The most common pathway to Canadian permanent residency is through the Express Entry system, which processes applications for skilled immigrants under three main categories: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC). Additionally, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) provide further options for skilled immigrants, by enabling Canadian provinces and territories to select candidates who meet specific local labor needs.

Express Entry-eligible applicants enter a candidate pool and are awarded points based on factors such as age, education, work experience (both within and outside of Canada), language proficiency, adaptability, and spouse’s qualifications. The federal government conducts regular draws from the pool to invite top-ranking candidates to complete their permanent residence application within a limited timeframe.

PNPs, which operate alongside the federal system, offer an expanded selection of subcategories and options for skilled immigrants. Provinces and territories nominate individuals based on their skills, experience, and potential contributions to the local economy. Specialized programs are also available for specific regions, including Atlantic Canada and rural and northern communities.

While the Express Entry and PNP systems are designed to be user-friendly, they remain complex and challenging to navigate without experience. Inadequate preparation or inconsistencies in the application process can lead to serious consequences, including immediate disqualification or a five-year ban for misrepresentation. For these reasons, a well-planned immigration strategy is critical before initiating an Express Entry or PNP application.

In today’s competitive job market, Canadian employers often play a key role in supporting their employees’ permanent residency applications. This support can take various forms, such as securing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), sponsoring employees through provincial nominee programs, reclassifying roles, relocating employees, or confirming continued job offers. Given the strict regulations surrounding these processes, it is essential that both employers and employees understand their obligations—including cost responsibilities, repayment considerations, and potential liabilities if job offers are modified or withdrawn.

To navigate these complexities effectively, employers are strongly advised to seek legal guidance when assisting employees with permanent residency applications. This proactive approach ensures clarity regarding commitments and mitigates risks associated with non-compliance.

Canada’s business immigration programs are designed to drive economic growth by attracting immigrants with venture capital, entrepreneurial skills, and business expertise. These programs offer various pathways that cater to business owners, investors, and self-employed individuals, each with distinct advantages based on the applicant’s goals and relocation needs.

The three primary federal business immigration categories are:

• Investors: For individuals seeking to make substantial investments in Canadian businesses.
• Start-Ups: For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas that can generate jobs and contribute to Canada’s economy.
• Self-Employed Persons: For individuals able to establish a business in Canada that leverages their skills or expertise in cultural or athletic fields. However, this program is currently paused until January 2027 to address application backlogs and undergo program improvements.

Federal business immigration applicants must demonstrate financial acumen and provide evidence of sufficient resources to support their ventures. Detailed documentation on business plans or relocation strategies is essential for a successful application.

In addition to federal programs, many provinces offer unique business immigration streams, each with specific eligibility criteria and requirements that present further tailored opportunities for prospective immigrants with specific business goals in Canada.

Our team at BARTLAW LLP is highly experienced and knowledgeable in all economic and business immigration categories and is committed to preparing comprehensive, strategic applications that maximize the potential for success. We provide in-depth guidance to individuals and employers, tailored to each client’s unique business and immigration objectives, ensuring a meticulous approach that aligns with Canadian immigration standards.

Family reunification is a cornerstone of Canadian immigration policy. In this spirit, eligible Canadian Citizens or permanent residents aged 18 and older may sponsor specific family members for permanent residence in Canada. The following categories of family members can be sponsored:

• Spouse, Common-Law, or Conjugal Partner: This category allows individuals in committed relationships to reunite and live together in Canada.
• Dependent Children: Sponsors can bring their biological or adopted children who are under the age of 22 and do not have a spouse or common-law partner. Additionally, children aged 22 and older may qualify as dependents if they have been continuously unable to support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
• Parents and Grandparents: This pathway enables the sponsorship of parents and grandparents, although there are specific quotas and application processes that must be followed.
• Other Relatives in Specific Circumstances: Under certain conditions, sponsors may be able to support other close family members if they have no immediate family in Canada or abroad.

Each category has specific criteria and conditions that must be met, and sponsors must make a legal commitment to financially support the sponsored individual upon their arrival in Canada. All sponsors are required to sign an undertaking with the government, which commits them to providing basic needs, such as food, housing, and clothing, for the sponsored individual from the date of entry to Canada until the end of the commitment period. If the sponsored person applies for social assistance during this period, the sponsor is responsible for repaying the government.

Navigating family sponsorship applications can be complex, with varying eligibility requirements, timelines, and specific documentation needed. Our team is experienced in all areas of family sponsorship and is dedicated to guiding you through each step of the process. We strive to ensure a smooth application journey, helping you to reunite with your family members as efficiently as possible.

There are several pathways to Canadian permanent residence that invoke humanitarian and compassionate principles and are specifically designed to assist individuals who are experiencing severe challenges in their home countries or who may not qualify under traditional immigration programs. These immigration processes, such as Humanitarian and Compassionate Consideration (H&C) applications and Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) holder class can be complex and require careful consideration and expertise to build and present an application that is compelling and clearly demonstrate the exceptional circumstances of the case.

Caregivers play a vital role in the Canadian economy by providing essential support to families and individuals, particularly in childcare and home support. However, it is important to note that all current caregiver programs providing a path to permanent residence are currently closed. The government has announced plans to introduce new programs specifically designed to serve this important cohort in the near future. At BARTLAW LLP, we are committed to staying informed about these developments and will be ready to guide individuals through the eligibility requirements and application processes as soon as the new programs are launched. Our expertise will ensure that caregivers receive the support they need to successfully navigate their pathways to permanent residency in Canada.

Canada’s temporary public policy pathways to permanent residency provide unique opportunities for individuals to transition from temporary to permanent status under specific conditions. Recent policy initiatives may target particular groups, such as international students, essential workers, or nationals from specific countries. These programs are often developed in response to labor market demands, demographic shifts, or global humanitarian needs, creating a more adaptable immigration framework.

Our firm remains continuously updated on new programs and announcements to best serve our clients, ensuring they can take full advantage of these evolving opportunities. These efforts not only address critical labor shortages but also foster community growth by retaining skilled individuals who have already integrated into Canadian society.

A Permanent Resident (PR) Card serves as official proof of an individual’s permanent resident status in Canada and is typically valid for five years. When traveling internationally, permanent residents must carry a valid PR Card, or if abroad without one, obtain a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada by air, bus, train, or boat. Without a valid PR Card or PRTD, re-entry may be denied. Additionally, an expired PR card can restrict access to essential social services, employment, and educational opportunities in Canada.

At BARTLAW LLP, we encourage permanent residents to ensure to maintain the validity of their PR card at all times, helping ensure their Canadian residency status remains protected and that they avoid unexpected disruptions when traveling or accessing key services.

To renew a PR card, the applicant must be physically in Canada and meet the residency obligations, which generally include being present in Canada for at least two of the five years preceding the renewal. In addition, the applicant must remain in compliance with immigration regulations. In certain cases, residency requirements can also be met through extended stays abroad.

For permanent residents currently outside Canada without a valid PR card, a PRTD is required to re-enter Canada and continue their residency status. The PRTD application process requires proof of intent to maintain Canadian residency, including documentation demonstrating significant ties to Canada. A denied PRTD may lead to a loss of permanent residence status; therefore, preparing a thorough and well-supported application is crucial to maximizing the likelihood of success.

BARTLAW LLP is dedicated to helping permanent residents navigate the PR card renewal and PRTD application processes with confidence, so their status in Canada remains secure.

Certain immigration documents, such as work permits and study permits, may impose specific terms and conditions that limit the holder’s activities in Canada. These conditions can include restrictions on the type of work, the location of employment or studies, and permissions regarding work while studying. In some instances, it is possible to request the removal or modification of these restrictions, providing increased flexibility and opportunities.

At BARTLAW LLP, we guide clients through the process of modifying or lifting conditions on their immigration documents. Our team ensures compliance with Canadian immigration regulations, working diligently to help you gain the freedom to fully pursue your professional, academic, or personal goals in Canada.

A Verification of Status (VOS) is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to confirm an individual’s immigration status in Canada. This document may be required when original proof of status, such as a Record of Landing, Permanent Resident Card, or other status documentation, has been lost, stolen, or damaged. It is also often necessary in legal or administrative processes where proof of immigration status is essential. Additionally, individuals immigrating to a third country may need a VOS if they have been outside Canada for an extended period and need to verify their Canadian status.

In many situations, obtaining copies of original immigration documents and applications can also be crucial. Whether for replacing lost or damaged documents, fulfilling legal requirements, or maintaining personal records, these copies may include visa applications, work or study permits, permanent resident applications, and any other paperwork submitted to IRCC. Copies of original Records of Landing or Confirmations of Permanent Residency can also be obtained to help establish or verify one’s immigration status in Canada.

If you need assistance with obtaining a VOS or copies of your original immigration documents, our team at BARTLAW LLP is available to provide expert guidance. We are committed to ensuring you have the necessary documentation to support your status and meet your specific needs in Canada and abroad.

A Canadian passport is an essential travel document for Canadian citizens, enabling international travel and ensuring re-entry into Canada. Whether you are applying for a passport for the first time or renewing an existing one, the process requires submitting proof of Canadian citizenship, valid identification, passport photos, and completing the necessary forms. Our team can assist in navigating each step of the application process, including support for applications submitted from outside Canada and for those requiring urgent processing.