Canada Immigration

How to apply for visas

Immigrating to Canada
as a Skilled Worker

Once you have decided that you want to bring your skills to Canada, make sure that you follow the correct steps to apply.

There are a number of steps to follow when you prepare your application as a Skilled Worker. It is important that you carefully read and follow the instructions for each step listed below to ensure that your application is complete and submitted correctly.

Before you start your application, you need the forms that are specific to the Visa Office in your country or region. You will need the forms from your Visa Office for some of the steps below. Look for the checklist in these documents. The checklist will help you make sure that you have completed your application.

Step One: Collecting the necessary documents:
It is very important that you include all necessary documentation with your application. Use the Checklist (Appendix A) of the information from your Visa Office to tell you:

  • what documents you must include with the application;
  • how many copies of each form the visa office needs;
  • which documents must be originals and which should be photocopies; and
  • if you need to provide a certified translation in English or French.

Step Two: Printing the forms:
All of the necessary forms to apply for permanent residence in Canada as a Skilled Worker are available here. Each form will tell you how many copies you will need.

Step Three: How to Fill Out the Forms:
Complete the forms correctly and completely. Incomplete or incorrectly filled out forms will be sent back to you. We cannot process incomplete forms.

Make sure that you understand how to fill out the forms before you begin your application.

Step Four: Obtaining Police Certificates:
Get a police certificate or clearance from every country where you or your dependants, aged 18 years or over, lived for six months or longer since reaching the age of 18. You can find instructions in Appendix B of the information from your Visa Office.

Step Five: Calculating Fees:

  • Calculate the fees you must send with your application.
  • Prepare the payment. Do not mail cash.

Step Six: Verifying the Application:

  • Use the Checklist (Appendix A) from the information from your Visa Office to make sure that you have all of the required documents.
  • The Visa Office may request additional information at any time during the application process.

Step Seven: How and where to submit your application:

  • Use the Checklist (Appendix A) from the information from your Visa Office to make sure your form is complete.
  • Submit your completed application to the address shown in the Checklist.
    Print your name and address on the top left-hand side of the envelope.

Warning: It is an offence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to knowingly make a false or misleading statement in support of an application for permanent residence in Canada. Doing so can result in a two-year ban from entering Canada.

Disclaimer: The publisher and author of this column declares that the content if this column are of general nature. Surfers are advised to use their own discretion to use the information from this column. The publisher and author of this column are not liable for any consequences of using the information from this column.

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