You’ll need a work permit for that. Work permit application times differ and depend on the job type and if your employer must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Usually, it takes about 2 to 4 weeks for most applications to be processed.

Visitor Visas

Getting a visitor visa is necessary if you wish to travel where maple syrup and poutine are famous. The time it takes to process a visitor visa application can change based on the country where you apply and if biometrics are required. Usually, it takes about 1 to 3 weeks to process these applications.

There it is; the time it takes to process immigration programs for Canada can differ, but with some patience and planning, soon you will be using "eh?" when you speak. Please ensure you look at the latest processing times on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) official website before making your application. Or seek guidance from the best immigration consultants in Delhi, if you’re a first-time visitor. 

Happy immigrating!

Canada Immigration in 2024: Having a relative in Canada

 Did you know that if you or your spouse has a relative in Canada - you may be eligible to apply for Canada PR visa under popular immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program?

Federal Skilled Worker Program 

Managed under the Express Entry system, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the primary immigration program for skilled immigration to Canada. This requires you to score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP points grid. Points are based on factors such as Age, Language Proficiency, Work Experience, and Arranged Employment - including having a relative in Canada. 

Not all relatives in Canada can get you additional points for permanent residency. Your relative should be either a Canada PR holder or a Canadian Citizen. 

Eligible Relatives

• Parent

• Child

• Grandparent

• Grandchild

• Sibling (of yourself or your spouse)

• Aunt or Uncle (of yourself or your spouse)

• Niece or Nephew (of yourself or your spouse)

Close friends or cousins are not eligible under this list.  

Relative sponsoring you for immigration

Claiming points for relatives in Canada under FSWP is not the same as Family Sponsorship Canada. Your relatives are not sponsoring you or taking responsibility for you in any way. They cannot alone make you eligible for Canada Immigration. 

Take note that just having a relative in Canada does not make you eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency. To apply under FSWP, you would also need to meet other eligibility criteria and prerequisites. 

Generally, points are awarded based on the following factors:

• Age - Maximum points - 12

• Education - Maximum points -25

• Work Experience - Maximum points - 15

• Language Proficiency - Maximum points - 28

• Arranged Employment - Maximum points - 10

• Adaptability - Maximum points - 10

Having a relative in Canada simply increases your score by 5 points. This can help you push your score close to or above 67 points. 

Increasing CRS score with a relative in Canada

The point factors change once you are placed in the Express Entry pool. Here, you are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The selection factors in the CRS score calculator are somewhat similar to the FSWP point grid. 

To claim points for your relative in Canada, they must be either your brother or sister. If you have a sibling living in Canada as a permanent resident or citizen - you are entitled to an additional 15 points towards your CRS score. 

How to prove that you have a relative in Canada?

To claim points for having a family member in Canada, you must demonstrate that they are currently living in Canada. The demonstration can include: 

• Your relative’s Canadian passport or PR card

• Your birth certificate, your relative’s birth certificate, and, if applicable, the birth certificate of another family member that proves the relation

• A lease or recent utility bill

Family Sponsorship Canada

If your relative in Canada is a spouse, common-law partner or your child (grandchild) - you may be eligible for Family Sponsorship Canada. In this case, if you are eligible, you may be eligible for a direct Canada PR. 

Need more help? Seek guidance from Best Canada immigration consultants in Delhi. 

Good Luck!

7 Tips to Remember When Applying for a Canada Tourist Visa

 Are you dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of Canada? Before you pack your bags, there's one crucial step to take - getting a Canada Tourist Visa. 

Canada welcomes millions of temporary visitors each year. Going through the visa application process may seem a bit overwhelming at times - but fear not! We've got you covered with 7 simple tips from experts to help you successfully apply for a Canada Tourist Visa.

1. Start Early: Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Journey

The first key to a successful Canada Tourist Visa application is to start early. Give yourself plenty of time to gather all the required documents, fill out forms, and handle any unexpected issues that may arise. Rushing through the process can lead to mistakes, so take a deep breath and begin your journey to Canada with a well-thought-out plan.

2. Understand the Visa Types: Choose Wisely

Canada offers different types of tourist visas, and it's crucial to choose the one that fits your travel plans. The most common is the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), but there are also Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA) for certain countries. Make sure that you understand the specific requirements for the visa type you need, as each has its own set of conditions and eligibility criteria.

3. Accurate Documentation: Double-Check Everything

Accurate documentation is the key to a successful visa application. Make a checklist of all the required documents, including your passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and any supporting letters. Ensure that all information is up-to-date and matches the details on your application form. Even a small inconsistency can lead to delays or, worse, a visa rejection.

4. Financial Proof: Show You Can Afford Your Trip

Canada wants to make sure that you can cover your expenses during your stay. Provide clear and comprehensive proof of your financial ability, such as bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer. This helps establish your credibility and assures the visa officers that you won't face financial challenges during your visit.

5. Demonstrate Ties to Your Home Country: Show You'll Return

Visa officers want to be sure that you'll return to your home country after you visit Canada. Provide evidence of your ties, such as a letter from your employer, property ownership documents, or any commitments that require your presence back home. This helps build trust and increases the chances of a positive visa decision.

6. Honesty is the Best Policy: Be Transparent in Your Application

Honesty is crucial throughout the Tourist Visa application process. Provide accurate information in your application, and don't attempt to hide any details, even if you think they may be insignificant. Visa officers appreciate transparency, and attempting to deceive them can result in serious consequences, including visa rejection and potential bans from future applications.

7. Seek Professional Advice: Consider a Consultation

If you find the visa application process confusing or overwhelming, consider seeking professional advice. Consult with immigration and visa consultants or use online resources provided by the official Canadian immigration website. They can guide you through the process, clarify any doubts, and ensure that your application is as strong as possible.

Good to know!

Canadian work regulations apply to individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Visitors with a Canada Tourist Visa must adhere to specific regulations before seeking employment in Canada. The Tourist Visa allows temporary entry into Canada, providing legal status for the duration of the visa's validity. However, holders cannot apply for Canada PR visa, work permit, or study visa. Additionally, applying for a study permit while in Canada on a visitor status is generally not permitted, except in certain circumstances.

While under a Canada Tourist Visa, individuals are permitted to enter and stay in Canada temporarily, allowing them to explore cities, job prospects, and cultural experiences. Tourist Visa holders can also search for work in Canada, although they must be transparent about their intentions, prove their intention to return to their home country and show they won't work without a valid permit. Other permissible activities include joining short-term courses, applying for an extension, performing certain business activities, and, under a temporary policy until February 2025, applying for a work permit if a valid job offer is received while in Canada on a Tourist Visa.

That’s it!

Applying for a Canada Tourist Visa doesn't have to be a daunting task. With careful planning, accurate documentation, and a commitment to transparency, you can increase your chances of a successful Canada Immigration. By following these seven tips, you'll be one step closer to experiencing the beauty and warmth of Canada on your dream vacation. 

Safe travels!